I had to make one last run to Cover to Cover today to set myself up for the first few days of school--new books always help me get my head around where I hope to go with our talk. I picked up some great new picture books that I'll share later in the week. But, I also picked up Patricia MacLachlan's new book, EDWARD'S EYES.
EDWARD'S EYES is an amazing story about a family told by Jake--a child in the family. Edward is Jake's younger brother and Jake adores him. Edward is amazing and so are his eyes--something Jake noticed the first time he saw him.
This is a hard story. One I really wasn't ready for today--but since I didn't know it would be a hard story, it was too late. But, I am so glad I read it. The cover drew me in and I didn't put it down at all once I'd started it. Friendship, family, love, loss. All of life in a short, simple book.
Patricia MacLachlan is one of my very favorites. Ever since BABY, one of my very favorite books of all time. And this book was no disappointment. It was all that I love about MacLachlan. A great family. Great characters. Life told as life happens. And a message that is told through all of it together.
Patricia MacLachlan is somehow able to help us celebrate life in all of her books. And she doesn't do it by pretending that life is not difficult. Somehow she gives us characters to fall in love with and allows us to experience hardships alongside them. Her sincere nature and her sensitivity make her books what they are.
This is definitely a book that will stay with me. In terms of use in school, I will definitely put it in my classroom library. I may read it aloud to my 3rd and 4th graders--I'll have to see. Another family that will stay with me for a long while.
I love that you ran to Cover to Cover...we need one closer to home.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds good and I can see why you were drawn to the cover. Another to add to my to read list. Thanks!
The other day I was driving through town, on my way to meet my sister. I live in a resort community and and as I drove through town I noticed my son on his bike and he noticed me. He turned to wave. I thought to myself, I wish he wouldn't do that. I wanted him to concentrate and focus on what was in front of him. I thought about calling him to remind him to stay focused, but the thought of his cell phone buzzing while he was on his bike bothered me and I opted not to. After lunch with my sister, I ran into Barnes and Noble to use the bathroom. I noticed the book, Edward's Eyes, and the picture on the cover reminded me of my son. I picked it up and thought he could read it for summer reading. So while at the beach today, I began to read. I always read the books he reads, before giving them to him as it helps me to help him understand and helps me to know where he's at with reading. To my surprise, I started to cry as I read the story. Mindful of the things I always know, just like Edward, that forward vision and foresight . . . I got chills, and thanked God for all of our blessings. Those who have read this wonderful story will understand, and those who haven't I highly recommend you do. This is a wonderful story that will remain with me for the rest of my life.
ReplyDeleteJudy Minale
I just finished reading this book, and now I'm using it for my book report due in 2 days. Great book for parents and children of all ages. Definitly 5 stars.
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