Tuesday, April 19, 2016

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros - Orphan #8, Kim Van Alkemade


Every Tuesday I host First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros where I share the first paragraph sometimes two, of a book that I'm reading or plan to read soon. 


Orphan #8, Kim Van Alkemade
William Morrow / Harper Audio - 2014

Chapter One

"FROM HER BED OF BUNDLED NEWSPAPERS UNDER THE kitchen table, Rachel Rabinowitz watched her mother's bare feet shuffle to the sink.  She heard water filling the kettle, then saw her mother's heels lift as she stretched up to drop a nickel in the gas meter.  There was the sizzle of a struck match, the hiss of the burner, the whoosh of catching flame.  As her mother passed the table Rachel reached out to catch the hem of her nightdress."

What do you think -- keep reading or pass? 
(Feel free to join in this week by posting your intro below?






39 comments:

  1. I've been curious about this one...I'd keep reading.

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  2. This sounds like such an AWESOME novel! I have checked it out on Goodreads, and it's certainly rich in pathos and period details. Unfortunately, I must conclude that it's not for me....it sounds like it's also a very emotional read. The topics of revenge and forgiveness are powerful ones, and, in my case, I must confess they hit too close to home for comfort. It's not easy for me to forgive those who have caused me such inner turmoil and harm....I know I must, but it's hard, as the wrongs they did me are still very much fresh in my memory. So, I must pass on this book.

    It's obviously a great read, so I do hope you enjoy it! Thanks for sharing!! :)

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    1. Maria, I can see how this one would not be for everyone. I'm feeling like I need something more upbeat but, it is good.

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  3. What a sad beginning. I'm curious about this story. I'd keep reading.

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  4. What an evocative opening, so few words yet such a sad scene - I would definitely keep reading.

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    1. it's good but, I wish I was reading something more upbeat.

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  5. Oh, my! That's quite an opening. I want to know what happens in this story.

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  6. This sounds as though it might be a bit of a misery memoir and I'm not in the mood for that just now, so it's not for me.
    Miss Cellany.

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  7. This has been on my list for a while ... a fascinating premise.

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    1. It's good but I put it aside right now - looking for something happier.

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  8. I don't know anything about the book, but the opening seems a little sad. It's also made me curious... off to look for a summary.

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    1. I got a copy last year and needed to try it. It's good but not what I need right now.

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  9. I'm curious about this one, so I'd keep reading.

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  10. It seems very sad. But I have heard a lot about this one. I would read a bit more. That being said, I almost never quit after I start a book. I know, I know, some of you think that is wasteful, but I always hold out hope that it will get better! Thanks for sharing this one.

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  11. Pardon the pun, but that seems like a very explosive beginning...and given the title and my own familial experiences, I have already started forming my own conclusions about what might happen. I'd definitely keep reading - I'm just intrigued to know!

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  12. I like the descriptiveness of this one, it sounds really interesting! And I like the cover as well, so consider me intrigued! Thanks for sharing and for hosting :)
    Juli @ Universe in Words

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  13. I liked this book, hope you do as well.

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  14. I'd keep reading this one, Diane. I want to know: does she really sleep on those newspapers under the bed?

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  15. I am unable to stay away from orphan stories. I would keep reading and I am going to check it out right now!

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  16. wow, I don't mind word verification, but the form takes for ever to load...
    some bloggers have stopped following blogspot sites for this, some days, I feel like doing that too.

    so, I like the description, but would love to know more to see if I would persevere

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  17. That's quite the intro, I would want to read some more!

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  18. My book group loved it, but Jason's about to give up on the audio because not enough is happening :) It was an interesting book for sure.

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    1. I can't say I'm loving the audio so I'm planning on switching to print as well:)

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  19. That is quite an opening. I think I'd keep reading. In fact, it is going on my TBR list. LOL

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    1. It's not an upbeat story and a bit slow moving but, I'm not discouraged yet.

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  20. I have been wanting to read this one. I like the writing style just from reading the opening. I hope this is a good one!

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    Replies
    1. It's not bad but I'm going to switch from audio to print and the audio feels painfully slow.

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