Every Tuesday, I'll be posting the opening paragraph (maybe two) of a book I decided to read based on the opening paragraph (s). Feel free to grab the banner and play along. This week's "intro" is from an October 2011 release.
"HE WASN'T TALKING. He was looking from the window of the car all the way. Two adults in the front seat spoke quietly under their breath. He could have listened if he wanted to, but he didn't. For a while, at the section of the road where the river sometimes flooded, he could hear the spray of the water at the wheels. They entered the Fort and the car slipped silently past the post office building and the clock tower. At this hour of the night there was barely any traffic in Colombo. They drove out along Reclamation Road, passed St. Anthony's Church, and after that he saw the last of the food stalls, each lit with a single bulb. Then they entered a vast open space that was the harbour, with only a string of lights in the distance along the pier. He got out and stood by the warmth of the car."
What do you think? Would you continue reading?
(it is better than the intro paragraph IMO)
I love this. Its a Tuesday and traditionally I go to St. Anthony's Church which I did just now. The church is off Duplication Road and I felt I was part of the book!!!
ReplyDeleteInteresting although a bit haunting intro. Mine is definitely more violent and bloody.
ReplyDeletevery interesting...I've seen this book on several bloggers' mailbox lists so I'm looking forward to finding out more :)
ReplyDeleteWow, that's a good one, and yes, I would definitely keep reading.
ReplyDeleteI really should join in over here, but I do have a Teaser Tuesday, with a couple of long sentences here at MY TT POST and
MY WEBSITE
I'm glad you picked this book! It's new and was recently shortlisted for the Giller prize, therefore its on my radar ;)
ReplyDeleteThe opening sounds promising. I'll be giving this a closer look over the holidays.
Definitely would continue. I want to see what happens next. I decided to play along with you this week, Diane. Fun meme!
ReplyDeleteI'd read on as I like the setting and the intrigue.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if I would read this one. I haven't had much luck with Ondaatje's work in the past, and am kind of intimidated by him. I will have to give this some careful thought to see if it's the right book for me.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds too dark for me.
ReplyDeleteMy bit of fluff this week:
http://booksnwhatnot.blogspot.com/2011/11/first-chapter-first-paragraph-invisible.html
I'm curious about this and would continue reading. There's a melancholy, haunting almost despairing feeling to this paragraph. I'm not sure how much I really like Ondaatje's work but I wouldkeep reading!
ReplyDeleteI just posted my entry:
Amy's First Chapter
well, a book can't be too dark for me..lol
ReplyDeleteit sounds great!
This is fun! I've been so curious about The Cat's Table! Oh yes, I will read!
ReplyDeleteHere is my First Chapter First Paragraph
I had this book in my hands, but put it back today! Guess I'll have to go back for it.
ReplyDeleteMine is here.
Ondaatje definitely has a gift for writing! It's been years since I read something by him and don't know much about this one, but I'm sure it'll be excellent. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea, not too sure I'd keep reading having only read this first paragraph.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to keep reading. I'm going to jump ship from Tuesday Teasers and join you for Tuesday Intro's. kaye—the road goes ever ever on
ReplyDeleteI like the description and the feeling of isolation.
ReplyDeleteSomehow I got it into my head that this was written from a cat's point of view!
ReplyDeleteMystica...love how this seemed to resonate with you.
ReplyDeleteAnachronist...it is haunting and not just the intro.
Patty...It is a somewhat depressing story, but good.
Laurel...it is holding my interest.
Trish...I wasn't aware it was shortlisted for the Giller Prize. Thanks 4 mentioning that.
Kaye...thanks for joining in.
Harvee...think you would like this based on what you seem to enjoy.
Heather....I find it hard to believe this book would intimidate you...LOL (I was one who did not care for the English Patient).
Nancy and Amy...it is both dark and haunting --but a good story.
Caite...you do read some dark stories (I crave them too from time to time)
Annie...I will be recommending this one, I'm pretty sure.
Nise...I'm sure the library loves your business...LOL
Trish...the writing is very good.
Petty...this book will not be for everyone,
Kaye, thanks for joining in - I appreciate that.
Paulita...Isolation is a biggie here.
Hmmm....I think I would keep going.
ReplyDeleteNot a bad first paragraph. I've seen lots of good buzz about the book. Hopefully it keeps getting better as it goes along.
ReplyDeleteAlthough DIVISADERO was disappointing, I still went out and bought THE CAT'S TABLE. I didn't even flip through it because the name Michael Ondaajte means fine writing. The first paragraph does make me curious.
ReplyDeleteThis book is on my TBR list; I heard a description of the book on Books on the Nightstand (my favourite book podcast) and fell in love with the book. Looking forward to this one.
ReplyDelete