Tuesday, August 2, 2011

First Chapter First Paragraph (s) Tuesday Intros

Every Tuesday, I'll be posting the opening paragraph (maybe two) of a book I decided to read based on the opening paragraph (s). These week's selection is from another book by Richard Yates called, A Good School. The setting is a New England prep school, and it was written in 1978.  (I plan to start this book this evening).
"At fifteen, Terry Flynn had the face of an angel and the body of a perfect athlete. He was built on a small scale, but he was utterly beautiful.  Walking fully dressed among his friends, he moved with a light, nimble, special grace that set him apart from everyone; just by watching him walk you could picture the way he would leap to catch a forward pass, evade any number of potential tacklers and run alone into the end zone for the winning touchdown as the crowd went wild."
 "And if Terry looked good in his clothes, that was nothing compared to his performance every day in the dormitory when he stripped, wrapped a towel around his waist and made his way down the hall to the showers.  He had what is called muscle definition: every bulge and cord and ripple of him was outlined as if by the bite of a classical sculptor's chisel, and he carried himself accordingly.  'Hi Terry'; within a very few days after his arrival at Dorset Academy, Terry Flynn had become the only new boy in Three building to be universally called by his first name."
What are your thoughts about these (2) opening paragraphs?
Would you read this one?

20 comments:

  1. I love the image of him. I'm anxious to hear what happens. He can't be as good as he looks. Here's mine

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  2. Well that is quite an opening. I hope the rest is as good.

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  3. I enjoyed the first paragraph more; the second was a little more stilted. I don't think that I would be hooked by this one.

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  4. I've been wanting to read more Yates after reading Easter Parade earlier this year. The prep school setting sounds interesting, and I'm already wondering what happens to Terry. Enjoy!

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  5. You know I love Richard Yates! Haven't been able to find this one around here... must place an order online soon. Hope you enjoy this one, Diane.

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  6. I think I would pass on that one, but that's just me!

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  7. I am thinking that there is something about Terry that he wants to keep secret. I would love to find out what that is, and would surely read this book!

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  8. Something bad is going to happen...

    Here is mine.

    My intro is unique today. Check it out.

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  9. Hmmm, I'm not sure if that would get me to keep reading!

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  10. I agree with Paulita, I don't think he can be as good as he looks!

    here's mine

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  11. my, that sounds like an interesting book.

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  12. The cover didn't grab me, but, yes, the opening does create some questions. The idea that he was the only one called by his first name intrigued me more than his physical description. Why is it guys are usually called by their last names in school or in sports?

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  13. It kind of makes me wish the book came with photos!!!

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  14. This sculpted young man has captured my attention. I'd read this book.

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  15. Another great pick and one that I would continue...I must read this author!

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  16. Hmm, not sure what I think of this. I'm not sure that these two paragraphs would be enough to keep me reading.

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  17. Interesting opening paragraph...I have a bad feeling Terry Flynn's life may not be as golden, though! I just love the way Yates writes, it's wonderful.
    I'm anticipating your thoughts on this book...and I'm hoping to start one of the Yates I won from you this week

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  18. I would definitely keep reading, love Richard Yates!

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