Tuesday, October 6, 2015

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros ~ Purity; Jonathan Franzen


Every Tuesday I host First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros where I share the first paragraph sometimes two from a book I am reading or thinking about reading soon. (Planning to start this one this week)

Purity; Jonathan Franzen
Farrar, Straus and Giroux - 2015

"Oh pussycat, I'm so glad to hear your voice," the girl's mother said on the telephone. "My body is betraying me again. Sometimes I think my life is nothing but one long process of bodily betrayal."

"Isn't that everybody's life?" the girl, Pip, said.  She'd taken to calling her mother midway through her lunch break at Renewable Solutions.  It brought her some relief from the feeling that she wasn't suited for her job, that she had a job that nobody could be suited for, or that she was a person unsuited for any kind of job; and then, after twenty minutes she could honestly say that she needed to get back to work."


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



32 comments:

  1. I have been curious about this one...I do want to keep reading.

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    1. I've had good luck with this author - never 5 star reads but solid 4 stars generally.

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  2. I haven't read anything by Jonathan Frazen. He seems to be one of those authors that people either love or hate.

    I haven't heard of this one before. I like the opening you shared, but I'm not sure I am for reading this book. I think I'd want to know more first. :-)

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    1. As i mentioned to Laurel, I have had good luck with this author so far.

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  3. The first paragraph won me over. I'm very sympathetic to the narrator. I hope you enjoy this one, Diane.

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    1. I felt the same way reading this intro - I'm guessing she has a screwed up mother and a sad life and haven't even started the book yet. LOL

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  4. I'd keep reading, I enjoy this author and that opening draws you in, I want to know about both women, and their mothers.

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    1. I like books about mothers and daughters as well, especially dysfunctional ones...LOL

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  5. I would definitely keep reading, Diane; I can't wait to hear what you think of this one! I've read some mixed reviews, but I'd really like to read it; I've got it on hold at the library. Thanks for sharing this with us!

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    1. Yes, there was a long hold list at the library but I finally got my turn

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  6. Hope you like it. It's on everyone's list. I'll likely pass on it.

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  7. Yes, I would keep reading, but feel it could go either way - be riveting or lose its promise. I am encouraged by the opening, though.

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  8. Thank you for your comment on my blog.
    Maybe, one day, you will be posting an opening of one of my books.

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  9. This sounds like a sad situation for Pip, not enjoying her job and feeling bad about it! 'Pussycat' is a weird nickname though xD Thanks for hosting and sharing :)
    Juli @ A Universe in Words

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  10. I found the intro to be intriguing so I'd definitely keep going.

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  11. I've never read Franzen (I know, weird!), but I like the writing in the intro! I passed on this one, but may go back and read something by him. Will be interested to see what you think of it.

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    1. Really? People seem to love his work or hate it. I've had good luck.

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  12. Interesting, but I'd want to read the cover blurbs before deciding.

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  13. I would keep on reading. It's curious that the word 'girl' is used, but the character in this paragraph is of working age.

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  14. I've been okay with Franzen's books, but get a little bristly that his characters have to be so quirky to get attention. Sounds interesting. Here's Mine

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  15. That's already a bit too much ramble for me.

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  16. I'm leaning toward what Brian said. To much on and on for me.

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  17. I would definitely keep reading if just to find out more about Pip but do wonder if it would end up being too much off the wall.

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  18. This one has been on my radar for a while now. I'll be interested in hearing your thoughts about it.

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