Edward's Eyes

Jake is a part of an extraordinary family. He has a life filled with art, music, and long summer nights on the Cape. He has hours and days and months of baseball. But, more than anything in this world, Jake knows he has Edward. From the moment he was born, Jake knew Edward was destined for something. Edward could make anyone laugh and everyone think. During one special year, he became the only one in the neighborhood who could throw a perfect knuckleball. It was a pitch you could not hit. That same year, Jake learned there are also some things you cannot hold.
Patricia MacLachlan, one of the most beloved children's book authors writing today, has painted a deeply stirring, delicately lyrical portrait of a child, a son, a family, and a show more brother. Through Edward's eyes, we see what gifts all of these things truly are to those around them, and how those gifts live on and grow. show less

I've never been able to get into Patricia MacLachlan's writing. Her books have always been too quiet for me. And everyone talks in this taciturn, deep way, even the kids. Still, when the book ends, you feel like you've read something solid.

*SPOILER* Jake's younger brother Edward has a special kind of vision that seems to touch everyone. He knows that his mother's new baby will be a girl and what her name should be. He can track a pitch so well, he's never struck out. He manages to teach himself to throw a perfect knuckleball as a birthday present for family friend Albert. And he can "see signs" of what is to come. Edward later dies when he hits a tree while riding his bike. His parents donate his organs and his corneas end up with a show more baseball player. show less

Once again, MacLachlan's writing touches me deeply. I've not found a book of hers that I didn't like, some of which move me to tears.

In this story, a large, loving family welcomes and embraces each new baby. The parents are loving and kind. The sound of music fills the air as the mother sings and dances while cooking. The children respect each other and each one helps to raise the next. When Jake is three and baby Edward is born, he reluctantly holds him. Looking into Edward's eyes, he finds a pure soul and instantly connects.

Edward is especially unique and the bond Jake and he form transcends words and goes right to the heart. Baseball is a game played each summer and many memories are created.

In particular, Edward learns how to bat a show more knuckleball, which is but another sign of his unique abilities.

When the next pregnancy is announced, in his wisdom Edward knows it will be a girl and should be named Sabine. Just as Jake bonded with Edward, Edward and Sabine now share an unconditional love.

Tragicially, the family looses Edward because of a bike accident. Without over dramatazation, MacLachlan deftly writes of a family in grief, and finds many ways in which the celebrate the life that was Edward.

Five Stars for this one. show less

Jake is three years old when his brother, Edward, is born. Holding him after his birth, all Jake can say is, “Edward's eyes”. And his eyes were striking. Everyone noticed. The boys grew the tightest of siblings in a large family on “the cape”, where their unconventional parents run a bookstore. The family's favorite pastime is baseball, especially the boys. Jake teaches Edward everything he knows; and Edward perfects his knuckleball as a surprise for their neighbors, an elderly baseball player and his father.

Of course, with the way this book is tagged, you can guess the story. But, do read it, for it is a beautiful, bittersweet, story of family life and sibling devotion.

Do children like this poetic, concise, ethereal kind of writing? This is a very short book but it can't be read swiftly. I bet it'd be great to read aloud in an upper elementary classroom, a few pages at a time. I also bet lots of people rated it higher than I did, because it is lovely and the message is important. I, personally, felt like something was missing, but I don't know what - maybe if I'd shared this with a child or friend I'd've enjoyed it more and rated it higher.

At the tender age of three, Jake’s baby brother Edward was placed in his arms. He was mesmerized by Edward’s eyes, which represented the overwhelming love he felt for his new brother. As Edward grew older he loved playing baseball with his neighborhood friends, while Jake enjoyed watching him play. One afternoon a sudden and unexpected surprise forever changes Jake’s life, causing him to see Edward’s eyes in a completely new way.

Though tackling difficult subjects, MacLachlan’s simple style of writing helps readers understand the love and pain felt by this young family. I’m not sure why she inserted all sorts of song lyrics into the book. Perhaps it was to show how music was one of the many ways the family had fun and grew show more more united. That’s my guess. Would one of my readers care to give a response here on the blog? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Recommended for ages 9-12.

Book review link: https://shouldireaditornot.wordpress.com/2019/12/17/edwards-eyes-by-patricia-mac... show less

A book that will make you cry and laugh at the same time. Heartwarming and lovable, Edward's personality shines through the pages of this book and makes everyone reading feel as though he is in the room. This is a great story about the power of family, love, and sacrifice. Children and adults alike will be crying together and appreciating the family and things that they have.