5. Let’s talk about this opening chapter. 12. New York: The Dial Press, 2020. Were you more engaged with one timeline over the other? by Ann Napolitano. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. His therapist says to him: “What happened to you is baked into your bones, Edward…what you’ve been working on, since the first time I met you, is learning to live with that.” Let’s discuss this. Of all the plane passengers, which storyline were you most engaged with? First, why do you think they all felt a need to write letters to Edward? In this interview with Library Journal, the author Ann Napolitano explains why the story grabbed her: I think I couldn’t let go because I was both deeply worried about Ruben and deeply curious about how he could go on after such a terrible tragedy. This book was such a great choice! Who did you relate to the most? Dear Edward Book Club Discussion Questions 1. As Edward struggles to cope with the tragedy, letters from others affected by the crash spark a journey of healing and self-discovery. It is the story of a 12-year-old boy who is the lone survivor of a plane crash that kills 191 others, including his family. Let’s talk about the dynamics of Edward and Shay. 8. How do you find meaning in your life? The following two tabs change content below. Edward’s story captures the attention of the nation, but he struggles to find a place in a world without his family. Let’s talk about their dynamic at the beginning of the novel. This is a really key section so let’s break it down more. He said that he would not do that to the people he loves because he knows what it feels to be left behind. A very powerful book. We also learn of that future together. Why do you think Edward was more comfortable with Shay than being with anyone else? He continues to feel that a part of himself has been left in the sky, forever tied to the plane and all of his fellow passengers. This part was emotionally charged and moving. What do you think about the payout in damages by the airline? Here are some more recommendations along with links to book club questions. To start this year off, I’ve chosen Dear Edwardby Ann Napolitano. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. (From the publisher.) Was it a way for him to recover? Why do you think it was important for the people to tell Edward to become what their loved ones couldn’t do (such as write a novel, move to London, become a standup comedian, etc.)? All Right Reserved. Learn how your comment data is processed. What part in the book affected you strongly? What was your initial impression of all these characters? How did they both find solace with each other? Gary, who is Linda’s boyfriend, drives across the country to meet with Edward. How do you feel about the portrayal of the numerous characters? How do you put a price on a life? One summer morning, 12-year-old Edward Adler, his beloved older brother, his parents and 183 other passengers board a flight in Newark headed for Los Angeles. Dear Edward. Adjective: frenzied, agitated, unrestrained. 4. He wears Jordan’s clothes and becomes a vegan. Required fields are marked *. 9. Ask Again, Yes is a deeply affecting exploration of the lifelong friendship and love that blossoms between Kate Gleeson and Peter Stanhope, born six months apart. Dear Edward was inspired by the true story of Ruben Van Assouw, the sole survivor of a plane crash in 2010. I needed him to be okay, so I had to write my way into believing that was possible. The 5 Must-Do Hacks to Ace Target Black Friday. What motivated him to do that? What they’re really asking for Edward is to continue their loved ones legacy—let’s talk about it. But then he makes an unexpected discovery—one that will lead him to the answers of some of life’s most profound questions: When you’ve lost everything, how do you find the strength to put one foot in front of the other? A Good Neighborhood asks big questions about life in America today—what does it mean to be a good neighbor? Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano was published in 2020. DEAR EDWARD is at once a transcendent coming-of-age story, a multidimensional portrait of an unforgettable cast of characters, and a breathtaking illustration of all … In Oak Knoll, a verdant, tight-knit North Carolina neighborhood, professor of forestry and ecology Valerie Alston-Holt is raising her bright and talented biracial son, Xavier, who’s headed to college in the fall. Dear Edward. 2. You can order the book on Amazon here. Check out this video with Ann Napolitano who discusses the backstory of her novel Dear Edward: Your email address will not be published. What happens behind closed doors in both houses—the loneliness of Francis’s wife, Lena, and the instability of Brian’s wife, Anne, sets the stage for the explosive events to come. Do you think the constant grief and memories of loved ones is a reason why they all were so closed off to each other? Meredith blogs at The Mom of the Year, where she dedicatedly earns her title one epic parenting fail at a time, offering quick, relatable laughs for fellow parents and all their empathizers. But, we the readers, know that all the characters are soon heading to tragedy. Toward the end of the novel, Edward runs into his therapist and he mentions he still thinks about the crash all the time.