Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion

This is the January Monthly Group Read discussion for Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano. This will satisfy the prompt #27 A book about do-overs or fresh starts.

Teri has graciously volunteered to lead this discussion and will be listening to the audiobook version. Thank you so much, Teri!!!

Every person reads at a different pace, so please use spoiler tags if you are sharing any plot-related surprises. This allows others to decide whether this information might reveal surprising information they have not yet read.

It can also be helpful to other readers if you post the location within the book noting your progress (chapter or page number) with the spoiler. That way, if someone else has read that far they can go ahead and open the spoiler, but if not, they'll know to skip it for now and return later...

TO ADD SPOILER TAGS:
Use this for spoilers, just remove the spaces:
< spoiler > write your spoiler here and close with < / spoiler >

Posts here should only be contributions to discussion about this book.

I've decided to switch to the book version instead of audiobook as it will be easier to reference.

I will begin the discussion on January 4, so check back then. Happy reading!

I finished the audiobook this morning. Anxious to hear what others think.

Hello, I am new here in the group. As my New year resolution I have decided to read more books out my comfort zone. My copy is ready for pick up tomorrow, so I am excited to start!

I am going to start this after I finish the book I am reading, it was even on my TBR list!

Just picked up a copy from the used bookstore. I’m excited!!

I've been a long-time lurker in the group, but I just finished Dear Edward tonight, and then realized it was the monthly read!

That was definitely an emotional read.

I’m waiting for my copy to arrive.

Listening to audiobook. About 20% in so far and am pretty engorssed which is good. I had a hard time last year with audiobooks and being able to keep my attention.

I started via audiobook on my commute which confused me with some of the names, but now I've figured out who is who and am going back and forth between ebook and audiobook... 31% finished

I'm glad so many of you have started and/or finished the book. I haven't yet started it, but here's a couple of introductory questions to get us going.

Question Set #1:

1. Have you read Within Arm's Reach or A Good Hard Look by the author of this month's read?

2. Are you reading the book for the Do-Overs and Fresh Starts prompt or for a different one?

3. What format will you be reading?

4. Do you have any preliminary expectations for this book?

I will post questions as they occur to me in reading the book, and I hope that you will all feel free to post your own questions or make whatever comments you wish. Happy New Year!!

Answers to Question Set #1

1. Have you read Within Arm's Reach or A Good Hard Look by the author of this month's read?
I have not read either of her previous books, so am looking forward to discovering another author.

2. Are you reading the book for the "Do-Overs and Fresh Starts" prompt or for a different one?
I am reading it for the fresh starts prompt.

3. What format will you be reading?
I was originally going to listen to an audiobook, but switched to a print book when I decided to lead the discussion.

4. Do you have any preliminary expectations for this book?
I know next to nothing about this book. I don't like to read summaries of books unless I am worried I won't like them. This one seems to be one that most people enjoy.

Question Set #1:

1. Have you read Within Arm's Reach or A Good Hard Look by the author of this month's read? I haven't read anything else by this author.

2. Are you reading the book for the Do-Overs and Fresh Starts prompt or for a different one? Yes, I am!

3. What format will you be reading? Print- got this as a BOTM subscription pick a few months back and still hadn't read it, so it's sitting right here just waiting for me to pick her up.

4. Do you have any preliminary expectations for this book? I was worried about how I would feel flying again after reading it, to be honest, it might be the reason I haven't picked it up before now. I know there's a plane crash and a sole survivor situation and that's it!

1. I haven't read anything else by this author
2. Not sure what prompt I will use this for
3. Audiobook
4. I am about 20% in and I am a social worker so I am kind of interested to see how the writer deals with trauma, chronic pain, etc. I don't know if that is really an expectation just something I am taking notice of when I read.

Teri wrote: "I'm glad so many of you have started and/or finished the book. I haven't yet started it, but here's a couple of introductory questions to get us going.

Question Set #1:

1. Have you read [book:Wi..."

Answers to the Question Set #1:

1. Have you read Within Arm's Reach or A Good Hard Look by the author of this month's read?
Nope.

2. Are you reading the book for the Do-Overs and Fresh Starts prompt or for a different one?
I'm reading it for Do-overs and/or Fresh starts Prompt.

3. What format will you be reading?
I am reading it on my Kindle.

4. Do you have any preliminary expectations for this book?
Besides reading the blurb in Goodreads, I have no idea what will happen. But I'm excited to find out!

Question set #1:

1. No, I haven't
2. Yes
3. I am reading a good old fashioned book from the library :)
4. I have a massive fear of flying, so I am quite afraid to read it. I have no idea what to expect

Answers to Question Set #1:

1. Have you read Within Arm's Reach or A Good Hard Look by the author of this month's read? I have yet to read anything by this author.

2. Are you reading the book for the Do-Overs and Fresh Starts prompt or for a different one? I'm going to wait and see what happens after I finish reading it but will leave it as an option.

3. What format will you be reading? Digital format for Google Play Books.

4. Do you have any preliminary expectations for this book? None as I have never heard about this book till now.

Question Set #1:

1. Have you read Within Arm's Reach or A Good Hard Look by the author of this month's read?
Neither

2. Are you reading the book for the Do-Overs and Fresh Starts prompt or for a different one?
I'm reading it for the Fresh Start prompt

3. What format will you be reading?
Print

4. Do you have any preliminary expectations for this book?
I don't, I'm about 20% in at the moment..... it's a totally different genre to my norm so I'm hoping it will persuade me to branch out a bit this year

1. Have you read Within Arm's Reach or A Good Hard Look by the author of this month's read?

No. Previous to this book I was unfamiliar with the author. After reading this book, Imight need to check out her other books.

2. Are you reading the book for the Do-Overs and Fresh Starts prompt or for a different one?

Yes, I am reading this book for the Do-overs and Fresh Starts prompts.

3. What format will you be reading?
I am reading this on my Kindle.

4. Do you have any preliminary expectations for this book?

It is not exactly an expectation, but before I started reading it I was worried I would not like it, because it is so highly recommended. Sometimes those books do not live up to the hype for me. I am ¾ through this book and have enjoyed it.

I read this book in May, so I'll only be able to participate in part of the conversation.

1. Nope, I wasn't familiar with the author before picking this one up at a Half Price Books last year.

2. I already finished it last year, and it looks like I didn't use it for the challenge.

3. I read it in print.

4. My expectations were high for this book, just based on the premise. It sounded like a great idea. I'll admit I was a tad disappointed in it overall though. A few tiny things here and there irked me I think I expected a lot more emotional pull. It ended up being a three-star read for me.

1. I haven't read this author before. thats part of the reason I wanted to do the monthly read alongs, I need to break out of my typical type of books and authors.

2. Yes, I'll read the 12 books (or at least plan to) for their alloted prompts

3. I started with audiobook but because of driving and not seeing the names, I got confused who everyone was. I've found it much better via ebook (46% now)

4. I didn't have any expectations. I assumed it would be good, since it was chosen by the group.

1. nope
2. yes, the do-overs & fresh starts prompt
3. ebook for now
4. I only read a one sentence synopsis, I love going into books blindly sometimes.

I'm not loving the present tense usage so far, but I'm still early on in the book and therefore hoping to get used to it. other than that I'm really enjoying it.

1. nope
2. yep
3. got it from the library
4. I have now finished it -but didn't know anything about it going in :)

1. No
2. Reading it for the do-overs and fresh starts prompt
3. Borrowing this from the library as a physical book
4. I knew it was about a plane crash before I started reading, but not much else

Picked up my copy from the post office this morning. Will begin reading this weekend! I am excited!
Question Set #1:

1. Have you read Within Arm's Reach or A Good Hard Look by the author of this month's read?
I have not read anything else written by this author.

2. Are you reading the book for the Do-Overs and Fresh Starts prompt or for a different one?
Any or all that it will fit. I compile a listing of all prompts each book will fulfill and then whittle it down at year's end.

3. What format will you be reading?
A real hardback book for me!

4. Do you have any preliminary expectations for this book?
None, I like to start a book with little information and let the author take me where they want me to go. :)

I've read the first few chapters, and I'm finding it quite interesting so far. They have spent a lot of time on some of the other passengers, so I'm assuming they will have some sort of importance in the story as it goes along. I guess this means the book must jump around in time. I'm keeping notes on the people that have made an appearance as my memory isn't the best. So far I'm a bit intrigued by the aunt and uncle, and what this is going to do to their lives. Taking on a traumatized 12-year-old would be a difficult task.

1. I have not read any books by this author, but my goal for this year is to step out and read books that I wouldn't normally pick by authors I haven't read before.
2. I am reading it for the prompt Do-overs.
3. I am reading this in digital form. I prefer a physical book, but due to my lifestyle and lack of storage area, digitals are my go to for this year!
4. No preliminary expectations....I had not heard of this book, nor this author prior to this.

I've read thru page 100 as of this morning and while the writing style and the story itself is interesting, I find the focus on what seem to be minor characters takes away from the overall importance of the main characters. Hoping that further along in the book they will have more importance and the time spent on them will make sense.

I started reading on Monday. This is my second year doing the Reading Challenge but first time participating in the Monthly Book Discussion

1. No, I have not read anything else by the author
2. Reading it for the do-overs and fresh starts prompt
3. Borrowing a hardback version from the library
4. I’m expecting this book to be a bit heavy and emotional since I know it deals with a boy surviving a plane crash

I am picking Dear Edward up from the library this afternoon! This is also my second year doing the challenge but the first time participating in a Monthly Book Discussion.

1. Have you read Within Arm's Reach or A Good Hard Look by the author of this month's read?
No. This is my first time reading a book by this author so I am excited.

2. Are you reading the book for the Do-Overs and Fresh Starts prompt or for a different one?
I'm using it for a different one! A book everyone seems to have read but you. My family kept recommending it!

3. What format will you be reading?
Print copy from the library.

4. Do you have any preliminary expectations for this book?
I am expecting it to be good since my family raved about it but I am a little nervous from the blurb that it will be more heart wrenching than I would like.

I haven’t read her other books.
I’m reading it for the do over prompt, but could shuffle it around later.
I read it as an ebook, borrowed from the library.
I had no expectations before starting the book. There was a nice moment when I realized why the book was called Dear Edward.

I’m about to start it!!!

Finished this one!

Here's my review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Question Set #1:

1. Have you read Within Arm's Reach or A Good Hard Look by the author of this month's read?

No, I haven't.

2. Are you reading the book for the Do-Overs and Fresh Starts prompt or for a different one?

Yes!

3. What format will you be reading?

Audiobook.

4. Do you have any preliminary expectations for this book?

Went in with zero expectations, and thoroughly enjoyed listening to it!

1. Have you read Within Arm's Reach or A Good Hard Look by the author of this month's read?
No, this is my first book by this author.

2. Are you reading the book for the Do-Overs and Fresh Starts prompt?
Yes.

3. What format will you be reading?
The library had both the audio and ebooks available. I like to switch formats depending on mood and time of day.

4. Do you have any preliminary expectations for this book?
The synopsis is the only thing I know about the book.

1. Have you read Within Arm's Reach or A Good Hard Look by the author of this month's read?
No this is my first time reading this authors work.

2. Are you reading the book for the Do-Overs and Fresh Starts prompt or for a different one?

Using it for Do- Overs or Fresh Start

3. What format will you be reading?
Audio and ebook. I listen while I do chores but I read the e-book when I have time

4. Do you have any preliminary expectations for this book?
I have no expectations. I actually don't even know if this is young adult or adult? For me, it's pretty slow going. I'm about 50% in already.

Betty wrote: "There was a nice moment when I realized why the book was called Dear Edward.

reply | flag *
"

I agree!

Question Set #1:

1. Have you read Within Arm's Reach or A Good Hard Look by the author of this month's read?
No, I haven't but I probably will now.

2. Are you reading the book for the Do-Overs and Fresh Starts prompt or for a different one?
Yes

3. What format will you be reading?
I read the print book.

4. Do you have any preliminary expectations for this book?
I went into the book blind... I like going in not knowing anything about the book so I don't have any expectations.

I got caught up in a different book this weekend and didn't have all that much time to read, but with the upcoming three-day weekend should be able to get this one done by next Monday, January 18, which is MLK Day in the US.

I had hoped to finish the book over the weekend, but life happened and I got little reading done. Here's a few questions that I've thought about:

Question Set #2
1. Of the characters on the flight, whose story have you liked the best? Do you relate to any of them? Were they necessary to the story?

2. Why do you think that Edward felt comfortable sleeping in Shay's room instead of at his aunt and uncle's house? How did that help him?

3. What do you think of the relationship that Edward has with his aunt and uncle at the beginning? How does it change?

Remember to use the spoiler tag when appropriate.

Potential Spoiler Warning AHEAD. Steer clear if you haven't finished the book!



Question Set #2
1. Of the characters on the flight, whose story have you liked the best? Do you relate to any of them? Were they necessary to the story? I loved Florida the best. I love a character with a psychic connection. I love that she felt so secure and helped Linda as she shared with her. I love the idea of living multiple lives and her skirt jingling was like a mental cue to stay in the present.

2. Why do you think that Edward felt comfortable sleeping in Shay's room instead of at his aunt and uncle's house? How did that help him? This is a tough one. I'm not 100% sure why he felt so comfortable immediately by her-- right time, right place? I think he was overwhelmed by his Aunt & Uncle's place, especially given that the room he was supposed to stay in was made up for a baby girl. That would be so uncomfortable. I think he also wanted to be around people who had no idea who he was or what he was about. He just wanted to disappear.

3. What do you think of the relationship that Edward has with his aunt and uncle at the beginning? How does it change? I think Edward's relationship was slightly distanced as with any extended familial relationship. It's awkward as he didn't seem super close with them. As time went on, I think he realized the relationship Lacey had with her sister and started to understand that she lost her family too. I loved the GH tribute. I love GH and started watching when I was in middle school, so it was funny to hear about a present day storyline and something he could share with his Aunt.

Questions 2 POSSIBLE SPOILERS SECOND SET OF DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
#1 I liked Florida a lot as well! Personally can't relate to Wall Street types though they were humourous. I think learning about these characters and knowing they all die is kind of interesting because they all are worried or anticipating something in California- new house, new move, big business meeting, moving in with fiance, medical treatment but they all end of dying. It is kind of eerie almost? Now that I am near the end of the book I understand the need to getting to know the folks on the plane as well.

POTENTIAL SPOILERS

Question Set #2
1. Of the characters on the flight, whose story have you liked the best? Do you relate to any of them? Were they necessary to the story?

I liked Florida the most. She just owned it, who she was, what she believed. I was also really liking Benjamin, but I was left wanting a lot more of his story as I felt it was never fully complete.

2. Why do you think that Edward felt comfortable sleeping in Shay's room instead of at his aunt and uncle's house? How did that help him?

I think he wanted to be near another kid that wasn't watching him around the clock like the adults. I think he felt he had to be "on" for the adults, but he could be himself with Shay.

3. What do you think of the relationship that Edward has with his aunt and uncle at the beginning? How does it change?

I liked the development of his relationship with his aunt and uncle. I understand that Lacey lost her sister and had a right to grieve, however I think she really dropped the ball a few times.

I think overall (other than with Shay of course) my favorite relationship in the book was Edward and Principle Ahrundi. There was something genuine about it.

1. Have you read Within Arm's Reach or A Good Hard Look by the author of this month's read?

I have not read anything else by this author, but I liked the style of writing so I am open to other books in the future.

2. Are you reading the book for the Do-Overs and Fresh Starts prompt or for a different one?

I actually read the book last year as it was a selection for the Barnes & Noble book club. But it was a memorable book.
I have not figured out what I will be reading for the Fresh Start prompt yet.

3. What format will you be reading?

I listened to the audiobook.

4. Do you have any preliminary expectations for this book?

I did not expect to have the backstories of the other people on the plane, which I really enjoyed.

POSSIBLE SPOILERS SECOND SET OF DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

#2 I think Shay is a peer so unlike his aunt and uncle he likely felt less of a need to do things a certain way around her to meet her expectation but she also had an interaction with his brother which built trust immediately (she mentions this when they first meet). I think it comforted him to be around her because she knew his brother for a brief time. I also don't think he felt comfortable sleeping in a room meant for a baby that his aunt and uncle were never able to have. And it possibly may have felt like a betrayal to his parents to sleep in a new room or maybe he felt guilty. Like it would have been a concrete acknowledgement that this was his new home and new caregivers and this was a permanent situation.

#3 I think the relationship is somewhat awkward due to the circumstances. I thought it was really sweet and insightful when Edward said he realized that his aunt lost a sister like he lost his brother. I think it was a huge change and adjustment on top of everyone grieving. Honestly, I think they overall handled it well as a household and it seems like his aunt and uncle are good people with their own flaws and issues too.

Britany wrote: "Potential Spoiler Warning AHEAD. Steer clear if you haven't finished the book!



Question Set #2
1. Of the characters on the flight, whose story have you liked the best? Do you relate to any of th..."

Rachel wrote: "I started reading on Monday. This is my second year doing the Reading Challenge but first time participating in the Monthly Book Discussion

1. No, I have not read anything else by the author
2. Re..."
That's so cool! Welcome to this discussion and hopefully you will join some others in the future! We'll be nominating and voting in the next couple of weeks on the group reads for April-June. Be sure to watch for those nomination polls! They'll be announced in next week's Weekly Check-In on January 24.

I didn't have time to read in this one this past weekend so it is top priority January 16-18 since I have MLK day (Monday, January 16) off work.

Question Set #2
1. Of the characters on the flight, whose story have you liked the best? Do you relate to any of them? Were they necessary to the story? (view spoiler)[ I don't think I have a favorite or one that the story line I liked the best. But I do know having those snippets helped me connect with those people rather than they just becoming a statistic. (hide spoiler)]

2. Why do you think that Edward felt comfortable sleeping in Shay's room instead of at his aunt and uncle's house? How did that help him? (view spoiler)[ I think her age helped him connect with her quickly. I think he was used to being in a room with his brother and couldn't cope with the idea of sleeping alone. (hide spoiler)]

3. What do you think of the relationship that Edward has with his aunt and uncle at the beginning? How does it change? (view spoiler)[ I just felt so bad for him and wanted to scream "TALK TO THEM!" But I'm so glad that as the book progressed so did their relationship. (hide spoiler)]

For second question set, question#2:

I agree with what everyone else has already said - Shay is another kid like him, he doesn't feel like he needs to convince her he's ok, he doesn't feel comfortable in the room that was supposed to be for a baby cousin who never materialized, etc. etc.

I also want to point out - and I've already returned the book to the library, so I can't pull the exact quote - that Edward thinks about how Shay's breathing and shuffling reminds him of his brother.

Not a huge spoiler for farther in the book, but just in case:
(view spoiler)[ When Edward eventually moves into the basement, he has trouble sleeping. Some of what bothers him is he can only hear all the house noises - artificial things like the AC and the house settling. It makes him feel isolated. (hide spoiler)]

I think Edward has either never had his own room, or at least has never had a room far away from his brother. As the younger sibling he has definitely never been the only kid in the household before. If he sleeps in the bedroom at his aunt and uncle's house, that means accepting that that is the new normal. It means that his brother is gone, he is an only child now, and he is alone. Sharing a room with Shay helps soften the edges of the new situation.

I am halfway through the book now and was annoyed that I had to sleep last night instead of reading. I hope I can get a lot more in tonight.

Question Set #2
1. Of the characters on the flight, whose story have you liked the best? Do you relate to any of them? Were they necessary to the story?

So far, I really like Florida's story. She's an awesome character and someone I wish would sit by me in a plane. But I probably relate a little bit to many of them - Linda for her insecurities and hope for the future, Jane for her procrastination and worrying, Crispin for his disabilities and annoyances about it.

2. Why do you think that Edward felt comfortable sleeping in Shay's room instead of at his aunt and uncle's house? How did that help him?

Edward has probably never slept in a room alone his entire life, except at the hospital which wasn't exactly like being alone. Shay was the only person he had met near his age, so it makes sense he wanted to sleep in the same room with her. Plus the room he was supposed to stay in was definitely not set up for him and would never feel like his. Too much pain and sadness in that room.

3. What do you think of the relationship that Edward has with his aunt and uncle at the beginning? How does it change?

Honestly, I think they were doing the best they could, considering the circumstances. Lacey was already a bit broken, but she tried. John was a bit obsessed about the crash, but I can't blame him there.

Another question I was going to ask in the preliminaries but forgot:

Do you often speak to others on a plane? Would you be able to remember much about the people sitting in your same area?

I like speaking to others because it helps pass the time. And getting other people's stories, especially when you find places that intersect your own, is quite fun.

But I'm horrifically non-observant and would be a terrible witness for anything that happened on a plane or about anyone on it that I didn't speak to.