Tuesday, May 3, 2011

First Chapter~First Paragraph~Tuesday Intros


As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I am trying to be more selective with my books lately, hoping to read MOSTLY books I'll truly love. I've begun selecting what I read next, by whether the first paragraph grabs me. I know this isn't very scientific and I risk passing over some good books in the process, but for now, this is my book selection method.

Every Tuesday, I'll be posting the opening paragraph (maybe two) of my current read.  Last week's choice was Disturbing the Peace; Richard Yates (no review yet; I liked it, but did not love it).'

This week's pick is Faith, by Jennifer Haigh. Liked the first paragraph, and enjoyed her earlier book: The Condition as well.

(Harper Collins-5/11/2011)
Here goes.....

"Here is the story my mother has never told me.  It is a day she's relived a thousand times, the twenty-first of June, 1951, the longest day of that or any year.  A day that still hasn't ended, as some part of her still paces that dark apartment in Jamaica Plain, waiting.  I imagine the curtains closed against the five o'clock sun, hot and bright as midday; her baby boy peacefully asleep; her young self with nothing to do but wander from room to room, still filled with her dead mother-in-law's things."

Would you read this book based on that first paragraph?  Please feel free to join in, First Chapter~First Paragraph~Tuesday Intros.
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21 comments:

  1. MishaMay 3, 2011 at 1:27 AM

    The paragraph makes me want to read Faith even more! I loved the author's previous book, The Condition.

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  2. PaulitaMay 3, 2011 at 6:27 AM

    Definitely would take a look at that. What happened that made the day so long...? Why were the curtains drawn?

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  3. AnachronistMay 3, 2011 at 6:38 AM

    Oh so lovely and atmospheric although I suppose a tragedy is lurking there somewhere...the longest day of the summer...it makes me remember The Great Gatsby...

    Oh here is my tuesday teaser, something quite different but still amazing. Enjoy!

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  4. ZibileeMay 3, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    I would definitely read the book based on that first paragraph alone. I hope that you do read it, because I want to hear more about it!

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  5. Julie @ Read HandedMay 3, 2011 at 10:07 AM

    I would definitely read this book based on the first paragraph! Plus, I like the title - and I am big into titles. :)

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  6. TrishMay 3, 2011 at 11:32 AM

    I haven't read any of her books, but I'm tempted to take a closer look.

    Here's my first paragraph . . .

    http://desktopretreat.blogspot.com/2011/05/intro-tuesdays.html

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  7. stepfordmomto2@yahoo.comMay 3, 2011 at 11:47 AM

    I have not read the previous offering by this author, but with this first chapter and the synopsis, I have added it to my PBS wishlist.

    This week I am reading Save Me by Lisa Scottoline. This is my first paragraph offering:

    http://booksnwhatnot.blogspot.com/2011/05/first-chapter-first-paragraph-tuesday.html

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  8. Nise' May 3, 2011 at 11:48 AM

    I am intrigued enough to know what happened.

    I just picked up a young adult novel by Matthew Quick titled Sorta Like a Rock Star

    Lying down, shivering on the last seat of school bus 161, pinned by his teensy doggie gaze, which is completely 100% cute - I'm such a girl, I know - I say, "You won't believe the bull I had to endure today."

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  9. Brian's Home BlogMay 3, 2011 at 1:32 PM

    Looks like everyone is taken in by that paragraph...me too!

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  10. kayerjMay 3, 2011 at 1:40 PM

    I would most certainly read a little further before I decided, but the first paragraph is good.

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  11. AnonymousMay 3, 2011 at 3:01 PM

    I wanted to read this and after reading the paragraph I must read it. Here's my Teaser Tuesday: http://heyiwanttoreadthat.com/

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  12. LisaMay 3, 2011 at 3:21 PM

    YES! This is the kind of opening paragraph that completely grabs me because it is full of questions that I must have answered.

    Brilliant!

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  13. SukoMay 3, 2011 at 4:06 PM

    That paragraph drew me in. Great meme!

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  14. Missy B.May 3, 2011 at 4:46 PM

    I'm definitely interested...I haven't read her previous novel either. I'll have to give that a try.

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  15. Bellezza May 3, 2011 at 7:12 PM

    It's so disappointing to plow through a book, to feel compelled to finish it, when the beginning itself isn't even enticing. I like your nonscientific method! Is your 'meme' open for other participants to post about on their blogs?

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  16. DCMetroreaderMay 3, 2011 at 9:03 PM

    Yes! I am intrigued by this intro & look forward to your review. Great meme Diane!

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  17. (Diane) Bibliophile By the SeaMay 3, 2011 at 9:42 PM

    Bellezza....yes, absolutely. Anyone who wants to grab the logo and participate can feel free to do so. I've noticed several joining in recently.

    Paulita....I just started this book last night and really have not read much as I was trying to finish another book first.

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  18. Bonnie JacobsMay 4, 2011 at 12:24 AM

    Yes, the paragraph is captivating and makes me curious.

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  19. mpartykaMay 4, 2011 at 8:19 AM

    For me, it's important to read only books I would pick on my own (since I don't read nearly as much as most bloggers). I will read this book and the first paragraph sounds is gripping. I enjoy the authors focus on detail within her novels. I liked The Condition, it stalled a bit but overall was a good book.

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  20. JennersMay 4, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    I think I would keep reading.

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  21. StaciMay 4, 2011 at 8:43 PM

    I would and I have a copy so I will be reading this one soon!!! I love this meme that you started I just may participate!!

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