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 

Book Review: A Letter To Evan by Roy Page

A Letter to Evan: An Average Dad's Journey of Discovery and Discernment Through Divorce

Author: Roy Page and Sarah Horton

Publisher: Lucid Books

Date: April 13, 2013





About the Author
Roy Page is CEO of Third Degree Advertising. His broad range of professional expertise includes brand development, strategic marketing, market analysis, and improving organizational success through effective communication. This is his first book.

Divorce Changes Everything
Roy Page was living a fairytale life. He had been married for almost 20 years to a woman he loved. He was blessed with two wonderful children, a successful business and financial status he never thought he could achieve.

Within two years, his father developed Alzheimer's Disease, his marriage failed and his business began to change and erode.

During this difficult time, Roy wrote his son a series of letters sharing his feelings, concerns and faith. He wrote about the difficult adjustments that everyone in his family had to make. Most importantly, he emphasized his love for his children and his desire to be the best father he could be.

My Thoughts
Men tend to keep their feelings bottled up. They like to be in control and don't want to admit they have problems dealing with life situations. Mr. Page did an excellent job describing his difficulties and explaining how he dealt with them.

The first priority in his life was to be a good father to his children. He shared how his Christian faith helped him move forward. He dealt with the guilt and sadness of being separated from his children and the fear that he would no longer have a close bond with them.

This book will inspire and motivate families in similar situations. Mr. Page has used these bad circumstances to grow and become a better father. He understands that the children's well-being should come before the parent's agendas.

This is truly a story of discovery and discernment. Recommended to all who are dealing with divorce and the problems that come with it.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received a complimentary paperback copy of this book from B & B Media Group.