Tuesday, August 12, 2014

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros - Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage; Haruki Murakami


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. 


43 comments:

  1. Brilliant opening paragraphs - keep reading!

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  2. That will be quite a committed read. We don't talk enough about the taboo of suicide in society.

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    1. Isn't that the truth Peggy - still a taboo subject as is depression in the eyes of many sadly.

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  3. yes, anything and everything by Murakami! hopefully my copy will be at the library tomorrow, release day!

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  4. I am definitely curious! Thanks for sharing...and I hope you enjoy it.

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  5. I 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.

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  6. Ha - this is the same book I posted this week! That first sentence is a doozy!

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    1. It sure is Sarah and after 10 chapters (so far) it's even better now.

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  7. Looks 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.

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  8. I've never read Murakami, but really need to!

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  9. Hope you enjoy. His life should be interesting. Here's Mine

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  10. I recently read Never Let Me Go, so I'm looking forward to the publication of this one.

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  11. Sounds like an interesting read.

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  12. I 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.

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    1. I did read that one Irene as well as a few other and enjoyed them all.

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  13. I 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.

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  14. Wow - that grabbed me right away! I'm curious to learn more.

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    1. It's really good so far Margot. Great writing and translation.

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  15. Haven'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.

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    1. I'm loving the wring and story so far. I have read several books by this author and have enjoyed them all....very different.

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  16. I think this sounds very intense. I have yet to read this author's work!

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  17. I'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....

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    1. I know Kim such a loss, but it's really good - 10 chapters in one day so far.

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    1. I read 10 chapters already today, so it is an addictive read. (he's still alive - whew)

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  19. Now 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.

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  20. I'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.

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