207 Results with the "Literary Fiction" genre


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      Chapter 6

      Chapter 6 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 6: Frank Szatowski returned to Blackbird cottage, greeted by the lingering heaviness of the recent tragedy involving the death of Gwendolyn. His sister, Tammy, and niece, Abigail, were gearing up for a hike in an attempt to move on from the events, while Frank found himself caught in the pull of grief. Despite Tammy’s insistence that they press on with the wedding-related activities, Frank was overwhelmed by the emotional toll of the situation and opted to stay behind to rest. As they left for…
    • Stage One: Early Labor — Ruth Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with Ruth recalling a pivotal childhood moment at the opulent brownstone where her mother, Lou, worked as a domestic servant for the affluent Hallowell family. The house, with its intimidating gargoyles and iconic NBC chime doorbell, symbolizes the stark divide between her family’s modest life and the Hallowells' privilege. Ruth’s mother, unwavering in her dedication, braves a snowstorm to work, dragging Ruth and her sister along because they’re too young to stay home alone. The…
    • Stage One: Early Labor — Ruth Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with Ruth recalling a pivotal childhood moment at the opulent brownstone where her mother worked as a housekeeper for the Hallowell family. The imposing home, with its gargoyle-adorned entrance and iconic NBC chime doorbell, symbolizes the stark contrast between her family’s modest life and the wealth of her mother’s employers. Ruth’s mother, Lou, is portrayed as fiercely dedicated, braving a snowstorm to work while caring for Ruth and her sister, Rachel. The narrative highlights…
    • Stage One: Active Labor — Ruth 1 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with a poignant account of a baby born with severe facial deformities, described as "the most beautiful baby" despite his condition. The mother, unaware of the deformity due to inconclusive prenatal ultrasounds, delivers at a smaller hospital. The delivery room falls into stunned silence when the baby is born, and a student nurse's horrified reaction highlights society's discomfort with physical differences. The obstetrician delivers the devastating news that the baby's condition is…
    • Stage One: Active Labor — Ruth 1 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with Ruth, a nurse, recounting the birth of a severely deformed baby boy whose facial abnormalities were undetected during prenatal care. Despite his shocking appearance, the newborn was otherwise healthy, leaving the medical team and parents unprepared. The mother, though devastated, immediately bonded with her son, naming him Ian Michael Barnes, while the father initially recoiled in horror and denial. Ruth emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the child's humanity, even in his…
    • Stage One: Transition — Ruth 1 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with Ruth being shackled in chains, a moment that evokes the painful history of racial oppression as she reflects on her ancestors' suffering. Her humiliation is compounded by the presence of her son, whom she has always taught to rise above racial prejudice. The scene underscores her vulnerability as she endures degrading treatment, including public exposure in her nightgown and verbal abuse from Turk Bauer. Ruth's internal conflict is palpable as she lies to her lawyer about touching a…
    • Stage One: Transition — Kennedy 2 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with Kennedy reflecting on the dichotomy of public defenders: idealists who believe they can change the system and realists who recognize its overwhelming flaws. She describes the grueling reality of the job, where victories are small and personal, like reuniting a rehabilitated mother with her child or winning a motion to suppress evidence. The work is Sisyphean, with endless caseloads, poor pay, and little recognition. To cope, Kennedy and her colleagues draw strict boundaries between…
    • Stage One: Transition — Ruth 2 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with Ruth waking up in her own bed after being released from jail, savoring the mundane comforts of home—the familiar crack in the ceiling, the pullout couch’s discomfort, and the sounds of garbage trucks. She reflects on her gratitude for these ordinary moments as she prepares coffee and checks on her son, Edison, who is still asleep. Ruth reminisces about watching Edison sleep as a child, marveling at the miracle of his existence and the bond they share. This quiet morning contrasts…
    • Stage One: Transition — Kennedy 3 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with Kennedy returning home after her first meeting with Ruth, greeted by the comforting aroma of homemade pizza and her daughter Violet's enthusiastic welcome. A lighthearted moment ensues as Violet presents a creatively shaped pizza resembling a dinosaur with an "oregano rash," followed by her unintentionally humorous remark about "reptile dysfunction," revealing her exposure to adult-themed commercials. Kennedy's suspicion is piqued, leading her to discover that her mother had been…
    • Stage One: Transition — Ruth 3 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with Ruth and her sister Adisa sharing lunch at a bistro, where Adisa encourages Ruth to treat herself amid her current struggles. Ruth reflects on the newfound time she has with her sister, a stark contrast to her previously busy schedule as a nurse. Their conversation quickly turns practical as Adisa probes Ruth about her financial situation, revealing Ruth has only three months of savings left. Despite Adisa’s offer of help, Ruth is skeptical, given her sister’s own financial…
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