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.
Etta and Otto and Russell and James; Emma Hooper
Simon & Schuster - 2015
Otto
"The letter began, in blue ink,
I've gone. I've never seen the water, so I've gone there. Don't worry, I've left you the truck. I can walk. I will try to remember to come back.
Yours (always),
Etta.
Underneath the letter she had left a pile of recipe cards. All the things she had always made. Also in blue ink, So he would know what and how to eat while she was away. Otto sat down at the table and arranged them so no two were overlapping. Columns and rows. He thought about putting on his coat and shoes and going out to try and find her, maybe asking neighbors if they had seen which way she went, but he didn't.He just sat at the table with the letter and the cards.His hands trembled. He laid one of top of the other to calm them."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What do you think, would you read more?
Poor Otto. I get the impression he isn't used to being without Etta. I imagine she needed the time away though. I would keep reading. I want to know what their situation is and how they manage.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I just started it, I like the style so far...very short chapters. Past and present.
DeleteHow sweet that she is taking care of him as she goes...I like the sound of this one.
ReplyDeleteI'd picture myself doing the same thing....LOL
DeleteThat is so sad. Poor Otto. I'd read more.
ReplyDeleteI think I'll enjoy it.
DeleteOh that sounds so bitter-sweet, those trembling hands put a lump into my throat. I'd definitely keep reading!
ReplyDeleteCleo, that part got me as well, and it's just the intro:)
DeleteI'd read on - although it does sound as though she might have dementia, or is she making a joke about trying to remember to come back?? It also sounds a bit like some other books about elderly people (I take it she is getting on in years) setting off on road trips - Harold Fry for example.
ReplyDeleteMargaret, The Harold Fry story is the first thing I thought of. Honestly, I appreciate seeing more stories about older couples like this one.
DeleteI would be intrigued to read on, I'm drawn in by Etta's note, and then by Otto's reaction. It makes me wonder if the story is a bit like Harold Fry?
ReplyDeleteIn some ways it feels like that --although I've just started.
DeleteThe fact that she planned this out makes me think that that it's no surprise for Otto. I'm wondering what what their relationship is.
ReplyDeleteNot so sure about that,
DeleteI'm not sure. I'd have to read more.
ReplyDeleteI think it will be appealing to the 50+ age group especially, or fans of Harold Fry.
DeleteOh! Not sure if I should feel sorry for Otto or not!
ReplyDeleteOtto seems sympathetic this far.
DeleteIntriguing...I'd keep reading. I've seen this one around a bit.
ReplyDeleteSo far, so good Sarah.
DeleteI'd keep reading. I want to know more about these characters.
ReplyDeleteThere is good character development past and present.
DeleteI want to know more... would definitely keep going!
ReplyDeleteI think it will be good and characters one cares about as well.
DeleteThis is such a sad beginning, but I'd read more. I like Emma Hooper's writing style. (Diane, I made a mistake on my Mr.Linky, and it says Sister Carrie next to my name which I did not intend to do. That's what I get for being in a hurry!)
ReplyDeleteFixed the link Monica. ..no worries.
DeleteI feel so sorry for him. I would definitely read this one.
ReplyDeleteI know and I'm curious why she had to leave now.
DeleteNow that I have read the beginning, I would read on. I might not have picked it up otherwise. Looking forward to your review.
ReplyDeleteI like when an into hooks other readers.
DeleteYep, we would keep reading that one too.
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear it puled you in Brian.
DeleteYes, I would keep reading. I saw this book yesterday at the library.
ReplyDeleteIt's really becoming popular, although the title is odd IMO.
DeleteI've seen mixed reviews on this one, but it sounds like something I would enjoy.
ReplyDeleteIt does seem good.
DeleteThis sounds a bit heartbreaking, but good. I'd read more!
ReplyDeleteI know -- curious why she feels the need to do this at 80??
DeleteThis is one on my Goodreads wish list. :-)
ReplyDeleteHope you'll read it soon Freda.
DeleteI've been very tempted by this one ever since it arrived in the store. Now I know it's one I want to read!!
ReplyDeleteI do hope you try this one. We seem to like similar book Les.
Deleteoh sad, I think it will be a good story despite the sadness of the opening paragraph. Kelley at the road goes ever ever on
ReplyDelete