All Our Names; Dinaw Mengestu
Knopf - 3/4/2014
Isaac"When Isaac and I first met at the university, we both pretended that the campus and the streets of the capital were as familiar to us as the dirt paths of the rural villages we had grown up and lived in until only a few months earlier, even though neither of us had ever been to a city before, and had no idea what it meant to live in such close proximity to so many people whose faces, much less names, we would never know. The capital in those days was booming, with people, money, new cars, and even newer buildings, most of which had been thrown up quickly after independence, in a rush fueled by ecstatic promises of a socialist, Pan-African dream that, almost ten years later, was still supposedly just around the corner, that, according to the president and the radio, was coming any day now. By the time Isaac and I arrived in the capital, many of the buildings had already begun to show signs of wear, having been neglected or completely forgotten, but there was still hope in the brighter future to come, and we were there like everyone else to claim our share."
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What do you think? Would you keep reading?
Feel free to join us by linking your First Chapter post below.
Feel free to join us by linking your First Chapter post below.
This has an interesting opening to a book. I can't quite pinpoint what sort of book this is going to be. For that reason, I would continue reading this.
ReplyDeleteThat was a great beginning. It raises all sorts of questions in my mind. I want to keep going to find out more.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Spangle, I was trying to figure out what city it is, though I can guess. Definitely interesting and the writing is nice to read as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm not quite sure if it's for me, but I'm interested enough that I'd keep going for a least a little while.
ReplyDeleteYes, I would definitely keep reading. Have a great day Diane :)
ReplyDeleteI saw this on Amazon's Best Books of the Month for March. I like the first paragraph, but want to know more about general plot before making a decision.
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting, but not sure it's a book I would read.
ReplyDeleteI think I'd keep reading. I am wondering where the story's going and what it's all about. But I admit there's a part of me that isn't sure I'm all that interested in this book...it's been one of those months, though, so I think it's me and not this book!
ReplyDeleteInteresting start. I'd have to read a little more before I committed though.
ReplyDeleteToday I'm spotlighting Steeped in Evil.
http://mytime2read.blogspot.com/2014/03/tuesday-memes-march-5.html
A good introduction...I'd keep reading.
ReplyDeleteHope you love it. I wonder if the buildings are important? Here's Mine
ReplyDeleteI wonder what the story is really about? I'd have to read more. Hope you enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteNot sure I'd keep reading. I'd have to look at the book synopsis to learn more!
ReplyDeleteHarvee
Book Dilettante
Not sure. Sounds dystopian. I will wait and see if you love it. I count on your star ratings!
ReplyDeleteI would like to know what they are doing too!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to this one! I've read his first novel which was wonderful so I'll be curious to read more by him.
ReplyDeleteI'd keep reading. I like getting insight into cultures other than my own.
ReplyDeleteI think it sounds like a very interesting book. kelley—the road goes ever ever on
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