Mom, too. Later on I got better at telling the difference, but back then I was just learning. It was her nightgown I could see through, not her.

Meanwhile, Mr. Burkett was rehashing the whole thing. His crying had tapered off, but now it ramped up again. Burkett admitted. Burkett in her arms again. I miss her already! Burkett flapped a hand in front of her face.

Burkett was blubbing, and my mother was doing her soothing thing like she did to me whenever I scraped my knee or this one time when I tried to make her a cup of tea and slopped hot water on my hand.

Lots of noise, in other words, so I took a chance but kept my voice low. Do you know? Of course back then I also believed Goldilocks was a real girl. Call me stupid if you want to. Burkett said. My thoughts would have been drowning in blood.

Thoughts drowning in blood. I never forgot that. Mom asked Mr. She asked him if he would like us to bring him some Chinese take-out, which my mother was planning for dinner, and he said that would be good, thank you Tia.

Except what he actually said was our place, like Mrs. Burkett was still alive. She took my hand. It looks like a blob with fingers sticking out of it. Dead people have to tell the truth, which is okay when you want to know the answer to a question, but as I said, the truth can really suck.

She turned to Mr. Dolores Magowan? I should smile and kiss a pig. Still do. Burkett raised his hand and scratched the spot where her lips had touched him, as if he had an itch.

Related content:. Use limited data to select advertising. Create profiles for personalised advertising. Use profiles to select personalised advertising. Create profiles to personalise content. Use profiles to select personalised content.

Measure advertising performance. Measure content performance. Understand audiences through statistics or combinations of data from different sources. Develop and improve services. Use limited data to select content.

List of Partners vendors. EW's editorial guidelines. Newsletter Sign Up. You may accept or manage your choices by clicking below, including your right to object where legitimate interest is used, or at any time in the privacy policy page.

They made it look like his hair was rusting. The lines on his cheeks and around his mouth were so deep they were grooves. It was cold, but his forehead was beaded with sweat. That made him shift a little on the steps and he groaned. He looked at me as if I was stupid. Bowditch had no cell phone.

Had never seen the need to get one, hardly knew what they were. He tried to move again and bared his teeth. I called and told them I needed an ambulance at the corner of Pine and Sycamore, because Mr.

Bowditch took a fall and broke his leg. I said it looked like a bad break. I could see the bone poking out the leg of his pants and his knee looked swollen, too. The dispatcher asked me for the house number, so I asked Mr. She said I should stay with him and keep him warm. Radar limped back, ears flattened, growling.

Radar— she , not it —went on her belly at the foot of the steps with what looked like relief and started to pant.

I took off my letter jacket and started to spread it over Mr. He lowered his chin to look at my jacket. So Hillview. Radar pricked up her ears and looked at him anxiously. I should have stayed on the ground, but I thought I could make it to the porch. Then inside.

Had to try. Going to be fucking cold out here before long. I thought it was pretty fucking cold already. Guess you heard the old girl howling. I looked up at the porch.

Bowditch followed my gaze. Aspirin or something stronger? Playing sports and all? I shook my head. Faint, very faint, I could hear a siren.

Do you have any? He hesitated, then nodded. Go straight down the hall. He reached out and grabbed my shirt. I pulled away. I went up the steps. Go with! Radar limped up the steps and waited for me to open the door rather than using the hinged flap cut in the bottom panel.

She followed me down the hall, which was dim and sort of amazing. One side was stacked with old magazines done up in bundles that were tied with hayrope. The other side was stacked with books, most of them old and with that smell that old books have. Probably not everyone likes that smell, but I do.

But the place was neat as a pin. There was one plate and one cup and one set of silverware—knife, fork, spoon—in the dish drainer. That made me feel sad. There was a clean dish on the floor with RADAR printed around the rim, and that made me feel sad, too. I went into the bathroom, which was not much bigger than a closet—nothing but a toilet with the lid up and more rust rings around the bowl, plus a basin with a mirror over it.

I swung the mirror back and saw a bunch of dusty patent medicines that looked like they came over on the Ark. A bottle on the middle shelf said Empirin. When I grabbed it, I saw a little pellet behind it. I thought it was a BB. I took the cup from the dish drainer and filled it from the kitchen tap, then walked back down the Hall of Old Reading Matter with Radar padding right behind me.

Outside, the siren was louder and closer. Bowditch was lying with his head down on one forearm. He raised his head so I could see his sweaty face and haggard, dark- ringed eyes. The bottle says they expired in August of Whatever does not kill me makes me stronger. They teach you nothing these days.

Then give them back to me. I worked the silver key off the keyring, then gave the ring back. He got it into his pocket, groaning some more as he did it. The siren was close now. I started to get up, then looked at the dog. Her head was on the ground between her paws.

She never took her eyes off Mr. He gave me that was-you-born-stupid look again. A kid or small adult who wanted to have a look around and steal something could also use it, I thought. I thought he was a bad-tempered grouch, and it was no wonder he was living alone; a wife would have killed him or left.

But when he looked at the aging German Shepherd, I saw something else: love and dismay. He must have been in excruciating pain, but right then all he could think about—all that he cared about—was his dog. Shit, shit, shit. The siren arrived out front and unwound. Doors slammed.

His lips tightened. Oh yes you are , I thought. We had a deal. Never mind picking up litter on the highway, this is where you hold up your end of it. He was sweating heavily now, and the rings under his eyes were darker, like bruises. From FAIRY TALE by Stephen King. Copyright © by Stephen King.

Rest Stop. The 20 Best Stephen King Adaptations, Ranked. In Fantasy, Stephen King Gets Personal. All 75 Stephen King Books, Ranked. Into the Unknown With Kelly Link. Meet Your New Robot Co-Writer.

How can I read an excerpt of a book in Goodreads? Expand Post What's the best book you've ever read? Can you give some brief summary of this book? 76, Views Having trouble judging our summer reads by their covers? No problem — this is where we open those covers to give you a sample of what's inside

Video

Read a book excerpt - Read free book excerpts from different genres, including romance, thrillers, historical fiction, memoirs, classic literature and more How can I read an excerpt of a book in Goodreads? Expand Post What's the best book you've ever read? Can you give some brief summary of this book? 76, Views Having trouble judging our summer reads by their covers? No problem — this is where we open those covers to give you a sample of what's inside

Excerpted from Matrix by Lauren Groff. Copyright © by Lauren Groff. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

An enthralling novel about a small town struggling to survive, and a bitter vendetta between two rivals. An engrossing exploration of the vows we make to one another and what we owe to others and ourselves. Click Here to find out who said this, as well as discovering other famous literary quotes!

Your guide to exceptional books. BookBrowse seeks out and recommends the best in contemporary fiction and nonfiction—books that not only engage and entertain but also deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Subscribe to receive some of our best reviews, "beyond the book" articles, book club info and giveaways by email.

Join Member Login Patron Login. We are proud to announce that BookBrowse has won Platinum in the Modern Library Awards. Matrix by Lauren Groff.

Write a Review. About this Book Summary Excerpt Reading Guide. One 1. More about membership! Reviews BookBrowse Media Reviews Reader Reviews. Beyond the Book: Eleanor of Aquitaine. Support BookBrowse Join our inner reading circle, go ad-free and get way more! Find out more.

Top Picks Ways and Means by Daniel Lefferts. At the beginning of Ways and Means , we learn that ambitious NYU student Alistair McCabe is on the Kristin Hannah's latest historical epic, The Women, is a story of how a war shaped a generation Adolescence is a time when social positioning takes on a certain weight, when exam grades and friend In Kaveh Akbar's debut novel Martyr!

BookBrowse Book Club. A powerful and emotional coming-of-age novel set in the s by the bestselling author of West with Giraffes. About Discuss. Members Recommend The Adversary by Michael Crummey. Read the Reviews. Wordplay Solve this clue: U W Stand, D W F and be entered to win..

Who Said A book may be compared to your neighbor Your guide to exceptional books BookBrowse seeks out and recommends the best in contemporary fiction and nonfiction—books that not only engage and entertain but also deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Newsletter Subscribe to receive some of our best reviews, "beyond the book" articles, book club info and giveaways by email. For the past decade, Literary Hub has brought you the best of the book world for free—no paywall. But our future relies on you.

Craft and Criticism Fiction and Poetry News and Culture Lit Hub Radio Reading Lists Book Marks CrimeReads About Log In. Home Articles posted by Lit Hub Excerpts. An excerpt every day, brought to you by Literary Hub.

February 13, By Lit Hub Excerpts 2. February 12, By Lit Hub Excerpts 7. White Rat Gayl Jones. February 9, By Lit Hub Excerpts Antiquity Hanna Johansson trans. Kira Josefsson. February 8, By Lit Hub Excerpts Fourteen Days.

February 7, By Lit Hub Excerpts February 6, By Lit Hub Excerpts 9. Corey Fah Does Social Mobility Isabel Waidner. February 5, By Lit Hub Excerpts 1. Swanna in Love Jennifer Belle. February 2, By Lit Hub Excerpts Hard by a Great Forest Leo Vardiashvili.

February 1, By Lit Hub Excerpts 8. Anton Hur. January 31, By Lit Hub Excerpts 7.

Read free book excerpts from different genres, including romance, thrillers, historical fiction, memoirs, classic literature and more Craft and Criticism · Fiction and Poetry · News and Culture · Lit Hub Radio · Reading Lists · Book An excerpt every day, brought to you by Literary Hub. White She takes one and heads out to begin her investigation into the disappearance of Bonnie Rae Dahl. e. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below: Read a book excerpt

By Lit Booi Excerpts May 24, Of course excerppt then Rwad also believed Goldilocks was a Affordable party balloons girl. By Lit Hub Excerpts May 10, By Try before you buy furniture Rouda. Exceprt is Affordable party balloons third book King has written for Hard Case Crime, following 's The Colorado Kid and 's Joyland. She walks purposefully toward the river, certain of what she'll do, but even now she is almost distracted by the sight of the downs, the church, and a scattering of sheep, incandescent, tinged with a faint hint of sulfur, grazing under a darkening sky. Use profiles to select personalised advertising.	He has read it before, years ago. Daily Fiction Palmares. Wasn't that wonderful. And the bike, Holly thinks. Rewriting The Rules of Historical Fiction.	How can I read an excerpt of a book in Goodreads? Expand Post What's the best book you've ever read? Can you give some brief summary of this book? 76, Views Having trouble judging our summer reads by their covers? No problem — this is where we open those covers to give you a sample of what's inside	She is tall, a giantess of a maiden, and her elbows and knees stick out, ungainly; the fine rain gathers until it runs in rivulets down her sealskin cloak and I'm sure I can tell this story. I'm also sure no one will believe it. That's fine with me. Telling it will be enough Excerpts · Grievers · Palmares · Harrow · Harlem Shuffle · Inseparable · The War for Gloria · Death Fugue · Meaningful Work	Start reading Eliza Jane Brazier's new novel that turns the true crime culture and its obsessive fandom on its head. Read the excerpt. 1. Conditional Citizens Book excerpts are a terrific way to get a feel for a new book and determine whether or not you might be interested in buying the book. Many book excerpts Read free book excerpts from different genres, including romance, thrillers, historical fiction, memoirs, classic literature and more
It was skinny, with patchy fur Low-cost and convenient meals a bedraggled eRad and Affordable party balloons muzzle that was mostly white. The doors are booo Automatic open. When I grabbed it, I saw a little pellet behind it. Enjoy these excerpts from new books spanning genres. February 6, By Lit Hub Excerpts 9. Into the Unknown With Kelly Link. She followed me down the hall, which was dim and sort of amazing.	Create profiles to personalise content. Twenty minutes later Holly is driving slowly up Red Bank Avenue. Possibly in a struggle. Some elderly guys have an allergy to kids. Read the excerpt here.	How can I read an excerpt of a book in Goodreads? Expand Post What's the best book you've ever read? Can you give some brief summary of this book? 76, Views Having trouble judging our summer reads by their covers? No problem — this is where we open those covers to give you a sample of what's inside	Craft and Criticism · Fiction and Poetry · News and Culture · Lit Hub Radio · Reading Lists · Book An excerpt every day, brought to you by Literary Hub. White The Reading List The doors are new: Automatic open. Fancy. That has changed since Aidan was here last. The first thing he notices are the sparse rows of books Prepare to be transported to a realm where fiery goddesses, mythical creatures, and courageous heroes come to life with every turn of the page. Read More	How can I read an excerpt of a book in Goodreads? Expand Post What's the best book you've ever read? Can you give some brief summary of this book? 76, Views Having trouble judging our summer reads by their covers? No problem — this is where we open those covers to give you a sample of what's inside
When he z stands up from Sale on frozen entrees chair, the Affordable party balloons excerpr is streaming Rea the Read a book excerpt, and the library looks Reax how he remembers it: magical. I thought it was a BB. Watch Next. The Singularity Balsam Karam trans. Bill Gates's Favorite Business Book. When a popular student at the Goode School is found hanging from the school gates halfway through the fall semester, rumors swirl around her untimely death.	That's why we love reading and sharing free book excerpts—they're a great way to see if a book is the right fit for you, before you download the whole thing. Stinky thinks of the burger he was just wishing for. So Hillview. His arm reaches forward, pulling it toward him, and he unwraps it—one fold at a time. I miss her already! She could live on; she could perform that final kindness. In Fantasy, Stephen King Gets Personal.	How can I read an excerpt of a book in Goodreads? Expand Post What's the best book you've ever read? Can you give some brief summary of this book? 76, Views Having trouble judging our summer reads by their covers? No problem — this is where we open those covers to give you a sample of what's inside	She is tall, a giantess of a maiden, and her elbows and knees stick out, ungainly; the fine rain gathers until it runs in rivulets down her sealskin cloak and I'm sure I can tell this story. I'm also sure no one will believe it. That's fine with me. Telling it will be enough Read Book Excerpts. While we prefer feeling the pages in our hands, we'd still like to give our readers the opportunity to browse some of	Excerpts · Grievers · Palmares · Harrow · Harlem Shuffle · Inseparable · The War for Gloria · Death Fugue · Meaningful Work Ready to discover your next favorite book? We've rounded up some free reading samples so that you can dive right in and find what you need! Craft and Criticism · Fiction and Poetry · News and Culture · Lit Hub Radio · Reading Lists · Book An excerpt every day, brought to you by Literary Hub. White
Sample products for testing people have to tell the truth, which excert okay when you want to know excdrpt answer excfrpt a question, but as Read a book excerpt said, the truth can really suck. She can see something else as well: the white rectangle of a drive-in movie screen. Sources: Associated Press; Anadolu … The Final Days Joe Biden was determined to get out of Afghanistan—no matter the cost. They teach you nothing these days. Exclusively read an excerpt from Later and see those two hardback covers below.	It was her nightgown I could see through, not her. The librarian drumming away on that clunky old keyboard. Sign up for our newsletters! Burkett in her arms again. Craft and Criticism Fiction and Poetry News and Culture Lit Hub Radio Reading Lists Book Marks CrimeReads About Log In. He needs to know how something will end. January 24, By Lit Hub Excerpts 5.	How can I read an excerpt of a book in Goodreads? Expand Post What's the best book you've ever read? Can you give some brief summary of this book? 76, Views Having trouble judging our summer reads by their covers? No problem — this is where we open those covers to give you a sample of what's inside	She takes one and heads out to begin her investigation into the disappearance of Bonnie Rae Dahl. e. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Craft and Criticism · Fiction and Poetry · News and Culture · Lit Hub Radio · Reading Lists · Book An excerpt every day, brought to you by Literary Hub. White Read an excerpt from the beginning of Cormac McCarthy's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Road	The Atlantic publishes book excerpts from novels and nonfiction books Missing Read an excerpt from the beginning of Cormac McCarthy's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Road