Every Tuesday I host First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros where I share the first paragraph (sometimes 2) of a book I am reading or thinking of reading soon.
Mislaid; Nell Zink
Ecco - 2015
One
"Stillwater College sat on the fall line south of Petersburg. One half of the campus was elevated over the other half, and the waters above were separated from the waters below by a ledge with stone outcroppings. The waters below lay still, and the waters above flowed down. They seeped into the sandy ground before they had time to form a stream. And that's why the house had been named Stillwater. It overlooked a lake that lay motionless as if it had been dug with shovels and hand-lined with clay. But the lake had been there as long as anyone could remember. It had no visible outlet, and no docks because a piling might puncture the layer of clay. Nobody swam in the lake because of the leeches in the mud. There was no fishing because girls don't fish."
What do you think -- keep reading or pass? [ I love the 60;s cover art, but not sure after the first paragraph - need to read more]
(feel free to join in by posting your link below)
(feel free to join in by posting your link below)
". . . because girls don't fish" - tell that to the girls Mouse and I saw fishing yesterday. They caught quite a few fish while the two boys in their group didn't catch any. LOL
ReplyDeleteI am not sure about this one. I think I would want to read a little more before deciding.
I know really, many girls are way better at fishing than boys.
DeleteI rather like that line... lol... great setting too.
ReplyDeleteYes, I do like school settings as well.
DeleteThe opening doesn't grab me, but I like books with a college setting, so I'd read a bit more. I find the cover very reminiscent of the old grammar school readers with the Dick, Jane, and Spot characters.
ReplyDeleteCatherine, yes the old Dick and Jane covers --you are correct.
DeleteI really like the Dick and Jane cover. I also like the descriptive writing about the water. I think I'd read at least a few pages and then see.
ReplyDeleteI haven't started it actually so hope it will appeal to me once I begin.
DeleteWhile it doesn't immediately resonate with me, I am curious. So I would read more.
ReplyDeleteTime will tell:)
DeleteOh yes, I would definitely keep reading. Have a great week Diane :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Denise --you too.
DeleteScenery doesn't snag me like it does some others, so no, this doesn't make me need to read on.
ReplyDeleteI understand --I am not totally sold by the intro alone.
DeleteI'd keep reading because I'm curious about what life might have been like in a girl's college. Also, the cover makes me think of the 1950s, which was an interesting time.
ReplyDeleteI love school settings and girl's schools will be even more intriguing I hope.
DeleteI'm on the fence with this -- I'd have to read a bit more to be sure.
ReplyDeleteI understand, when I first saw this one in the bookstore, I wanted to buy it for the cover alobe:)
DeleteThe first paragraph didn't really grab me, but I've had this one on my TBR for awhile now, so I'd keep going a bit longer.
ReplyDeleteI think I am more curious than anything, I think I'll enjoy the setting.
DeleteOK, add me to the group that likes the cover. However, that whole description of the water and the lake somehow doesn't fit the cover. I'd have to read more. And leeches? Ick!
ReplyDeleteI know, it's all about the cover based on the inro --I agree.
DeleteThe first paragraph didn't really grab me, but the cover art did. I think I'd go a little further based on the book cover to see what develops!
ReplyDeleteKym, I am curious to see where this ill go. Hope to start it this weekend.
DeleteI really like the cover. I'm not sure if I'd keep reading though. I do like the detailed description, but I think that if could be too much detail if the book continues that way.
ReplyDeleteI'm torn as well. Almost want to own this one for the cover:)
DeleteThe cover is interesting. The intro leads me to believe that even though the house is necessary to the story, maybe something else will happen. My intro http://grammajudyb.blogspot.com/2015/07/first-chapter-first-paragraph-tuesday_28.html today doesn't tell all either.
ReplyDeleteyes, it makes one wonder for sure.
DeleteThe opening doesn't really grab me, but I'd keep reading because I'd like to know more about what's going on.
ReplyDeleteAs I mentioned earlier I have no idea, as I haven't started it yet.
DeleteI would read a bit more to see if the waters got muddy!
ReplyDeleteand the leeches disappear LOL
DeleteYes, the cover is fun. Not sure about the intro. Here's Mine
ReplyDeleteThat seems to be the consensus today:)
Delete"Girls don't fish?" This one likes to fish. Really good writing style.
ReplyDeleteWhat a poor stereotype...LprOL
DeleteI'm not sure about this one. I'd probably read a little more before I made a decision.
ReplyDeleteIf only the story is as appealing as the cover:)
DeleteThis doesn't sound like a book I could enjoy, but I hope you like it.
ReplyDeleteI'll post my review at some point.
DeleteI like that cover as well- very vintage. I might need a little more too to decide whether to keep reading- bit it has possibilities. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree Greg, I'll know better this weekend when I hope to start this one.
DeleteI like that cover as well- very vintage. I might need a little more too to decide whether to keep reading- bit it has possibilities. :)
ReplyDeleteI like the cover and if it is set in the time depicted on the cover, then I might keep reading.
ReplyDeleteYes, 1960's it appears.
DeleteIt hasn't grabbed my attention and the fishing remark is so not applicable to this fishergal :)
ReplyDeleteAgree -- unless in the 1960s girls didn't fish much LOL
DeleteI'd keep reading and I like that cover. The girls don't fish comment makes me think this is set in a bygone time.
ReplyDelete