The Adler family is moving from New York to Los Angeles, but
their plane crashes en route. After the
initial jolt that this book delivers, it bogs down a bit. Twelve-year-old Eddie is the only survivor of
the crash, and he goes to live with his mother’s sister and her husband in New
Jersey. His aunt gives his name as
Edward for media coverage purposes, and it sticks: Eddie is the pre-crash boy who basically no
longer exists now that his life has been completely torn apart. This novel alternates between two
storylines—the hours of the plane trip itself and the years of Edward’s
recovery, both physically and emotionally.
The people in Edward’s post-crash life are almost all compassionate and
helpful people, including his therapist and school principal, who have his best
interests at heart. This aspect of the
novel seemed almost too saccharine, but it was at times a welcome antidote to
the horror of the crash. I found the
cause of the crash terrifying, and I hope that I will have forgotten about this
book before I have to fly again. The
chapters that take place during the flight introduce us to a handful of passengers,
including Edward’s family, who had way too much living left to do. Edward’s biggest loss by far is the death of
his fifteen-year-old brother, who has left behind a secret girlfriend. Edward struggles toward normalcy and grapples
with how to lead a life that will honor those who died. The subject matter here dictates that the
book be almost unbearably sad, and it is.
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