" In Big Sur there is a cottage that sits at the edge of a palisade. It is the last refuge before the high mountains that rises up like sentries to the rest of the country. When the air is clear you can see the coast run its length to the horizon, but when the fog rolls in it is masked and hidden as if a magician had waived his hand over the earth to erase it. "
"It's 1992 and fall is coming. The mornings have been slow to warm. The air is crisp and blows over the landscape to chill the leaves and ground. The sun has risen and a deep mist overtakes the road and tall grasses that are summer browned. "
Would you give this book a try, based on the opening paragraph (s)? I cannot yet tell what this story is about (based on these first 2 paragraphs), but yet I feel like I want to find out.
If you care to join in, feel free to grab the image, and share your current book's first paragraph (s).
I'd keep reading! It feels like the stage is set, and now I'm curious. Haven't heard of this title/author before.
ReplyDeleteSure, I would... then again I love northern Cali... Big Sur is beautiful and his words definitely set the setting.
ReplyDeleteI would give this book a try based on the cover alone (wish I was there now), but the first paragraphs also intrigue me!
ReplyDeleteIt might turn out nice, but the opening didn't get the curiosity going!
ReplyDeleteThat's one of the most intriguing opening paragraphs I've read! I love how the cottage is described.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm less enticed by slowly unrolling openings. I want it to grab me by the throat.
ReplyDeleteHere's my attempt: http://paulita-ponderings.blogspot.com/2011/06/first-paragraph-tuesday.html
I think I would be like you, and want to find out more. I would also read it because I used to live near Big Sur and have very fond memories of that area.
ReplyDeleteNot sure I would continue with this one. I don't like it when openings are slow and full of scene setting. It's sort of one of my pet peeves.
ReplyDeleteThat definitely draws a picture. I would be interested in more.
ReplyDeleteHere is my offering. The Coffins of Little Hope by Timothy Shaffert
http://booksnwhatnot.blogspot.com/2011/06/first-chapter-first-paragraph-tuesday.html
I like the writing and would give it a try!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely I would - and I love that cover!
ReplyDeleteThis is mine:
http://the-book-addict.blogspot.com/2011/06/tuesday-intros-lustrum-by-robert-harris.html
Beautiful prose there. Something about the word Palisades, the way it rolls off the tongue, is so lovely!
ReplyDeleteHere's mine:
http://thetruebookaddict.blogspot.com/2011/06/first-chapterfirst-paragraphstuesday.html
I would keep reading...the setting has me intrigued!!
ReplyDeleteThis book is in my stack to read.
ReplyDeletePB
Just based on this excerpt, I don't know if I would keep going.
ReplyDeleteThose first sentences certainly sets the time, place, and mood of this book. Even the pacing. I would read on.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful imagery! Particularly love the part 'hidden as if a magician had waived his hand over the earth to erase it'.
ReplyDeleteI love Big Sur in California so that alone would capture my attention.
ReplyDelete