
Richard Lawson's "All We Can Do Is Wait" plunges readers into the immediate aftermath of a catastrophic bridge collapse in Boston. The story centers on a diverse group of teenagers who find themselves stranded together in the waiting room of Massachusetts General Hospital, each desperately awaiting news of loved ones. Through their individual perspectives, the novel explores themes of fear, anxiety, grief, and the unexpected connections forged in crisis. It sensitively touches on family dynamics, burgeoning relationships, and identity, including LGBTQ+ themes. This book is ideal for middle school readers, offering a poignant and suspenseful look at human resilience and community in the face of disaster.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe core narrative revolves around characters waiting for news of loved ones after a disaster, leading to high anxiety.
Set in a hospital, with implied injuries and potential for severe outcomes for those affected by the disaster.
The possibility of character death is implied due to the nature of the disaster, though not explicitly confirmed as a major plot point within the waiting room.