Tuesday, July 28, 2015

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros - Mislaid; Nell Zink


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)


48 comments:

  1. ". . . 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

    I am not sure about this one. I think I would want to read a little more before deciding.

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    1. I know really, many girls are way better at fishing than boys.

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  2. I rather like that line... lol... great setting too.

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  3. The 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.

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    1. Catherine, yes the old Dick and Jane covers --you are correct.

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  4. I 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.

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    1. I haven't started it actually so hope it will appeal to me once I begin.

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  5. While it doesn't immediately resonate with me, I am curious. So I would read more.

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  6. Oh yes, I would definitely keep reading. Have a great week Diane :)

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  7. Scenery doesn't snag me like it does some others, so no, this doesn't make me need to read on.

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  8. I'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.

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    1. I love school settings and girl's schools will be even more intriguing I hope.

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  9. I'm on the fence with this -- I'd have to read a bit more to be sure.

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    1. I understand, when I first saw this one in the bookstore, I wanted to buy it for the cover alobe:)

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  10. The 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.

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    1. I think I am more curious than anything, I think I'll enjoy the setting.

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  11. OK, 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!

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    1. I know, it's all about the cover based on the inro --I agree.

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  12. The 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!

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    1. Kym, I am curious to see where this ill go. Hope to start it this weekend.

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  13. I 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.

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    1. I'm torn as well. Almost want to own this one for the cover:)

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  14. The 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.

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  15. The opening doesn't really grab me, but I'd keep reading because I'd like to know more about what's going on.

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    1. As I mentioned earlier I have no idea, as I haven't started it yet.

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  16. I would read a bit more to see if the waters got muddy!

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  17. Yes, the cover is fun. Not sure about the intro. Here's Mine

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  18. "Girls don't fish?" This one likes to fish. Really good writing style.

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  19. I'm not sure about this one. I'd probably read a little more before I made a decision.

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  20. This doesn't sound like a book I could enjoy, but I hope you like it.

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  21. I like that cover as well- very vintage. I might need a little more too to decide whether to keep reading- bit it has possibilities. :)

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    1. I agree Greg, I'll know better this weekend when I hope to start this one.

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  22. I like that cover as well- very vintage. I might need a little more too to decide whether to keep reading- bit it has possibilities. :)

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  23. I like the cover and if it is set in the time depicted on the cover, then I might keep reading.

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  24. It hasn't grabbed my attention and the fishing remark is so not applicable to this fishergal :)

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  25. I'd keep reading and I like that cover. The girls don't fish comment makes me think this is set in a bygone time.

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