Edward's Eyes by Patricia MacLachlan

Edward's EyesThis haunting, well-crafted novella opens as Jake, 11, raises his little brother, Edward. He reads to him, teaches him how to use the bathroom and, most importantly, teaches him the rules of baseball. Years pass. Edward grows up to be an unusually articulate child with a knack for seeing signs in the world around him.

At eight, he predicts that his mother will have another daughter named Sabine, and she does. Edward dotes on Sabine, and he promises to raise her the way Jake raised him. And to teach her how to throw a knuckleball.

***SPOILERS***

***SPOILERS***

***SPOILERS***

Things take a dramatic turn when Edward dies in a biking accident. Jake becomes outraged when his mother tells him she donated Edward’s eyes, his corneas, after his death. However, when a note comes from the recipient of the eyes, thanking the family and inviting them to a baseball game, Jake starts to come around. The epilogue returns to the present day (as first presented in the prologue) where Edward and his family watch Willie (who now has Edward’s eyes) play in a minor league baseball game.

Although the author relies heavily on cliches, her beautiful use of language and strongly-felt characters make this well worth the hour it takes to read.

Audiobook Note: Milo Ventimiglia (TV and movie actor) does an excellent job conveying the mood and emotion of the book.

DweebMeter: 3/5

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About alteredlibrarian

When I'm not eating books for lunch, I serve as Youth Services Manager at Patrick Henry Library in Fairfax, VA.
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18 Responses to Edward's Eyes by Patricia MacLachlan

  1. Ashley Rose says:

    I’m not really the kind of person who likes baseball, but I thought I would try something new for once. I got into the book right away and just kept on reading. I even cryed at one point. Its a good book that I know anyone would love, even if they hate baseball.

  2. Lexi M. says:

    Well… I was thinking of reading the book but…the problem is…THEY GAVE THE ENDING AWAY!!!! WHATS THE POINT OF READING IT NOW!!???

  3. Lily says:

    I read this book and it was amazing! Even though I hate baseball like Ashley, it was still a great book to read!

  4. edward says:

    hey the main character has my name!

  5. brandonblya says:

    hi my name is caine Barger and i love reading. it was an amazing book, because of the fact that i am so emotional. :,-)this is a great book and i recommend it to people who like reading about a touching story and the most favorable character (Edward(sorry for ruining the book)) dies! I love you Patricia Maclachlan!!! <3

  6. president says:

    Hi, I am Barack Obama, and I support this book!

  7. edward dies says:

    EDWARD DIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  8. hi says:

    thanks for ruining the book!

  9. trevor albers says:

    OMG CAINE I LOOOVED THE BOOK TOO!!! i read about 2 books a week and i am what you would call a HUGE nerd!

  10. fbii says:

    good book

  11. maddy says:

    a very great book. i dont like baseball much but this book made it alot more interesting for me.

  12. girl says:

    i loved the book i thought it was awesome

  13. Elizabeth says:

    @ lexi m.

    thats y they put SPOILERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    my perception of “edwards eyes was that my bff/cuzzin recommended it 2 me and i read it w/in a matter of 3 hrs. or so… it was a fast read but a very touching story!!!!! thxx mrs maclachlan!!

  14. Annalisa Says says:

    i am only 10 and i read it in 2 days!!!(and i am not the type of person that reads a lot)i would totally recomend it to anyone who loves sad yet great books

  15. Joe says:

    @ lexi m.

    thats y they put SPOILERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    my perception of “edwards eyes was that my bff/cuzzin recommended it 2 me and i read it w/in a matter of 3 hrs. or so… it was a fast read but a very touching story!!!!! thxx mrs maclachlan!!

  16. lisa says:

    this is a great book i would read this book again

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