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.
Invisible Ellen; Shari Shattuck
Putnam - 2014
"Occasionally, though not very often, Ellen Homes would wonder how she gained two hundred seventy-three pounds and simultaneously disappeared. Not that she necessarily need an answer, or even wanted one, because, simply put, being unseen was everything Ellen ever wanted.
It was also all she could remember. Her mother, a noun she used for lack of an inoffensive alternative, had apparently at some point forgotten she had a daughter. Ellen had a vague memory of the woman packing up vodka bottles and a glass pipe before leaving her alone in a grubby room of a halfway house when she was five. The only thing she clearly recalled from that event was the gnawing hunger, and the joy of eating a cinnamon bun someone had eventually given her. But the details of life with that woman, and especially that particular day, Ellen enthusiastically and effectively smothered, perfectly under artificial non dairy dessert topping, or gravy."
What do you think -- keep reading or pass?
(feel free to join in by posting your link below)
(feel free to join in by posting your link below)
I read this one a while ago, and it was definitely unique. Kind of sad, too, but then uplifting. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI see her coming around bit by bit. I like it so far.
DeleteThat's a great first sentence. I like the contradiction.
ReplyDeleteI agree Suzie.
DeleteIt does sound sad. I'd like to read more.
ReplyDeleteSomething about her voice really appeals to me.
DeleteThis is a really interesting beginning because it sets up so much and really draws you in! I'd definitely keep reading! Thanks for hosting :) I hope you have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteJuli @ Universe in Words
Juli, glad u liked the intro and so happy you joined in.
DeleteI love the sound of this...want to read!
ReplyDeleteher voice is unique.
DeleteI've heard alot about this one. I'd definitely keep reading.
ReplyDeleteyes, she has a new book coming out too. This is the type of read I needed about now.
DeleteSounds like could be sad. I"d have to be in the right mood.
ReplyDeleteI see her transforming little by little. She has a great voice.
DeleteHmm, I'm not sure about this one...
ReplyDeleteI made a mistake with my link... feel free to remove the first one. Thanks.
It's good Joann. Not my normal pick but I like it.
DeleteOooh - I love the writing in that intro! I'd definitely keep reading...
ReplyDeleteI love her character Sarah.
DeleteOh my, would like to read this one. I know what it feels like to find comfort in food.(: I would read this one.
ReplyDeleteMe too:)
DeleteThe intro is quite sad, but it grabbed me, so I'd definitely keep reading.
ReplyDeleteGrabbed me right away as well.
DeleteIt sounds like my kind of book. Girl Who Reads
ReplyDeleteVery good so far Donna.
DeleteThis looks like an interesting read. Going to add it to my TBR, because that intro quite grabbed me.
ReplyDeleteGlad u liked the intro.
DeleteMy first reaction was, I want to be invisible!! Then after reading the first paragraph, I thought how sad and very disturbing. But I would read this one. Hope you like it, I'll watch for your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds sad, but after the first few paragraphs you begin to see her willing to step out of her comfort zone.
DeleteThe opening is sad. I'm not sure if this one is for me, but I'd keep reading to find out.
ReplyDeleteIt's not sad after the first few pages.
DeleteI'm not sure I would like it, but it is very well written.
ReplyDeleteShe is very likable.
DeleteThat is sad. There are times I do wish I was invisible. I would keep reading. I want to know that Ellen will be okay.
ReplyDeleteI think Ellen will be just fine. I like her already.
DeleteIt sounds so sad . . . I'd have to be in the right reading mood to continue.
ReplyDeleteIt's hopeful...I'm seeing.--she is a tough cookie.
DeleteAn intriguing introduction - I think I might have to add this one to my TBR list
ReplyDeleteChippy
yay, hope you try it.
DeleteSuch a sad beginning. I hope she triumphs in the end.
ReplyDeleteI think so, I really do.
DeleteShe will win you over I think, she's quite the character.
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting....I'm hoping this is fiction and not a memoir. How sad it if it true...
ReplyDelete