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.
A Master Plan for Rescue; Janis Cooke Newman
Riverhead Books - July 2015
One
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"This is the moment I spend the rest of my life trying to return to:
The three of us sitting around the table my father and I have painted red to match The Flashe's cape. A shade, I now know, doesn't belong in a kitchen, but it was my father who suggested bringing the comic book to the paint store of Dychman Street.
It's early December, and the clanging of the radiator mixes with the violins that spill from the speakers of the Silvertown radio. I know the Silvertone is on, because it is always on. My grandfather, a man once known as the Gentleman Bootlegger, a man who is dead by this time, claimed that music during meals is what separates man from beast, and so my mother --his daughter--puts on music. But we never listen to it. Instead we sit above the bowls that smell of gravy and spices and talk over each other, sometimes banging our silverware on the red table for attention. The three of us--my father, mother, and me--in our small apartment at the northern tip of Manhattan."
What do you think, would you read more?
(feel free to post your own first paragraph and link below)
I like that intro and would definitely keep reading. My dad was very strict about having outside noises like the television or radio on while we were eating meals as a family--that was unless it was a football game (of which only he had a view of the television from our table).
ReplyDeleteLOL - Funny Wendy
DeleteI like how the setting is introduced in a way that shows us patterns within the family, like talking during dinner, with background music.
ReplyDeleteI liked that as well, gives you a hint of dynamics.
DeleteWell, Diane, that opening paragraph is lovely. It sets a nostalgic tone that, I hope, stretches through the story. I will have to check on this book.
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked that intro Margot. I came across it by chance.
DeleteThat opening conjures up a lovely family feeling and I expected there to be more people present with all that noise... I'd like to know more!
ReplyDeleteCleo, glad it drew you in:)
DeleteI'm on the fence with that opening ... I'd have to read a little more to be sure.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping the rest keeps it going for me.
Deletemusic during meals is what separates man from beast --> can't agree more!
ReplyDeleteInteresting paragraph, Diane. Thanks for sharing and hope you enjoy your week.
Eryn, I agree with that sentiment as well:0
DeleteDefinitely a nostalgic feel, but not sure if I'd keep going. I'd take a look at the blurb and read another page or two before deciding.
ReplyDeleteNot sure, but it might be just what I need now.
DeleteHmmm...I'm thinking not for me. But, a red table in the kitchen is interesting. Wow.
ReplyDeleteLOL - red is an unusual table color for a kitchen, but red dining rooms make people hungry so hey, why not:)
DeleteThere's something about this intro that intrigues me. I'd keep reading.
ReplyDeleteYvonne, it leaves me curious as well.
DeleteI like the title, intro, and writing style--I'd keep reading.
ReplyDeleteI'd need to read more, but it sounds pretty good. I have to ask though...what's wrong with red in kitchens?
ReplyDeleteI like the cover, but that second line bugs me, too close to a misplaced modifier with the table. Hope you enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteThe opening takes me back. Both my husband and I were raised with turning the TV off for dinner and remaining at the table until everyone was finished. I would keep reading.
ReplyDeleteI love the melancholy mood and sentiment of the beginning. My father actually left the tv on during dinner time, against my mom's wishes, so he could watch while he ate. I now can accept it as part of my upbringing, good or bad :)
ReplyDeleteBack to the book, I don't know where the plot is going, wish I could read more to find out.
i would probably continue reading - sounds like regular family life but I kind of want to know where the story is going.
ReplyDeleteChippy
I want to read on, just to know where the story is going. i love books like these, which don't necessarily give away the essence of the plot, right in the beginning, but grows on you, bit by bit.
ReplyDeleteI would probably read some more too.
ReplyDeleteReally sets the mood. I like it.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of this book before but yes I'm intrigued enough that I'd keep reading.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the opening. It does sound like a good book!
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of music during a meal. Would like to give this book a try.
ReplyDeleteI'm not really sure this one is for me, but have fun reading it :)
ReplyDelete