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. (This one is my book group pick)
Remarkable Creatures; Tracy Chevalier
Dutton - 2010
"Lightning as struck me all my life. Just once was it real. I shouldn't remember it, for I was more than a baby. But I do remember. I was in a field, where there were horses and riders performing tricks. Then a storm blew in, and a woman--not Mam--picked me up and brought me under a tree. As she held me tight I looked up and saw the pattern of black leaves against the white sky.
Then there was a big noise, like all trees falling down round me, and a bright, bright light, which was like looking at the sun. A buzz run right through me. It was as if I'd touched a hot coal, and I could smell singed flesh and sense there was pain, yet it weren't painful. I felt like a stocking turned inside out."
What do you think -- keep reading or pass?
(Feel free to join in this week by posting your intro below?
I am definitely curious and want to know more. I have never read this author.
ReplyDeleteI've read a few of her earliest books and enjoyed them.
DeleteI like it. Very descriptive. I like to book's cover too!
ReplyDeleteI do love the cover as well.
DeleteI like the writing style, Diane. I would keep reading. I would like to know what the other lightning strike was, the figurative one the narrator alludes to.
ReplyDeleteExactly! I haven't started this yet but, hopefully this week.
DeleteI'm not sure about this one Diane. It's nice descriptive language, but it's not grabbing me. I'd need to read a bit more.
ReplyDeleteI probably wouldn't have picked it up on my own (book club read) but, I have enjoyed earlier books by this author.
DeleteI've read other books by Chevalier and liked them, so I'd give this a try. I'm not immediately drawn in, but I see potential.
ReplyDeleteYes, I liked earlier books, so I'll be curious.
DeleteToo many metaphors for me! :--)
ReplyDeleteLOL
DeleteI don't think this one is for me. The writing in the intro wasn't really my style.
ReplyDeleteIt is different, I agree.
DeleteI think that's a captivating opening - I'd continue.
ReplyDeleteReading With Jade
Glad u like it Jade. Haven't started it yet.
DeleteI really like the author and remember enjoying this story. Hope you like it.
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear Catherine; glad u mentioned that.
DeleteI'm trying to decide if the tree was struck by lightning. And I do like the cover. I feel like I've read another book by this author, but the name isn't coming to me right now. Hope it's good and your book group has a lot to talk about.
ReplyDeleteGirl with the Pearl Earring was the first book I read by her.
DeleteI like the opening and the cover and would keep reading!
ReplyDeleteGlad u liked my intro Harvee.
DeleteI was immediately curious as to what happened to the narrator. I have had Girl With a Pearl Earring on my list for a long time. I would read on. Thanks for sharing this one.
ReplyDeleteI did read and like Girl with the Pearl Earring - read it:)
DeleteI like the opening but am not curious enough that I would keep reading. I don't think that I would continue
ReplyDeleteCertainly a bigger hit with historical fans.
DeleteI would keep reading. I brought this home on audio but did not get to it before I had to return it.
ReplyDeleteSay thing happened to me when it was first released LOL
DeleteI enjoyed this one. Very different for a Tracy Chevalier novel. Here's Mine
ReplyDeleteOh Great, glad u enjoyed this one.
DeleteThat sounds interesting. I am rather curious to see what's going on.
ReplyDeleteHaven't started it yet so I am curious as well.
DeleteI like that intro!
ReplyDeleteGlad it appealed to my SC fans.
DeleteThat must be strange - to feel like a stocking turned inside out... it's difficult to imagine what that would feel like.
ReplyDeleteChippy
I can't imagine what that would be like.
Delete"Like a stocking turned inside out." It's rare to find authors who write descriptions like Tracy Chevalier. Really like this beginning.
ReplyDeleteTea - happy you liked the intro.
DeleteI'd keep reading. Sounds interesting. Here's mine: http://wp.me/p4DMf0-18l
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining us this week, off to check out your post.
DeleteInteresting--I've never heard THAT described before!
ReplyDeleteThe writing really makes you think about the point she's trying to make.
DeleteSounds good and I love the cover...I could walk right in.
ReplyDeleteLove the cover as well!!
DeleteGlad u liked the intros.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely continuing!
ReplyDeleteI do like this author. Glad u liked the intro.
DeleteI would definitely continue. Very descriptive.
ReplyDeleteGlad it appealed to you Denise.
DeleteThis is my favourite of her books, fascinating and beautiful to read, has stayed with me a long time, probably because of its historical connections.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to hear this. I was reading a few books at the same time but really enjoyed this one.
DeleteI'm a Chevalier fan, and I loved this book. Hope you do too :)
ReplyDeleteOh Jane, so happy to read this. I thought it was well done (no review yet though)
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