Wendys Day Off (The Chronicles of Earth Park Book 1)
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They were making a big mess, which always made Mother angry. And it was very loud and Mother hated loud noises. Boy, were those firemen going to get it when she opened the door, I thought.
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They took no notice of me. I turned and looked the other way toward the foyer and saw my stepfather in his raincoat hustling down the hall toward me. Even when he was still living at the apartment, he never seemed to be around.
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The firemen parted to make way for him and he pounded on the door with his fist. Open this goddamn door!
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There was silence as everyone held his breath, listening for some sign of life on the other side of the now-battered door. My stepfather took a step back, and the men continued to hack through it. From the far side of all this noise, flying glass, and splintered wood, appeared our nanny, Catherine, a Caribbean giantess in a bathrobe and slippers.
Her cold-creamed and bespectacled face bore the look of disapproval and incomprehension with which she regarded almost everything that went on at our house—crazy white people acting crazy. Catherine surveyed the chaos until her eyes found me standing there in the hall in my nightgown. Here was something she could do—get the little one back to bed. She raised her eyebrows and began to amble slowly down the hall in my direction. Catherine, who stayed with us longer than Dinah or Fanny or any of the other nannies, was always trying to put our house in order. I loved her and hated her for that.
I loved her because she fed us, bathed us, and rubbed Vicks VapoRub on our chests when we were sick. I hated her because I wanted my mother to do those things for us. Her voice was incredibly loud so it always seemed like she was shouting at you. She was like a mountain with a crown of curlers. Her huge body completely blocked my view of the action. Two more men with dark blue jackets over white uniforms raced by us from the front door, pushing a stretcher on wheels. I tried to watch but Catherine firmly grasped my shoulders and steered me back to my bedroom. Inside, she shooed me up the bunk-bed ladder, patting me lightly on the bottom.
Robbie could have slept through a train wreck. Catherine lumbered over to the door, closing it behind her as she went back out into the hallway. The room was dark except for the faint light from the street below. I looked up at the molding on the ceiling, tracing it with my eyes as I did every night before I went to sleep. I followed it around and around, imagining a toy train on the ceiling racing on a track. I heard the wheels of the stretcher again in the hall. I climbed out of bed, snuck over to the door, and peeked out. Even half-dead, Mother was beautiful.
She had the icy good looks of a Hitchcock heroine—a high forehead, long, thin nose, and striking cheekbones. Her blond hair, most of which was a fall attached to the top of her head and expertly teased to create a tumbling-mane effect, lay tousled on the stretcher pillow.
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She was wearing her blue Pucci peignoir set that brought out the color of her eyes—which were now, of course, closed. My chest felt twisty as I watched the men in white uniforms with blue jackets wheel her down the hallway and out of the apartment. I believed Mother was safe with the calm, quiet stretcher men and their nicely combed hair and cast-down eyes, but I wondered where they were they taking her, and what they would do.
Would they put her in a glass box like Snow White while she slept? I felt anxious as the questions kept coming. How long would she be gone? What would I tell my sister? I climbed back into bed and stared again at the ceiling, trying to slow my racing mind. The low murmuring of my stepfather and the firemen ended with the clicking of the lock of the front door, and a quiet stillness came down.
As I slept, Mother was swept off to Bellevue Hospital in an ambulance. At the hospital they pumped all the Seconal out of her and kept her for psychiatric evaluation for twenty-four hours, which, we were to discover later, was about ten thousand hours too short. The next morning, my sister and I got up and got dressed for school, putting on our dark blue jumpers and pulling on our navy kneesocks.
Even at nine, I was quickly learning how to extemporaneously compose an alibi for Mother.
“Paul Harris Show”
In the kitchen, Catherine had prepared our breakfast of fried bologna, which she liked to remind us was a great delicacy in her country, Trinidad. Catherine, her big horn-rimmed glasses steamy from the stove, pushed more bologna around in the pan and then buttered some toast. Sometimes, mommas get so tired.
Having safely stuffed us into our winter wear, she opened the door to the landing and gave us each a gentle push out the door. The elevator man took us downstairs and we walked through the large cobblestone courtyard to the iron gates that led out onto Seventy-second Street, where the doorman opened the school bus door for us, tipping his hat to the driver. Catherine watched us and gave a little wave from the window like she did every day—a promise that she would be there waiting for us.
No matter what happened, Catherine held down the fort, striving to instill structure and a sense of normalcy in our lives. This was her quest. As soon as we were safely on the bus, she returned to the kitchen to start cooking up a batch of her special syrup. She put a pot on the stove and started juicing lemons and limes and chopping up fresh ginger. Then she added honey and cayenne pepper.
The special syrup that she made was her answer for almost any ailment. It would fatten her up and make her stop acting so crazy. When we came home from school, Mother was still not home. After dinner, she put us in the bathtub, where we splashed and played while she sat on top of the toilet and laughed at us, covering her teeth with her hand. Find the soap and wash up before you get pruney. When we were washed, she wrapped us up like mummies and vigorously rubbed our backs to make us warm. Then we put on our nighties and followed her as she padded back to her room, behind the kitchen.
Robbie and I climbed up on the soft, camel-colored blanket on her twin bed and watched I Dream of Jeannie on the little black-and-white TV that sat on her bureau. Catherine sat in an armchair near the bed, laughing at the blond lady on the show and playing with the gold necklace she wore around her neck with a Jesus pendant that was usually wedged between her big bosoms. This was one of my favorite parts of the day. Even when Mother was home, she was usually out, and the apartment was like a maze of empty, chilly rooms, your footsteps echoing up to the high ceilings.
When TV time was over, we went to bed. He stayed at the Carlyle and she stayed on the Upper West Side, wandering about the apartment like a beautiful animal at the zoo. She paced the long corridors and grand rooms: And yet, the dialogue is so realistic between the friends that their banter, despite their dire circumstances, brought much-needed moments of lightness and balance.
Engrossing romantic tension, action-packed suspense, a kickass heroine and heartfelt emotion, Unknown has everything I want in a book and much more! Unknown was intense, gritty, emotional and a book I can't recommend enough. It's unlike any other dystopian that I've read because we actually got to witness the demise of the world.
And I had no clue the depths my heart would ache watching this tale unfold. But there was hope in those final pages, and it was definitely a heart stopping journey to get there! I absolutely loved Unknown and I can't wait to start the next book! When it rains, it pours. And washes away adolescent drea Unknown was intense, gritty, emotional and a book I can't recommend enough. And washes away adolescent dreams. Unknown started with us witnessing an organization planing to wipe the majority of world's population off the map. But in the next chapter we transitioned and met Amber Tate.
She jumped back to when she was six years old and first met Rylen Fite, who was their neighbor, and became her older brother's best friend. And we watched them grow up together, with jumps of time that were seamlessly done. Their past wasn't always easy, and sadness, love, mortification, tender moments, heartache and joy filled the pages. I found myself with tears in my eyes, butterflies in my belly and I even curled into a ball at one moment.
It was all so emotional. Besides Rylen and Amber, her brother Tate, her parents, grandparents and even her best friend Remy were integral parts to this story. I knew them all so well and I loved every single one of them. I opened my eyes and looked into his solemn eyes. A painful crack split my heart. Why did I have to love him so much? Would it always hurt like this? But one of the many things we discovered watching Amber grow up was how she fell for Rylen.
Amber loved Rylen with her whole heart and soul. And it was heartbreaking that he saw her as not only a best friend, but as his little "sister". And if that wasn't hard enough, a huge wrench got thrown in between them when they were older. I felt betrayed and broken, just like Amber. I kept trying to figure out a way around it. But make no mistake, regardless of what happened, I absolutely loved Amber and Rylen.
Nothing could sway me from being obsessed with the both of them. I got so caught up in their lives that before I knew it the whole world came crashing down around them. I was not prepared for the horror that unfolded. My face fell against his shoulder and I bawled against his neck. He never said a word.
You know the scariest part? It all felt so real. And I could easily see all of this death and destruction happening now. The rest of the book was watching in horror as the apocalypse unraveled. And each page I turned there was something else that happened that would give me goosebumps, or take my breath away, or make me pause because it was too terrifying.
And just when I thought we got a break from it, I was taken to an entirely different level of pain. Especially towards the end. My heart broke for Amber. So be prepared for an action packed, heart breaking journey. Because this was life. We had a way of life to protect. Do you ever read a book and just want everyone you know to pick it up?
Unknown is that book for me. So if you're a fan of dystopian, check this one out. And if you're a fan of Wendy Higgins, Unknown is very gritty compared to her other books. And the romance, well there isn't any romance per se, but there was a lot of hope for it in the future. So join me in my obsession with this series, I desperately need lots of people to talk to about this book!!
In this first installment of NY Times bestselling author, Wendy Higgins's debut New Adult To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. . race of beings were able to infiltrate every level of society on Earth undetected. . has the ability to make me invested so much in a story and its characters from page 1!. Every day. . Wendy Simmons won't stop travelling until she visits every country in the world! more than eighty-five so far—including territories and colonies— and chronicles her adventures on Yeonmi Park My Holiday in North Korea: The Funniest/Worst Place on Earth Showing 1 Result Books: Advanced Search.
As long as we had each other, there was hope. View all 6 comments. Wendy Higgins does not disappoint! Jun 02, Candace Robinson rated it it was amazing. I absolutely loved this book! I loved the fact that it shows the pre-dystopian events, and it isn't set already in a post apocalyptic world. I loved what an emotional ride it was, and how everything didn't go the way I thought it was going to go. The romance is a slow build and would not call it a romance at all, but I actually loved the pace of it and hopefully what it will lead up to. This was a scary place and because it is set in our time and how the world is it is a lot to think about.
Wend I absolutely loved this book! Wendy doesn't disappoint, and I am aching for book 2! Full review on my blog https: Feb 12, Amy Bartol rated it it was amazing. Just imagine, for a moment, what it would be like if an intelligent race of beings were able to infiltrate every level of society on Earth undetected. And then, once embedded, they initiated the methodical extermination of humanity. Growing up in rural Nevada, Amber believed the only thing that could destroy her was her unrequited love for Rylen. Adult science fiction lovers and romance enthusiasts will fall hopelessly in love with the characters, compulsively turning pages until the end.
Apr 11, Lucia marked it as dnf Shelves: View all 4 comments. Feb 01, Valerie rated it liked it Shelves: Let me start with the warnings about this book. It may be tagged with romance but you will only find the amount of romance you would expect in the first few pages of the average romance novel. By that I mean the attraction, the interest, the friendship but none the kissing or moving towards a relationship that you normally see.
As a matter of fact, there is a huge event that makes it clear that's not in the cards. And it was hard to read for this romantic at heart. I understand that changes for Let me start with the warnings about this book. I understand that changes for book 2 but if you prefer you romance to be a big part of the story then you might want to pass on this one. This book is tagged New Adult and it is, in the sense that the majority of it is set after Amber has turned It's flashes and summary of her and Rylen growing up, becoming friends and him leaving for the military. He's gone for many years and they write letters to each other.
All of that time, the book has a YA feel to it. This book is also tagged apocalyptic and it really is. A world that we get to know through those flashbacks is utterly changed in a rapid fire of sadness that I struggled to absorb. The struggle is real for these characters and I guess I became attached because I hurt with them.
No, it's not your normal Wendy Higgins book. I'm being very honest when I say that I struggled with this book. Parts of it drew me in and parts of it had me sad. But it was so hard to read. I just wanted some happy. It's unsettled and I'm unsatisfied. I suspect many people will enjoy this type of book and be anxious to read and wait for more.
But there will be some like me that expect something different from this author and I wanted to let them know what they are in for when they pick it up. The writing is excellent.
Closing my eyes, I tried to picture it. I just read Still Missing. I read it non-stop this summer in any free time I had during and after my internship. Rules of Civility- yuck. Not sure if we can post URLs in a comment or not… http: I am outraged that she stereotyped my people.
The characters are full and well defined. The story is poignant if not a bit predictable. I like Rylen despite the blindside he brought about. At first I wanted to throw my iPad but as I figured out why and I did figure out why before we learned I can see it in his character. This is who he is. I'm just not sure he's my kind of book boyfriend.
She's strong and determined. Her efforts to help people as things fall apart is admirable. And she holds up under some pretty tough circumstances. I hurt for her, really. As you can tell my emotions were involved. But I don't know if I can read on in this series. Maybe after a break, I could consider it again.
Unputdownable: 17 books I read in 24 hours or less (because they were just that good)
For now, I'm undecided. Aug 19, Carrie The Butterfly Reader rated it really liked it. This is one of the best books I've read all year! It reminds me a lot of another book Life as We Knew It.
It and this book are the only books I've read where the shit is happening now, not in the future, no we are living through it now with these characters and it's so scary. I feel the actions in this book could really happen in today's world and that it not a good thing. There was many times while reading this book that I found myself nervous if something like this were to happ OMG!
There was many times while reading this book that I found myself nervous if something like this were to happen. It would not end well for anyone. Amber is just a normal girl in love with her brother's best friend. Though she never told him and thinks that he doesn't like her. She's an RN and enjoys helping people, she had a great family that loves her and her life isn't bad at all.
Then it starts, every amusement park and movie studio is bombed all around the world. Everyone is devastated but nothing more happens for around two years It's not long before every right is taken away from every person and those that break the new rules are shot with no remorse at all. Amber is an amazing character and I love her to pieces, the shit she goes through and yet she never gives up. Rylen is also really awesome, I love him. Honestly I like all the characters and think they are all very well thought out and flushed greatly.
None feel like they are there just to be there, they all feel like they are real and just trying to survive like we would. The sexual tension in this book is completely off the charts but it's not the whole point of this book. It is NA but nothing to is too dirty. What I love about this book is that it's plot driven, not romance or sex driven but plot and character driven and it's freaking fantastic! I love that perfect blend of romance and one kickass plot. So give this one a try and I know you will love it!
The only bad thing is how long it feels to wait for the next one. View all 9 comments. May 31, Gwen Cole rated it it was amazing. I read this book so fast because I couldn't put it down, and when I was forced to put it down, I couldn't wait to pick it back up again. Wendy brought all these different elements into this book and made it fantastic. I laughed, I cried, I shouted in rage, and sometimes wanted to punch certain characters. I'm really bad at writing reviews, but my point is: This book is really really great. Probably one of my favorites so far this year. Mar 24, Jaime Two Chicks on Books rated it it was amazing.
Damn that was awesome! I love how Wendy has the ability to make me invested so much in a story and its characters from page 1! This book was filled with so much sexual tension you could cut it with a knife! And man it made me cry a few times! I need book 2 now!!!! Mar 22, Deborah Obida rated it really liked it Recommends it for: This is my first New adult read also first by Wendy Higgins, I admit I like her writing and would love to read other of her works,The book was recommended by a reading group and i'm glad I read it.
The story is about Amber, her love for her brother's friend, and her family. I love the way the author included her she met Rylen and grew up together an the way her feelings for him grew as they become adults. Now faced with an unknown enemy that is bombing people all over the world they have to stick This is my first New adult read also first by Wendy Higgins, I admit I like her writing and would love to read other of her works,The book was recommended by a reading group and i'm glad I read it. Now faced with an unknown enemy that is bombing people all over the world they have to stick together especially now that her parents are dead bombed with her friend's parents and others at camp, They set out to look for others like them and find out who is killing the Earth's population.
I would have loved the book more if something actually happened between Amber and Rylen, or if she actually knows how he feels about her. Apr 06, Alexandra rated it it was amazing Shelves: When I learned that Wendy Higgins would self-publish a new series I was quite excited! It came as a surprise and for someone like me who was introduced late to her previous series "The Sweet Trilogy", I was sold. The story follows Amber and her family who live quite normal in Nevada. She has a long crush on her brother's best friend Rylen, yet she is way too shy to confess her feelings.
But when the bombings begin and a national spread illness begins to destroy the US and the world, Amber and her family will fight to survive against the odds and the unseen enemies. While this book is dubbed also as a romance and it is actually a New Adult, the romantic element is faint and the scenes we see from Amber's eyes and feelings are devastating.
I was crying over my reading app in the bus so not comfortable! Not to mention that is she was more forthcoming with her feelings, many bad incidents would not have hapenned. The main focus of the story is the destruction and what happens to humanity when we are deprived from everything we have as granted. Amber is also trained as a paramedic so she has the knowldge and the wits to handle almost everything. Her family was strong and with tight bonds of love and while everything around them crumbled they tried to survive.
After that ending which was hard and with a cliffhanger, I seriously hope for the truth to be revealed and for more romance in the story. A perfect five and very recommended! Where do I even start? This was an action packed story from beginning to end.