Every Tuesday I host First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, where I share the first paragraph or (a few) of a book I am reading or thinking about reading soon. [I'm Participating in a Read Along hosted by Dolce Bellezza].
Knopf - August 12, 2014
Chapter 1
"From July of his sophomore year in college until the following January, all Tsukuru Tazaki could think about was dying. He turned twenty during this time, but this special watershed--becoming an adult--meant nothing. Taking his own life seemed the most natural solution, and even now he couldn't say why he hadn't taken this final step. Crossing that threshold between life and death would have been easier than swallowing down a slick, raw egg.
Perhaps he didn't commit suicide then because he couldn't conceive of a method that fit the pure and intense feelings he had toward death. But method was beside the point. If there had been a door within reach that lead straight to death, he wouldn't have hesitated to push it open,without a second thought, as if it were just a part of ordinary life. For better or for worse, though, there was no such door nearby."
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What
do you think? Would you read more? I just started this one and I think it's going to be a good one.
Feel free to join in and post the Intro from one of your reads by linking your post below.
Feel free to join in and post the Intro from one of your reads by linking your post below.
Brilliant opening paragraphs - keep reading!
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked the intro - so good so far.
DeleteThat will be quite a committed read. We don't talk enough about the taboo of suicide in society.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that the truth Peggy - still a taboo subject as is depression in the eyes of many sadly.
Deleteyes, anything and everything by Murakami! hopefully my copy will be at the library tomorrow, release day!
ReplyDeleteEmma, hope you enjoy it as much as I am thus far.
DeleteI am definitely curious! Thanks for sharing...and I hope you enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteexcellent so far, thanks for joining in Laurel
DeleteKeep reading.
ReplyDeleteOh yes - right decision. it's so good.
DeleteI have had a number of Murakami's books on my wishlist for a while now but haven't got around to reading any yet. I would definitley read on. I hope you enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteOh Sarah, you need to try them.
DeleteHa - this is the same book I posted this week! That first sentence is a doozy!
ReplyDeleteIt sure is Sarah and after 10 chapters (so far) it's even better now.
DeleteLooks like an intense read. Suicide is certainly a hot topic at the moment following the sad loss of Robin Williams. I hope you enjoy it, Diane.
ReplyDeleteSo true and so sad about RW at 63.
DeleteI've never read Murakami, but really need to!
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised JoAnn; I think you would enjoy his style.
DeleteHope you enjoy. His life should be interesting. Here's Mine
ReplyDeleteIt's a definite page turner thus far.
DeleteI recently read Never Let Me Go, so I'm looking forward to the publication of this one.
ReplyDeleteThat was another good one by a Japanese author - different
DeleteSounds like an interesting read.
ReplyDeleteVery good Yvonne - love the story so far.
DeleteI'm going with audio on this one.
ReplyDeleteThe audio is excellent - I'm doing both audio and eGalley.
DeleteI love these opening paragraphs! I read one book by this author, Kafka on the Shore. It was a strange, beautifully written novel. Aside from a horrible scene involving cats, I enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI did read that one Irene as well as a few other and enjoyed them all.
Deletethis one sounds like a heavy subject, I think I'd pass. kelley—the road goes ever ever on
ReplyDeleteOh too bad, it's excellent so far.
DeleteI haven't yet read anything by this author, but I have a couple books of his on my shelf to try. I admit this one sounds rather intriguing. I would definitely keep reading.
ReplyDeleteWow - that grabbed me right away! I'm curious to learn more.
ReplyDeleteIt's really good so far Margot. Great writing and translation.
DeleteHaven't read this author, not sure if it's for me, but enjoy it! I love to discover new authors, regardless of whether I do read them.
ReplyDeleteI'm loving the wring and story so far. I have read several books by this author and have enjoyed them all....very different.
DeleteI think this sounds very intense. I have yet to read this author's work!
ReplyDeleteIt's very good so far.
DeleteI'm not sure about this one. I definitely want to know what he wants to kill himself, but I"m not sure I could stick with this. Especially today with the loss of Robin Williams....
ReplyDeleteI know Kim such a loss, but it's really good - 10 chapters in one day so far.
DeleteI agree with Kim@Time2Read...
ReplyDeleteI read 10 chapters already today, so it is an addictive read. (he's still alive - whew)
DeleteNow this is ever more poignant after Robin Williams' suicide. I look forward to your review of this very popular book. See it everywhere among book bloggers. Thanks for sharing it, Diane.
ReplyDeleteI've tried a couple of books by this author, but haven't been able to stick with them. Maybe this book will be the one to win me over.
ReplyDelete