Part I: Reality Hits

Part 1: Reality Hits

Summary 
The Boy Who Fell Out of the Sky makes an impact from the start with Ken Dornstein, the narrator, reliving the moment he learned that his brother had died. It was the twenty-first of December in 1988 and it just happened to be while Ken, a twenty year old college student, was home on his winter break. His older brother, David was what Ken considered a better version of himself. "He was older, bigger, wiser, more daring, more passionate, better spoken, and much better looking. He traveled farther away from home than I ever imagined I would. I admired him." David, a writer who hoped his words would make an impact on the world,was on board Pan Am Flight 103 and was among the two hundred and seventy people to die that day. The flight was a transatlantic flight from New York City to London that went down due to a bombing. In the section I've read so far, Ken's strength to finally go through his brother's belongings was showcased. He finally decided to go in David's old room and read some of his writing. Hundreds of filled composition books were opened and Ken gained the knowledge that his brother never considered himself a good enough writer to publish any of his work. Later in the section, Ken decides to meet up with some of David's friends that he met while on his travels. This includes David's ex girlfriend from Isreal, Rina. They form an unexpected friendship and bond through their memories with David.

Flight 103 Route

Ken Dornstein

Location of the crash in Lockerbie, Scotland

Review
I couldn't be happier with my book selection! Though it covers a sad topic, it's a perfect example of how to reflect on the negative times in your life with a positive and open mind. By doing this, every so called "bump in the road" is simply just another chapter in YOUR story. Every passenger on Flight 103 had friends and family that were affected, so I appreciate that Ken is opening up and telling how he was affected through his brother's main passion; writing. I also love the fact that Ken made the decision to connect with Rina as I feel that their meet-up helped them both personally and it was a way celebrate David's life. I'm excited to keep reading this book and learn more about the story of the Dornstein's, as well as more valuable life lessons.

Focus: Questions
Here are a few of the questions that came up while reading:

• How did Ken's father remain so calm during the phone call regarding his son's tragic death?
• Where is Ken and David's mom? Were they raised by a single father? 
• If so, does this have anything to do with they handle situations?
• What was Ken's profession in college? Did he perhaps change it to English to honor and "get closer" to his brother?
• When Ken traveled to Lockerbie to see where the plane crashed, what was he expecting to find?
• Is Rina and Ken's relationship transforming from a friendship to a romance? I hope not!

Sources

Here are links to find out more information about Pan Am Flight 103:

Minute by Minute-Pan Am Flight 103 Video

Pan Am Flight 103 Wikipedia