Tuesday, February 24, 2015

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros ~ Etta and Otto and Russell and James; Emma Hooper


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.

Simon & Schuster - 2015

Otto

"The letter began, in blue ink,

I've gone. I've never seen the water, so I've gone there.  Don't worry, I've left you the truck. I can walk. I will try to remember to come back.

Yours (always),
Etta.

Underneath the letter she had left a pile of recipe cards.  All the things she had always made.  Also in blue ink,  So he would know what and how to eat while she was away.  Otto sat down at the table and arranged them so no two were overlapping.   Columns and rows.  He thought about putting on his coat and shoes and going out to try and find her, maybe asking neighbors if they had seen which way she went, but he didn't.He just sat at the table with the letter and the cards.His hands trembled. He laid one of top of the other to calm them."
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What do you think, would you read more?

43 comments:

  1. Poor Otto. I get the impression he isn't used to being without Etta. I imagine she needed the time away though. I would keep reading. I want to know what their situation is and how they manage.

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    1. Although I just started it, I like the style so far...very short chapters. Past and present.

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  2. How sweet that she is taking care of him as she goes...I like the sound of this one.

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  3. That is so sad. Poor Otto. I'd read more.

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  4. Oh that sounds so bitter-sweet, those trembling hands put a lump into my throat. I'd definitely keep reading!

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  5. I'd read on - although it does sound as though she might have dementia, or is she making a joke about trying to remember to come back?? It also sounds a bit like some other books about elderly people (I take it she is getting on in years) setting off on road trips - Harold Fry for example.

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    1. Margaret, The Harold Fry story is the first thing I thought of. Honestly, I appreciate seeing more stories about older couples like this one.

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  6. I would be intrigued to read on, I'm drawn in by Etta's note, and then by Otto's reaction. It makes me wonder if the story is a bit like Harold Fry?

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    1. In some ways it feels like that --although I've just started.

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  7. The fact that she planned this out makes me think that that it's no surprise for Otto. I'm wondering what what their relationship is.

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  8. I'm not sure. I'd have to read more.

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    1. I think it will be appealing to the 50+ age group especially, or fans of Harold Fry.

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  9. Oh! Not sure if I should feel sorry for Otto or not!

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  10. Intriguing...I'd keep reading. I've seen this one around a bit.

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  11. I'd keep reading. I want to know more about these characters.

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  12. I want to know more... would definitely keep going!

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    1. I think it will be good and characters one cares about as well.

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  13. This is such a sad beginning, but I'd read more. I like Emma Hooper's writing style. (Diane, I made a mistake on my Mr.Linky, and it says Sister Carrie next to my name which I did not intend to do. That's what I get for being in a hurry!)

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  14. I feel so sorry for him. I would definitely read this one.

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  15. Now that I have read the beginning, I would read on. I might not have picked it up otherwise. Looking forward to your review.

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  16. Yep, we would keep reading that one too.

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  17. Yes, I would keep reading. I saw this book yesterday at the library.

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    1. It's really becoming popular, although the title is odd IMO.

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  18. I've seen mixed reviews on this one, but it sounds like something I would enjoy.

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  19. This sounds a bit heartbreaking, but good. I'd read more!

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  20. This is one on my Goodreads wish list. :-)

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  21. I've been very tempted by this one ever since it arrived in the store. Now I know it's one I want to read!!

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    1. I do hope you try this one. We seem to like similar book Les.

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  22. oh sad, I think it will be a good story despite the sadness of the opening paragraph. Kelley at the road goes ever ever on

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