The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by
David Wroblewski is about Edgar, a boy who is unable to speak. Instead, he uses a form of sign language that he developed - a cross between what he came up with and standard sign language. His family breeds, raises and trains a special breed of dog that was developed by his grandfather. The Sawtelle dogs are well renowned through the country. One day Edgar's Uncle Claude comes for an extended visit, causing tension in the house. Uncle Claude and Gar, Edgar's father, do not see eye to eye on most things. Things unravel to the point where Claude leaves and things seem to get back to normal. Unfortunately, soon after, Gar suffers from an unknown and sudden illness and dies right before Edgar's eyes. Edgar's mother develops pneumonia around the same time, and they depend on Claude to get the kennel back up and running. Edgar is resentful of Claude, and begins to make some connections between his uncle and his father's mysterious death. As Claude grows closer to Edgar's mother, Edgar searches for the truth. One night their friend and veteranarian falls down their barn stairs and dies. Edgar thought it was Claude coming up the stairs in the barn and chased him, not realizing it was the old doctor. Edgar runs away, at the request of his mother, taking three of his own dogs. He survives in the wild for nearly two months before meeting Henry, a lonely and ordinary man who takes pity on Edgar and his "pack". Eventually, Edgar is drawn home, feeling a compelling urge to resolve what he suspects happened to his father, and to restore his own life. Surprising events ensue, ending tragically for Edgar and his family.
This was a great book. It is an adult novel - not written for young adults. I haven't read a book meant for adults in a long time!! This book was well written and heartfelt. It made me want to call my mom and have a long talk. It also made me want to work with and train my own dogs! I was sad when I finished reading. This is one of those books that one thinks about during times when it is impossible to read. I could barely wait to pick it back up and find out what Edgar was up to.
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch is a collection of words of wisdom and advice given by Randy Pausch, a computer science professor who had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. When given the news he had only months to live, Randy began doing everything he could to prepare himself and his family for the inevitable. Part of his preparation was in delivering a speech at his alma mater in the Last Lecture series. He knew it would be his own last lecture and he took it very seriously.
