Tuesday, August 19, 2014

First Chapter First Paragraph ~ Tuesday Intros - We Are Not Ourselves; Matthew Thomas

Every Tuesday I host First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, where I share the first paragraph or (a few) of a book I am reading or thinking about reading soon. Just started this one  -- 600++ pages, but very good so far.

We Are Not Ourselves; Matthew Thomas
Simon & Schuster - August - 2014

"His father was watching the line in the water. The boy caught a frog and stuck a hook in its stomach to see what it would look like going through.  Slick guts clung to the hook, and a queasy guilt grabbed him.  He tried to sound innocent when he asked if you could fish with frogs.  His father glanced over, flared his nostrils, and shook the teeming coffee can at him.  Worms spilled out and wriggled away.  He told him he'd done an evil thing and that his youth was no excuse for his cruelty.  He made him remove the hook and hold the twitching creature until it died.  Then he passed him the bait knife and had him dig a little grave.  He spoke with a terrifying lack of familiarity, as if they were simply two people on earth now and an invisible tether between them had been severed."
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What do you think?

Feel free to join in and post the Intro from one of your reads by linking your post below. 



46 comments:

  1. Great opener! Hope you love this one as much as I did.

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    1. I think your was the first I read that challenged me to try this one.

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  2. I have this on my wishlist and am looking forward to reading it sometime soon. The beginning is catchy, though sad, but I can see their family values already. Thanks for sharing it.

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    1. Rita, it is a family saga and there are lessons to be learned here for sure.

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  3. Read this but I was not as excited as I was before I read it!

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  4. I want to read this now. I love that intro thanks for sharing.

    http://cleopatralovesbooks.wordpress.com

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    1. Cleo - it is worth the time investment ths far -- anxious to read more.

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  5. I'd keep reading. I'm curious about where this is heading.

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  6. Oh, this makes me a bit queazy, I don't really like frogs and the thought of one on a fishing hook.... though I can guess that this is of course not the focus of the book.

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  7. I'm not sure if this one is for me, but I'd keep reading to find out.

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  8. Loved this one! Hope you do, too!

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  9. I'm not quite sure from that opening, but since everyone seems to have loved the book, I guess I'd give it a try.

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  10. I just finished this one...great book if you don't mind some serious emotions.

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    1. I think I can handle it Sarah as of right now I am anxious to get back to it.

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  11. Eww....reminds me of biology class many years ago! But I am curious, so I would keep reading.

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    1. Kim, I still remember picking a Biology partner who was willing to do the cutting of the frog -- the smell from the jar stays with me too.

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  12. Good choice, Diane. This one is in my pile of must reads.

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  13. The dynamic of their relationship makes me want to read on.

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  14. I would have to read a bit more before deciding. But the general consensus here is good, and I trust that. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. It's very very good so far, my dh even was enjoying it as we drove yesterday.

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  15. I am disturbed by the opening, but curious enough to continue.

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    1. I think that's a good sign -- try it Wendy - very good so far.

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  16. That is a bit creepy but I would read on, at least for a while.

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  17. No, I did not like that beginning paragraph. I hope he learns something from the experience. Enjoy your book. kelley—the road goes ever ever on

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    1. It was a sad lesson to show the boy, but Kelley it's a good story so far.

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  18. I'd read on to find out more about the relationship between father and son, even though the opening scene is a little bit icky.
    My Tuesday post features KATIE & THE IRISH TEXAN.

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  19. I think the book will deal with heavy and emotional issues. I would keep reading.

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  20. I think the father is as much disturbed as the son. Sounds promising!

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  21. I saw this one the library shelf today, and a before I could reach for it someone grabbed it. Oh well, I will keep my eye out for it.

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    1. I'm really enjoying it -- listened at work today and read the arc at lunch.

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  22. I hesitated on a review copy of this one, and that was before I read the opening lines! I'm still hesitating.

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  23. It's really good so far - 20 chapters in so far.

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  24. Eww! :-) I like this intro -- the writing is compelling.

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  25. not sure ... it might be something I would like

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