Tuesday, September 8, 2015

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros ~ The New Neighbor; Leah Stewart


Every Tuesday I host First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros where I share the first paragraph sometimes two from a book I am reading or thinking about reading soon.

The New Neighbor; Leah Stewart
Touchstone - 2015

Signs of Life

"Where before there was no one, suddenly I, Margaret Riley, have a neighbor.  I went out on the back deck this morning, and there she was.  Across the pond, sitting on her own back deck. I was startled.  That house had been empty a long time.  My first impulse was to go back inside, as if I'd come upon something shameful, or embarrassed myself.  As if I were out there naked, which of course I wasn't, and even if I had been she was too far away to see.  But I am braver than that.  I put my coffee cup on the table, as usual, and then I went back inside for my book, which is by P/D. James, a remarkable woman, as ancient as I am and still creating mysteries.  I have to make two trips because I need one hand for the cane. Sometimes I try to manage cane and book and coffee all at once, and the result is always coffee stains, or burns, or at the very least a wet book and a diminished cup of coffee.  Every morning I am frustrated anew by the need to make two trips.  Impatience and age are not compatible."

What do you think -- keep reading or pass?  

(Feel free to join in this week by posting your intro below?



47 comments:

  1. Oh, I loved this book! Hope you do, too. Great opening lines.

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    1. I remember you saying that you enjoyed this one Laurel -- good to hear.

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  2. This sounds like a wonderful book. I like the point-of-view character already! I'm definitely curious about the new neighbor too.

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  3. I remember Luarel-Rain talking about this one and deciding then I should read it. I am glad you reminded me of it, Diane.

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  4. I see myself in this paragraph. The last line is a true litany among my friends. I want to keep reading.

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  5. I have already got my sights set on this book and yes, having read the opening, I still want to read more!

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  6. This book is on my TBR so would definitely continue. It sounds good!

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  7. I guess this one isn't for me as I found myself zoning out after three sentences. But hey, I'm a mood reader and sometimes that just means it is the wrong time.

    My First Chapter share is up over here if you're interested: http://www.bookpunks.com/so-it-begins-the-daylight-gate-by-jeanette-winterson/

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    1. Oh too bad Nikki, but hey we all have different taste in books.

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  8. Oh, my gosh, Diane; my husband and I just moved into a new home about 3 weeks ago and I had a moment sort of like this in my backyard - ha! I would definitely keep reading!! Thanks for sharing this one and hosting today's link up; hope you have a great day!

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  9. I've had this one on my radar -- looks so good.

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  10. I haven't read this one yet, but it does sound like a good one.

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  11. I put this on my wish list after reading Laurel-Rain's review! Hope you like it, too.

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    1. It hooked me right away, but only at the 15% point on my Kindle.

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  12. This one is in my reading queue. Hope you enjoy it!

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  13. There seems to be a lot going on in that opening passage.

    I assume that is intentional, perhaps as a reflection of how the protagonist thinks?

    Such an unusual writing style would keep me interested and I would at least venture a little further.

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    1. SHE'S 90 BRIAN, SO YES I THINK THAT INTRO REFLECTS HER THOUGHT PROCESS.

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  14. The opening left me with lots of questions, so I'd have to keep reading!

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  15. A senior reading P D James - what's not to like? I'm in!

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  16. This book is already on my wish list, must have been Laurel-Rain's review!

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  17. I'm not sure, the grammar bothered me a bit.

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    1. That got me as well, but she's 90 and that's to reflect her thought process.

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  18. I love the description of the new neighbor. I thought of P.D. James this past weekend, The Lighthouse.

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  19. Since I'm almost at that age myself, I'd definitely read on! I have new neighbors too!

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  20. Yes, this sounds like something I'd enjoy! Thanks for bringing it to my attention!

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    1. It's easy to fall into so far - alternating chapters from each neighbor.

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  21. Definitely sounds like one I'd keep reading. Hope it's good. I was traveling all day so couldn't join in on the Mr. Linky until now. Thanks for visiting anyway!

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    1. Not a problem, I think this one will appeal to lots of readers.

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  22. Sounds like a keeper, I'd keep on reading :) Have a great week Diane.

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  23. I would definitely read it! I giggled when she wanted to pop back in the house... lol... I think it would be a normal reaction.

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  24. I think I would be tempted to read more, wanting to find out about the new neighbour and how they interact.

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