Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano

 

Title: Dear Edward; A Novel

Author: Ann Napolitano

Publisher: Dial Press

Publication Date: January 6, 2020

Length: 353 Pages

Read With Jenna - January, 2020

About the Author
Ann Napolitano was the Associate Editor of One Story literary magazine for seven years and received an MFA from New York University. She has taught fiction writing for Brooklyn College's MFA program, New York University's School of Continuing and Professional Studies, and for Gotham Writers' Workshop.

Tragedy, Resilience, and Hope
This book is about an airplane crash that killed 190 people. There was one young survivor on the plane and his name was Edward Adler. Edward's mother, father, and brother were killed and he was seriously injured.
 The chapters alternate between scenes on the ill-fated airplane and Edward's journey after the wreck.

My Thoughts
In the past, I have not read very many adult fiction books. I tend to choose nonfiction and children's books. In 2024, I have resolved to read at least one adult fiction book each month. I finished reading this book on New Year's Day. I am so happy that I am starting the year with such a wonderful book. I love this book because Edward Adler showed us how to bounce back from an unimaginable tragedy.  He demonstrated courage, resilience, and the power of love. 

Edward developed a friendship with a neighbor girl named Shay. This friendship slowly developed into a lasting love. Edward and Shay discovered hidden bags of letters that were written to Edward by family members of people killed on the airplane. These letters motivated Edward to reach out to others and share his wealth with those in need.

This is my favorite quote in the book. Many years ago I was seriously injured in a head-on car wreck with a drunk driver. This quote speaks to me.

“There was no reason for what happened to you, Eddie. You could have died; you just didn’t. It was dumb luck. Nobody chose you for anything. Which means, truly, that you can do anything.”

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5 

Don't Forget To Fly Handmade Card

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. Harriet Tubman

Hold fast to your dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly. Langston Hughes

All our dreams can come true; if we have the courage to pursue them. Walt Disney

This is how I made this inspirational card;
I started with a blank craft cardstock card that measures 4" by 5.5".

The background patterned paper is "On the Road Travel Log" by K and Co. (Michaels). I used a Tim Holtz layering stencil and Distress Ink to lightly distress the background.

I used the digital stamp "Dream" from Mo's Digital Pencil. I printed the image on white cardstock and colored it with Copic sketch markers. I then fussy cut it and attached it to the background paper.

The red airplane sticker was from the Retro Travel sheet by Stick-A-Bilities (#501387 - Hobby Lobby).

The sentiment stickers are from the Tim Holtz "Small Talk" pack.

I will enter this card in the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday "Anything Goes" Challenge.

Thank you for taking a look at my card. Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Handmade Dreamer Birthday Card

This little guy is dreaming about far away places with strange sounding names.

I made this card with the digital image "Dream." I colored the image with Copic Sketch markers and cut it out. I used a piece of antique map patterned paper from a Tim Holtz paper pad.

I used a Spellbinders die to cut the border in the black background paper.

I embellished the card with a piece of baker's twine and a "Dream" jelly sticker from Me & My Big Ideas.

I am entering this card in Mo's Challenge #217 - "Something New." This is the first time I have colored and used this digital stamp in a crafts project. 

Thank you for taking a look at my card. Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: Santa Flies A Bushplane

A 9-year-old Alaskan boy finds two large packages in the middle of a snowy field.
Did they fall from Santa's sleigh?

"Santa Flies A Bushplane; a Christmas Revelation", by Lance Brodie, is a touching story about a young boy's quest to find Santa Claus....and the real meaning of Christmas.

Where Is Santa?
A young Alaskan boy's sister tells him that Santa Claus does not exist. The boy is determined to prove her wrong.

Lance finds two large Christmas packages in the middle of a snowy field. The packages are right out in the open and have large red ribbons on them. He believes these presents must have fallen from Santa's sleigh and some unfortunate children would be very disappointed on Christmas morning.

The boy decides to open the boxes to see if he could find out where the packages came from. There are no toys in these packages. Instead, he finds baby bottles, infant formula, a disassembled wheelchair, old eyeglasses, some pills and metal leg braces.

Lance knows that these packages must have been going to a hospital or orphanage where they will be urgently needed.  He knows that he has to chase Santa Claus down and get these packages back into his hands, or die in the attempt.

My Thoughts
The boy embarks on an amazing adventure to find Santa and return the packages before it is too late. He displays perseverance, courage and determination in his quest to return these packages to the original owner.

This short Christmas story is a FANTASTIC read for the entire family. It proves that Santa Claus really does exist and he has many helpers. I highly recommend this book for your reading enjoyment.

FYI ~ I ordered this ebook from Amazon.Com ~ I received the book while it was offered as a FREE digital download. Please check the price before ordering.

Share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Golden Oldies For Kids - Surprise on Wheels by Margaret Friskey

I was recently visiting my mother's home and found this "golden oldie" on her bookshelf. This is actually two stories about some very innovative children. "Surprise on Wheels and Wings Over The Woodshed", by Margaret Friskey, was published in 1945.
The words "Irving School, Sept. 1954" are stamped inside the cover of this book. Irving School was an elementary school in Higginsville, Missouri. This book must have been read many, many times because almost every page has been mended with tape.

This is a book for beginning readers. The book is illustrated with both color and black & white drawings.

About The Author
Margaret Friskey joined Childrens Press in 1946, the second employee to be hired in the new juvenile publishing house. She worked as an editor for the company for twenty-five years and directed the publication of over seven hundred books. She is the author of over twenty children's books.

Childhood Before the Days of Television
These two stories tell about three siblings who were very creative. Patsy and Peter were five years old. Billy was just two years old. Patsy and Peter knew how to build things with a hammer and saw. In "Surprise on Wheels", they found a big wooden box and built a boat. The boat would not "GO" so they decided to build a train. They were upset because they did not have any wheels and the train would not "GO".

Little Brother Bill said his big round wooden blocks could be wheels. The children attached the wheels to their train and the train went racing down the hill (with a push from the pet goat).

In "Wings Over The Woodshed", the children build a wooden airplane and their Uncle Joe helped them make it fly! Uncle Joe strings a rope between his barn and a neighbor's tree. He then uses a pulley to make the plane "fly" along the rope. They use the plane to rescue a neighbor's cat who is stuck in the tree.


My Thoughts
The children in this story were very innovative. It is hard to imagine five-year-old children being able to build vehicles like they did in these stories. The children seemed to be very skilled with the tools and there was no mention of safety issues in the book.

In the days before television, children had to entertain themselves. They had to use their imaginations to visit faraway kingdoms and play with whimsical characters. I think every child imagines building their own car, train or airplane. These children were doing what many dreamed of doing.

I think most parents today would hesitate to turn their young children loose in their workshop. I do think these stories illustrate a spirit of adventure that many children of that day displayed. It was wonderful to turn back the years and read a book that was treasured by children over 60 years ago.

Book Giveaway Winner!
Congratulations to Roberta for winning my book giveaway last week. I will be sending the signed copy of "Marketing Shortcuts for the Unemployed" to New Zealand this week.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.