Monday, July 25, 2011

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros

Every Tuesday, I'll be posting the opening paragraph (maybe two) of a book I chose to read based on the opening paragraph (s). This week's opening paragraph (s) is from a book that will be released on August 18th by Viking.

"My mum and I lived in a cottage about half an hour outside of town."
"It hadn't been easy finding a home that met all of our requirements: in the country, no neighbours, three bedrooms, front and back gardens; a property that was old (it had to have character) but at the same time had all the mod cons - a modern central heating system was essential, as we both hated to be cold. It had to be quiet. It had to be private. We were mice, after all. We weren't looking for a home. We were looking for a place to hide."
 (I've only read these (2) paragraphs so far, but the description overview of this psychological thriller really seems to appeal to me - hope it's a good one.)

What do you think about that INTRO?
Want to join in?  Just grab the image, and share the first paragraph (s) of your current book.

Here's an overview of the novel, in case you are interested:

Product Description

An electrifying psychological thriller about a mother and daughter pushed to their limits.

Shelley and her mom have been menaced long enough. Excused from high school where a trio of bullies nearly killed her, and still reeling from her parents' humiliating divorce, Shelley has retreated with her mother to the quiet of Honeysuckle Cottage in the countryside. Thinking their troubles are over, they revel in their cozy, secure life of gardening and books, hot chocolate and Brahms by the fire. But on the eve of Shelley's sixteenth birthday, an unwelcome guest disturbs their peace and something inside Shelley snaps. What happens next will shatter all their certainties-about their safety, their moral convictions, the limits of what they are willing to accept, and what they're capable of.

Debut novelist Gordon Reece has written a taut tale of gripping suspense, packed with action both comic and terrifying. Shelley is a spellbinding narrator, and her delectable mix of wit, irony, and innocence transforms the major current issue of bullying into an edge- of-your-seat story of fear, violence, family loyalty, and the outer reaches of right and wrong.

17 comments:

  1. Hmm. I'm not sure if they mice are meant to be funny. I'm kind of picturing the mice driving Shelley over the edge and she spends the rest of the novel chasing them down, like in the movie Ratatouille.
    Here's mine: http://paulita-ponderings.blogspot.com/

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  2. Sounds promising ... and a bit scary! The mice are a good start and I would certainly read on.

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  3. That paragraph is good! It has me intrigued, I hope you are enjoying this one.

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  4. I'm not sure that first paragraph would do it for me, although I do like the title!

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  5. Ooh, what a thrilling premise. The line in the jacket copy that the events will "shatter all their certainties" really drew me in. Sounds promising. Enjoy!

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  6. I think I would read the book based on the synopsis but not the first paragraph. I was intrigued until the mice.

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  7. I would definitely read this one, and in fact, have added it to my wish list based on that first paragraph and the synopsis. Sounds like a great book!

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  8. I would definitely read this book. It's going on my WL!

    Here's Mine

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  9. Great paragraph...there's so much in it that makes me curious...what are they hiding from? I'm assuming they aren't really mice but mice had from cats who pounce so they're afraid of being pounced on...I also wonder about the very specific requirements for a house which, incidentally, I love!

    I cannot wait to see what you think of this book Diane!

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  10. What?? Written from a mouse's point of view? The cover does not hint at that at all.

    I don't think I'd read it based on that paragraph.

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  11. I'm totally intrigued! I can't wait to see your review.

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  12. Well, after reading the intro paragraphs I wanted to know more. I'm anxious now to see if you will find Shelly as spelbinding a narrator as she's made out to be in the overview. It definitely sounds like a novel that embraces a current and troubling issue, looking forward to your review.

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  13. Having read the intro, but not the overview, I am wondering if "Mice" is used as a metaphor regarding the central characters in the story.

    :)

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  14. Psychological thriller sounds good!

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  15. Wow, I am intrigued! Can't wait to read your review of this one.

    Sorry I haven't joined in lately. Have been busy, but am planning on participating again. I love this one. =O)

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