Eyes Wide Open
A myriad of lights flickered brightly in the distance. The whoosh of the surf cascading against the rocks was only a far-off whisper hundreds of feet below.
From up here, the lights all seemed just like candles to him. Millions of candles! Like the whole world had all come out and assembled before him, an endless procession at his feet.
It made him smile. He had never seen anything more beautiful in his life. He had always wondered what it would be like from up here—the gigantic mound of rock, miles and miles of coastline stretching below.
Now he knew.
You could probably see all the way to L.A., the boy imagined. He was no longer a boy really, he was twenty-one—though sometimes he still felt like one.
What are the voices saying to you now?
He stepped out closer to the ledge. “They’re saying this is where I was meant to be.”
He had made the climb up hours ago, before it got dark, to be alone with his thoughts. To calm the noise that was always in his head. To see . . . And now it was just so beautiful. And all the voices had quieted except one.
His angel, he called her. The one voice he could trust.
Have you ever seen anything more beautiful? the angel asked
him.
“No, I haven’t.” He looked down at the lights of the small coastal town.
“Never.”
Waves crashed against the jagged rocks below. His heart picked up excitedly. “I can see the whole world.”
Yes, it’s all there for you.
He hadn’t taken his meds today. Usually that made him a little foggy, his thoughts jumbled. But today, maybe for the first time ever, his mind was clear. Completely clear. “I feel just like Jesus.”
Maybe you are, his angel answered.
“Then maybe I should just return from where I came. Maybe
God wants me back. Maybe that’s what I’m feeling.”
You’re not meant for this world, the voice replied. You’re
smarter. You were destined for greater things. You’ve always known that, right?
Yes. The voice was soothing and close to his ear. His heart began
to pound like the surf. There’s only one way to find out...
He took another step, closer to the edge, the darkness surrounding him. The breeze brushed against his face. “That feels good. I feel good. I feel good about this.
”Just spread your arms, his angel instructed him.
“Like wings?” He opened his arms wide. “You mean like this?”
Yes, just like that. Now think of heading home. The pain you will no longer be feeling. You see those lights? They’re all so beautiful, aren’t they?
“They are!”
Beneath him, a piece of the ledge broke loose. It took several seconds until he heard the sound of it breaking apart on the craggy rocks below. He stepped back, fear springing up in him. “I’m scared.”
Don’t be. This is the moment it’s all been leading to. All these years. You know this, don’t you?
“Yes.” He nodded. “I know ...”
Then open your arms. Just let the wind caress your face. Let the darkness take you. It’s easy ...
From the book EYES WIDE OPEN: A Novel by Andrew Gross. Copyright © 2011 by Andrew Gross. Reprinted by permission of William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.
Eyes Wide Open
Jay Erlich’s older brother, Charlie, went off the deep end years ago when he fell in with a dangerous cult. Tragedy ensued, but Charlie managed to escape and turn his life around. He lives a quiet life in California, and Jay, a respected doctor and family man in New York, rarely sees him. But all that changes when Charlie’s past comes roaring back, and this time Jay is swept up in the madness.
In Eyes Wide Open, international bestselling author Andrew Gross gives new meaning to the word tension when it appears the cult is still in operation and certain people have been marked for death. As Jay seeks answers, he will enter a labyrinth of secrets, terror and lies that takes him to the brink of insanity…and the depths of hell.
Hardcover Book : 352 pages
Publisher: William Morrow & Co, Inc/Imp Of Har ( July 12, 2011 )
Item #: 13-377165
ISBN: 9780061655968
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.25 x 0.79inches
Product Weight: 13.0 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Disturbing 
May 24, 2012
Disturbing and way too violent. The ending gave me nightmares. Sorry, I don't like open ended ending. Bottom line, I hated it!
Reviewer: Pjr
Eyes Wide Open
December 29, 2011
I barely got thru this book as it was such a rip off of the Manson murders. The only reason I finished it was because I paid good money for it. I could not recommend this book.
Reviewer: Cathy
Not his best
November 27, 2011
I generally love Andrew Gross books but this, for me, was the worst. I found it hard to finish and I have never had that with a previous Andrew Gross book before. I loved all of his previous books and could not put them down. The plot seemed slow and wasn't interesting to me. I will buy future books because I know he is an excellent author but this one for me was lame and I would not recommend it to other Andrew Gross lovers.
Reviewer: Amy
Highly Enjoyable Read
November 06, 2011
A thriller of suspense and psychological twists with a great ending. I couldn't put this book down. The author knows how to spin a good yarn and tell it in a way that draws out the suspense. Characters are varied and portrayed well. It's a fun and fast read even though the plot is not unique.
Reviewer: Sara
great book
October 11, 2011
I really enjoy reading his books and this one is no different. Look forward to many more of his books.
Reviewer: Deb W
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