Waiting in the Sky

by Keith A. Pearson

Despite living on Earth for almost thirty years, Simon Armstrong knows he is not of our world.

Still, with his interplanetary mission almost over, he’ll soon be saying goodbye to a life he’s struggled to navigate and the humans he doesn’t much like. The only creature he’ll likely miss will be Merle, the antisocial cat he shares his home with.

Simon does, however, have a minor problem — he has no idea how They will orchestrate his extraction from our planet. With the threads of his earthly existence unravelling by the day, all he can do is wait patiently for a sign.

Then, with time running out, he stumbles upon a significant clue to his departure. What Simon doesn’t know is that clue could uncover a truth more arcane than any alien world.

Genres: Fiction, Science Fiction

412 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 13, 2021

About the author

I rarely visit Goodreads, on account it's a terrifying place for authors who aren't blessed with a thick skin.

If you'd like to know more about me, head over to my website, or you can follow me on Facebook or Twitter.

Reviews

[Debosmita · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It might be the final crumb, but it is by far the most important — embrace difference, sweetheart. I’m no philosopher, but I’ve learnt that difference is at the very core of what makes us human. Unlike animals, our lives are not dictated by the rising of the sun or the changing of seasons. It is human to seek different experiences, visit different places, and to learn from those who lead lives different to our own. When I am gone, I hope you can find the strength to experience what this world has to offer."

The book is a pure gold. The author offers you every emotions with his witty and skilful writing.
The blurb of the book might suggest it as a sci-fi but it is more than that. I really will not tell you the genre because that might kill your experience of the book. While reading the book don't try to guess the genre neither the ending of it,just live in it and allow yourself to lost into a whirlpool of different emotions. It will you make you laugh, thoughtful and sad in proper times.
I am very much disappointed to find out that only 689(the number may differ with times) people have shelved it on goodreads. What a shame! People's greatest loss! The book is highly underrated. Therefore it my earnest request to every reader to give this book a try and write down your thoughts after reading it.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 stars for the tale (there were opportunities to explore some issues which I felt would lend the story a little depth in places), and another star for the personal detail shared at the end by Mr Pearson.

All in all a wonderful story, so very enjoyable!

[Deborah Nock · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable read!

I truly loved reading Simon's story. I don't really want to say anything else, as I don't want to spoil it. Just read it, and view life from a different perspective.

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I imagined to be a light hearted story of an alien amongst us ended up being one of the most beautiful and emotional books I've read in a long time. It really is something quite lovely, and I would encourage the close proximity of some tissues when reading the final few chapters. Excellent

[Spurnlad · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW - I wish I hadn't read this, so I could read it again for the first time.

A VERY quirky; strange and compelling book. I shall read some more by this man!

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I guarantee I will never read a book like this again. A total one-off. Very unusual. I loved it. I even got to love Simon, the ‘hero’. It is funny, sad, emotional. And lovely

[Бранко · Rating 2 out of 5]

Somewhat disappointing and even boring. This begins when you get the gist of what is going on, what is this all about, and that is pretty early in the book. The story becomes stretched, unnecessary details pile up, and the ending is almost irrelevant.
Similarly, the main character is not very believable. How does anyone who studies humans for decades not know what a taxman is? Paying taxes us soooo common in all societies that it makes it impossible not to know that term. And that is just one example, there are many more.
The ending tries to put a positive spin on the story but it is so hard to believe that such a complicated thing would happen in real life that even suspending your beliefs won’t help.
Fortunately, it is kindle unlimited so, at least, not waste of money.

[D Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up on a whim and it was an unexpected delight. A contender for my favorite book of the year.

The plot develops surprising depth and by the end of the book, gives the reader a visceral perspective through an unexpected lens. A great read.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This took a while to get going and I was fairly bored and disappointed through the first half. But it did improve and, in the end, I enjoyed it and was glad I'd read it. The blurb advertises it as sci fi, but that's just the start and it's way more than that!

[Simon Dicey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book and after a relatively slow start ( on my part ) I raced through this and enjoyed it.Some thought provoking passages without too much pschobabble.

[ian ingram · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

Another good book from Mr Pearson, although I’m still unsure if it’s Nurse Clifton or Nurse Clifford as it changes throughout the book. Nevertheless the author takes us on yet another one of his journeys this time exploring the possibilities of outer space. As with all his books they are difficult to put down and I’m now waiting on his next chapter, having read all the others. Keep up the good work

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I downloaded this from KU as the reviews looked good and I liked the premise.

Simon Armstrong lives with his mother and her cat called Merle. They are financially comfortable and Simon works part-time for a friend of his mother's. He has no social life, no friends and no hobbies so is left with a lot of time on his hands. He dislikes humans, knows he's different and has been home-schooled since the age of 10.

When he's 21, he comes to the conclusion he's an alien. We meet him just before his 30th birthday and he strongly suspects that he's going to be sent back home (Andromeda) on his 30th birthday.

It started OK until I saw the word 'Starseeds' and inwardly groaned, very nearly giving up. But, I was intrigued as to where the story was going and carried on reading.

It was an easy read with the ability to fast-read in places where the writing was repetitive and not integral to the plot. For instance, he tells us what he has for lunch many times (the same food every day). I appreciate this is part of his character, so not a gripe as such, just something to skip through.

Considering his very heavy leaning towards logic and rationality (think Mr Spock), he surprised me at times by jumping to conclusions with little forethought.

When he's been betrayed by his only 'friend' and is at a lowpoint, I found it out-of-character that he'd so easily trust Shane, without first checking him out or getting the lock of hair tested for DNA.

The other thing that I felt was lacking was, despite his 9 years of human research (his mission) and the vast amount of documents he'd put together, he still didn't know much about basic things, such as wills, private investigators, con-artists, the law and the like. What was he doing for those 9 years - just counting cars?

And was it Nurse Clifton or Nurse Clifford? It chopped & changed, sometimes within the same paragraph.

I was disappointed with the ending. I wanted him to be a real Andromedan, his alien handler to be Merle, and for them to both disappear mysteriously without a trace.

It went a different way and was a bit of damp squib.

[Abigail Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon Armstrong is an alien who has been marooned on Earth for almost thirty years. His mother has died, leaving him with a cat (Merle). The cat seems to understand him better than his fellow humans. He is due to be picked up by his alien race on or around his 30th birthday, but (avoiding spoilers), something happens that means he has to continue and learn to deal with humans in a more interactive way.

I guess the reason I liked Simon so much is that I like him and have always struggled to fit in, to be what everyone expects of me. I'm aware that my physical appearance means there is an expectation of me growing up, and even now, I really don't fit in. I'm the awkward girl standing examining the aspidistra in the corner at parties. the one who jumps pit of her skin when you try to talk to me. I've always been socially uncomfortable and so much of what Keith has written here about an alien/fish out of water story resonates with me. I recognise a lot of myself in Simon. It was funny, and in a way, I was laughing at myself, so that's never a bad thing.

The themes explored here are identity crisis, loneliness, and mental health. So much crammed into one story and it made me feel better. That can only be a good thing.

[Guy Portman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon Armstrong is an alien who has been estranged on Earth for almost thirty years. When his mother dies, Simon’s sole companion is a cat named Merle, whom he has more empathy for than most of the humans he is forced to interact with. Fortunately for the socially awkward and emotionally detached extra-terrestrial imposter, his days amongst us are coming to an end. On his birthday, he is anticipating being extracted to his home planet.

However, a startling revelation is poised to change everything. As Simon struggles to seek answers, he is left with no choice but to contend with humankind – the good, the bad, and the ugly.

'Waiting in The Sky' boasts an unusual premise, an intriguing protagonist, and numerous plot twists. Themes include identity, loneliness, and mental health. This quirky, wryly humorous tale adeptly blends contemporary urban fiction with sci-fi. Its author, Keith A. Pearson, is a compelling storyteller with a penchant for nostalgia. I look forward to reading more of his books.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic read.

I’ve read most of Keith’s books already, some I’ve read twice. Given that this was a change of genre for him I was reluctant to give it a go.

Having been unable to find anything else that I fancied and having just re-read Tuned Out, I half heartedly started it. After a chapter or two it became apparent that the subject wasn’t after all what I thought it would be. Never judge a book by its cover springs to mind!

What ensued was another wonderfully crafted novel that I’ve come to expect from Keith. I won’t give any spoilers but our main character Simon was brought to life so well that you felt you knew him. The reader is taken on a roller coaster of emotions as the story unfolds including the odd laugh. You’ll know what I mean with the monkey/primate reference.

As always with this author, I’d highly recommend.

PS Keith - find another word for patently! And keep up the good work.

[PIETER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keith A. Pearson is a terrific writer. I've read his time-travel and a time travel romance and enjoyed them all. I was thrilled with the paranormal Clement series. This book is none of those, demonstrating Pearson's prolifc ability to cut a wide swath through literature. This book's central character is Simon Armstrong, a Kafkaesque personality who finds himself so different that for much the book he is convinced that he's not human. He is consumed by numbers and counting, manic about his routine and schedule, slavishly noting every second of passing time and furious if any of his is wasted. His personality is so strange and unfriendly that at first I was put off. But his strangeness was so persistent that I relented and just respected what a creature Pearson had created. It's difficult to say what this book is about. The hero changes his goals throughout the story. It's not a mystery but mysterious things occur. You'll just have to read it, which I encourage you to do.

[John Hamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best one yet

Having discovered Keith's writing last year, I have really enjoyed the slightly odd way he has of telling a story, from time travel to guardian angels to the true significance of making a wish.

I felt immediately that this would be a different story, the subject matter, the voice he lends to Simon and the ultimate bringing together of the various threads. What I hadn't expected was the emotional impact of the story, the humour, the sadness, the annoyance with the various characters including Simon whose ability to misconstrue and make life hard for himself (albeit innocently) are at times staggerering. Overall though, a thoroughly enjoyable, sensitivily wrought tale about being different in a way that's often marred by oversimplification and mawkish do-goodiness. One of the best things I've read in ages.

[Prl · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have started this book, got a little way in, and come here looking for some clues as to whether it's worth continuing, it might be a good idea to read the text in the spoiler, below.


Wherever you have got to, it's possible that what you are wondering if this book is of the science fiction genre that the summary suggests. If it is not you might feel a little cheated and wonder if it's worth continuing.

I would suggest that it is. Despite being, as you have almost certainly realised, about a character who shows all the signs of high functioning autism, and not a piece of science fiction, the story is well told and offers real insights into non typical human minds.

Having finished it I feel that I have gain a small but real insight into one of the ways that it feels to inhabit such a non typical mind.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waiting in The Sky by Keith A. Pearson begins like a sci-fi novel but quickly becomes a story of Simon Armstrong who marches to a distinctly different drummer. Simon was orphaned as an infant and reared by a loving mother and distant father, as an adult he is convinced his is an alien and will soon be reunited with his alien race. He lives with strict routines, shows no human emotions, and sees little value in human relationships until his adoptive mother dies and his world is shattered. It stretches the imagination in that the events are packed into a very short time span and given the depth of Simon’s delusions it is difficult to imagine that he’d forsake them so readily. However, it is a read that resonated with me and will remain with me, I am glad I found it.

[Vin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply outstanding

This has to be one of the most poignant books I have read for a long time. It’s right that even Keith says it is different to his previous books… it is on another level. He has taken the character building from his earlier novels and brought Simon to life in a totally believable way. Don’t want to say much more as don’t want to spoil anything, but read it. You will not regret it!

I’ve seen comparisons to this and books by Matt Haig, and although I have only read matts non fiction books & midnight library (so far!) I can definitely appreciate the comparison.

[Emz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was an emotional roller coaster. I don’t know why explaining literally every movement and every thought process is so appealing and compelling, and at some level quite amusing in a quirky sort of way, but its certainly engrossing. Simon’s mysophobia is so debilitating in so many ways its hard to comprehend, thus the awkward encounters and exchanges he has with ordinary people. It was like reading Sheldon Cooper’s script from “The Big Bang Theory”. I thoroughly enjoyed it for some unfathomable reason, a little action, well one punch, a modicum of mystery and virtually no suspense, but thoroughly and completely captivating. I will definitely look out for more books by this author.

[Paul Eastley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keith Pearson never ceases to amaze me. This book took me a while to get into and to say it's different
would be an understatement. I didn't like Simon our protagonist in the beginning as he appears arrogant and quite offensive and after finishing the story I'm still not sure If I've changed my mind,
which makes one wonder why I've given it five stars. My slow start accelerated rapidly to the point I couldn't put it down. I've never read anything like it. To say Simon has issues would be another understatement but to try and describe him is hard. He's a very lonely man and love and affection are traits he either avoids or knows nothing about. If you purchase this book, please don't be tempted to dismiss if after a few pages, hang in there, It's well worth it. All in all, a great story and certainly different from the 16 other Keith. A. Pearson books I read and also enjoyed.

[Steven John Banner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another gripping read

I enjoy all of Keith Pearson's books and this one did not disappoint. I was hooked from the outset and was keen to see what would become of Simon. There were twists and turns throughout, some were obvious, others not so. There were aspects of Simon's character that I feel could have been expanded upon a lot more, however, the reason for this is explained to some degree in the post book comments from the author, which I won't expand upon here. Nevertheless, this was an enjoyable read and I hope we get to meet Simon again.

[Scott Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This may be my favorite of Mr. Pearson's books.

I had time to plow straight through ten Pearson stories this past month. So much disfunction, deceit, misunderstanding. But, also a lot of humor, compassion. I love poor Father Paul, saint that he is. The characters were very well developed, even minor players, such as Mr. Choudhary. I have high hopes for Simon's future, and hope to run on into him again. (Hint, hint).
I certainly recommend this book, as well as others by this author.

[C I KESZEI · Rating 5 out of 5]

An illuminating read for those both new to, and familiar with, Mr Pearson.

I knew this book had a different theme when I got it but because of the strength of the author's previous works, I had no hesitation in getting it.

Very well written and if you have any experience of the subject matter then you will enjoy it. In fact, even if you don't, you will enjoy it and also gain an understanding into a large section of the population.

I see the characteristics of a number of my friends and indeed myself to some degree in here.

[David James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story

As previous reviews have said, this is different to the Authors previous books but I have enjoyed it just as much as his others.
I believe that everyone of us has many different characteristics that make us who we are,some more obvious than others, and as individuals we do well in accommodating others, or 'fitting in' most of the time ,but sometimes we find it difficult to accept someone who is not 'singing from the same hymn sheet'.
In my opinion this book should be in all school libraries.
And like a previous review said, every house should have a Merle.

[Katherine Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read

Keith A Pearson has done it again with another page turner. I loved the premise of this book, slightly different to his usual style but equally enjoyable. I found Simon to be an engaging person and I raced through the book because I just had to find out what happened to him in the end. It certainly didn't turn out how i expected it to, not in the least bit predictable. Please keep writing Keith, every book had been a winner to date.

[Marco Giorgini · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little less than 4 stars. Mixed feelings. It's a great book, and this author is more than able to handle even this kind of plot - but the due choice he did for this project in my opinion let him displaying less his great character-building skill - but for Simon, the main one - that's, of course, a hard fellow to like.
I've nevertheless enjoyed the reading and I'll surely buy his next work without any doubts.

[Richard Tubb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving story with twists and turns

I expected the latest of author Keith Pearson’s work to embrace many of the Sci-Fi themes of his previous books, themes that I’ve really enjoyed.

The book certainly seems to be headed in that direction and then… the twists and turns begin!

This story is a moving, and at times, amusing, look at the baffling thing that is the human condition.

It’s an amazing read. Highly recommended.

[Kevin Mcgladdery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. Didn't expect that!
If I'm honest, not my favourite book of Keith's, but that doesn't mean it wasn't worth reading.
It is so well written, the pages virtually turn themselves.
Keith's character depth is, as always, excellent; you feel you know these people after a few pages.
Plenty of twists in the plot (no spoilers - buy it and read it if you want to know!)
Great, great entertainment.
Recommended. Just different.
Not necessarily a bad thing.