This review is going to take a look at Ann Napolitano’s new book, Dear Edward. Dear Edward was released earlier this month on January 6, 2020, and has been used by many for January book clubs.
This book is about Edward, who is 12 at the beginning of this story, and how he lost his family in a plane crash. His family was moving from New York to L.A. and the plane went down. Edward was the only survivor of the 191 people on the flight.
Knowing the vague plot going into the story I was surprised to immediately be introduced to several of the victims as they boarded the plane. As I began to read, I understood. The story is told alternating between during the flight and after the crash.
Understandably, it is difficult for Edward to continue on without his family. Especially, his older brother Jordan. And as the book goes on he has more thoughts that Jordan should have lived instead of him.
Napolitano explores several forms of grief, and growth through Edward. As I read the book I had a little bit of a difficult time seeing where we were going while following the other characters, but by the end I was able to figure out how each piece of the puzzle helped Edward move through his grief and relearn how to live.
I thought this was an excellent coming-of-age story that was expertly woven together by the author. I recommend you take a moment and pick up a copy, just be prepared for a heavy read that will give you all the feels.
Happy reading 🙂
Confessions of a Bibliophile 