Every Tuesday, I'll be posting the opening paragraph (sometime 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 a classic I've been wanting to read for a long time.
" The SALINAS VALLEY is in Northern California. It is a long narrow swale between two ranges of mountains, and the Salinas River winds and twists up the center until it falls at last into Monterey Bay.
I remember my childhood names for grasses and secret flowers. I remember where a toad may live and what time the birds awaken in the summer--and what trees and seasons smelled like--how people looked and walked and smelled even. The memory of odors is very rich."
(I've been listening to the audio version (amazing) as well as reading the above print edition and I'm really enjoying this powerful story). Have you read it? What were your thoughts?
Such a sad book, and saw the movie too. Great classic!
ReplyDeleteHarvee, My husband saw the movie -- I never did, so each page is pleasant or sometimes horrifying surprise:)
DeleteYes, such a powerful story! I just finished it and loved every word.
ReplyDeleteI'm only about 1/4 way into it but already it's a wow!
DeleteEast of Eden is one of my all-time favorite books. It must be wonderful on audio, too... will keep that in mind for my next reread.
ReplyDeleteI'm reading Anna Quindlen this week:
http://lakesidemusing.blogspot.com/2012/01/tuesday-intro-every-last-one.html
It is pretty amazing...how about Cathy? OMG
DeleteWell, I think you know how I feel about this one! I do so hope that you enjoy it, and that it's a great read for you. I know it is a favorite of mine!
ReplyDeleteHow about that Cathy?? OMG
DeleteI read this so long ago I hardly remember it. Glad you're enjoying it.
ReplyDeleteYes Kaye, It's so well written.
DeleteI am sadly deficient in Steinbeck. I hope to change that this year. His writing is just amazing. Great choice, Diane.
ReplyDeleteI've posted my book choice:
Amy's FCFPTI!
Enjoy!
Oh Amy, I know you'd love this one. I am only 1/4 the way through but it's amazing.
DeleteIt is a story I've always wanted to read. Thanks for the reminder. kaye—the road goes ever ever on
ReplyDeleteKaye, it is amazing.
DeleteI read it long ago and liked it. Maybe it is time for a re-read via audiobook! A great way to revisit books.
ReplyDeleteMine is here.
The audio version is excellent.
DeleteI read Heather's review at Raging Biblomania last night and that made me want to rush right out and buy East of Eden so I could finally get around to reading it. I look forward to reading your review of this classic!
ReplyDeletehere's my Tuesday Intro:
http://www.anovelsource.com/2012/01/first-chapter-first-paragraph-hangmans.html
Heather writes the best reviews. I just skimmed hers as I've only read 1/4 so far.
DeleteI startedreading the quoted paragraph first and knew right away it was John Steinbeck. I thought it was The Long Valley, which I read last year. It's been a long time since I read East of Eden. I'm looking forward to your review.
ReplyDeleteMy first paragraph is here this week: Quirky Girls Read
Margot, he does have an unmistakable style.
DeleteI started this in high school because I had to, and finished reading it because I loved it.
ReplyDeleteVery cool; how many times can you say that about something you HAD to read in school.
DeleteThat was a good book! Hey, they have a great garden there too.
ReplyDeleteLOL
DeleteI haven't read this in a million years but I remember loving it ( I really love all Steinbeck). I love the idea of listening to it. What audio version do you have?
ReplyDeleteMartha, this is the Recorded Books edition and it's wonderful.
DeleteI read several Steinbeck books many years ago...I would love to read them again.
ReplyDeleteOne of the things I enjoyed most was that the author wrote about parts of California that I've visited.
Yes, all of his books I've read thus far seem to take place in the same area of CA,
DeleteI haven't read much Steinbeck, but this intro makes me want to read more.
ReplyDeleteKim, this or Mice and Men would be good ones to start with.
DeleteToo bad you are not reading this along with Zibilee! Yes, I'd read this (again!) on the basis of the intro!
ReplyDeleteYes, I just skimmed her review as I'm only about 1/4 the way into it -- so good though.
DeleteI loved this book. Years later and the characters are still sticking with me.
ReplyDeleteThis week I am reading 77 Shadow Street by Dean Koontz. I am liking it more than the average reviewer at Amazon.
http://booksnwhatnot.blogspot.com/2012/01/first-chapter-first-paragraph-77-shadow.html
It's terrific so far. Off to read your intro now.
DeleteI probably wouldn't read it just based on the paragraph you shared!!
ReplyDeleteWell, don't let the intro discourage you, as the story is terrific and I'm only 1/4 into it.
DeleteI read one Steinbeck book in school, Of Mice and Men. His descriptions are amazing! So accurate too. Some of them had me squirming out of discomfort.
ReplyDeleteMelanie, I loved Of Mice and Men --so sad though.
DeleteI need to read this one -- someday, someday...
ReplyDeleteAudra, you must read it -- only begun and it's so good already.
DeleteI know I've read Steinbeck but it was so long ago I don't even remember which book. Love the first paragraph...off the add this to my "read this year list" ;)
ReplyDeleteHere's mine
Yes, this one is very good --try it (not done yet).
DeleteIt's very good, and I've really just started it. try it
DeleteLove the opening.
ReplyDeleteHere is mine: The Help
Off to read your intro Melissa.
DeleteI read this a couple decades ago and enjoyed it much more than The Grapes of Wrath (which everyone told me was incredible).
ReplyDeleteMy entry for the week.
Everyone has seemed to enjoy this. Sorry I waited so long:)
DeleteWhat fun! I did it.
ReplyDeletehere is mine:
http://thefridayfriends.blogspot.com/2012/01/first-chapter.html
and I've never read East of Eden. Perhaps I should.
Thanks for joining in Debbie. Off to check your Intro out.
DeleteVicki, you must give it a try. wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI bet the audio of this book would be fantastic. This is one of my all time favorite books. I think I've read it three times now and after seeing it on your site and Heather's I think I may want to read it again. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThis is one Steinbeck book that I haven't read...yet! I have started adding audio to my reading because of a few bloggers who shall remain nameless (Diane, JoAnn, and Mary) and am enjoying them so much. I may have to do the audio on this one. Right now I'm listening to Emma and it's flying by. Probably much faster than if I read it! Sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this one. Perhaps audio would be the way to go. I seem to be listening to as many books as I'm reading these days.
ReplyDeleteI loved The Grapes of Wrath and Travels with Charley, so I plan to read this in 2012. Might be the perfect chunkster for a couple of very long flights in March. I should track down the audios to the Steibeck books I've already read. Audios are a great way to reread.
ReplyDeleteAll I have to say about this one is it was amazing. Now it is one of my all time favorites.
ReplyDeleteHave this and not read it.
ReplyDelete