Alex and I have decided that one way to spread local literature to new audiences is to participate in national blog challenges and memes. During a heated debate about the importance of a book’s first paragraph we thought it might be fun to do “Book Beginnings on Friday”. Each week we’ll type out the first sentence or paragraph of whatever we’re reading and we invite you leave a comment with the beginning of whatever book YOU’RE reading too.
Book Beginnings on Friday is a meme hosted by Becky at Page Turners. Anyone can participate; just share the opening sentence of your current read, making sure that you include the title and author so others know what you’re reading. If you like, share with everyone why you do, or do not, like the sentence. (Thanks to Rose City Reader for inspiring this meme)
MISTY’s BOOKS:
My name is Perry L. Crandall and I am not retarded. Gram always told me the L stood for lucky.
“Mister Perry Lucky Crandall, quit your bellyaching!” she would scold. “You got two good eyes, two good legs, and you’re honest as the day is long.” She always called me lucky and honest.
Being honest means you don’t know any better.
—‘The Lottery’ by Patricia Wood
I had to include the whole first paragraph instead of just the first sentence because it was too perfect to split up. This is a great opening to a story I’m already completely hooked on, really, I started it Thursday night and am nearly half finished. Patricia Wood is well known in our local literary community and her book is a screaming success. She’s already been featured on numerous book blogs so I’m a bit late to this disco. I’m just glad I finally got a chance to pick it up… and now that I have, am finding it difficult to put down.
I came to say a last prayer for you…that you’ll be forgiven.
—‘The Last Aloha’ by Gaellen Quinn
How’s that for an opening sentence! All I can think after that is “dun dun duuuuun!!!”–what’s next!? The Last Aloha recently won a Ka Palapala Po’okela award and is one of the best pieces of Hawaiian historical fiction I’ve read. I’m only a few chapters into it and am enjoying how easily it transports you to 1886 Honolulu.
Yes, I’m reading two books simultaneously and loving them both. Because really if you have to read two books at once they should at least be enjoyable and in different ways. Reviews are forthcoming.
ALEX’s BOOKS:
In the opening days of kau wela (the hot or summer season), 1795, a great battle was fought on the island of O’ahu between the forces of Kalanikupule and Kamehameha.
—‘A Pocket Guide to: The Battle of Nuuanu 1795’ by Neil Bernard Dukas
At first Misty and I both questioned whether we should include non-fiction entries here as they may not have the same effect that a first line in fiction would have. We eventually decided it might be interesting to see how non-fiction books start, as well. I think this one has an interesting draw, specifically the idea of “a great battle” being fought! At least, I like great battles. Don’t you?
Cajun wonders if his Morroccan informant will really help his men rescue the Greek drug addict, or get them all killed.
—‘Back to Somalia’ by Glenn A. Bell
Haha, there’s already three references to different geographic regions/cultures in this opening sentence! I’m just, just starting this book, so we’ll see how well throwing all these exotic ingredients into the pot will be mixed together. Either way, I already know going in there’s going to be a lot of action.
What are the beginnings of the books you all are reading? What’re your feelings about first sentences/paragraphs in general? We’d love to know!
“It was just the two of us, my mother and me, after my father left. He said I should count the new baby he has with his new wife, Marjorie, as part of my family too, plus Richard, Marjorie’s son, who was six months younger than me though he was good at all the sports I messed up in. But, our family was my mother, Adele, and me, period. I would have counted the hamster, Joe, before including that baby, Chloe.”
–‘Labor Day’ by Joyce Maynard
Written in the voice of 13 year old Henry, this first paragraph makes me want to read more.
Nora Bonesteel was the first one to know about the Underhill family. Death was no stranger to Dark Hollow, Tennessee, but Nora Bonesteel was the only one who could see it coming.
… She just knew things, that’s all. In the east Tennessee hills, there had always been people who knew things. Most people felt a little sorry for her, and were glad they could go through life with the hope that comes from not seeing the future through well-polished glass.
–Sharyn McCrumb, The Hangman’s Beautiful Daughter
I had to include the first and last sentences of the prologue to this book, because they give me chicken skin every time I read or re-read them (this is one book I can read over and over, and even though I know the ending, I’m still drawn in). This is the second of what are called her “Ballad Novels” and are taught in many Appalachian studies classes.
Thanks for participating Jerri and Katie! It’s interesting to see the first lines of any book, and how they set the tone for the rest of the read.
We’ll be doing this meme every week, so we look forward to hearing what else you’re reading in the future! 🙂