Tuesday, November 17, 2015

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros - Family Tree; Barbara Delinsky


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. This week's selection is a book club selection - haven't started it yet, but it looks like it might be a good discussion book for (15) women.

Family Tree; Barbara Delinsky
Doubleday - 2007

Chapter 1
"Something woke her mid-dream.  She didn't know if it was the baby kicking, a gust of sea air tumbling over the sill, surf breaking on the rocks, or even her mother's voice, liquid in the waves, but as she lay there open-eyed in bed in the dark, the dream remained vivid.  It was an old dream, and no less embarrassing to her for knowing the script.  She was out in public, for all the world to see, lacking a vital piece of clothing.  In this instance, it was her blouse.  She had left home without it and now stood on the steps of her high school--her high school--wearing only a bra, and an old one at that.  It didn't matter that she was sixteen years past graduation and knew none of the people on the steps.  She was exposed and thoroughly mortified.  And then--this was a first--there was her mother-in-law, standing off to the side, wearing a look of dismay and carrying--bizarre--the blouse."


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



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45 comments:

  1. Laurel-Rain SnowNovember 17, 2015 at 12:01 AM

    I loved this book...and I have it around on one of my shelves...now I want to reread it!

    Thanks for sharing.

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    1. (Diane) Bibliophile By the SeaNovember 17, 2015 at 7:11 AM

      Laurel, this is so great to here. I've only read a few books by this author (years ago), but I do recall enjoying them. Now I'm anxious to begin.

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  2. fredamansNovember 17, 2015 at 12:08 AM

    Sounds like a great read!

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  3. Literary FelineNovember 17, 2015 at 12:23 AM

    Now there's a dream to analyze! At least she was wearing a bra, poor dear. I haven't heard much about this book, but I like the opening (I've had some embarrassing dream moments that included my in-laws too).

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  4. Catherine @ Book Club LibrarianNovember 17, 2015 at 12:49 AM

    One of my most favorite authors!

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  5. Suzie QuintNovember 17, 2015 at 1:53 AM

    I sense some mother-in-law issues. Poor thing.

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  6. MargotNovember 17, 2015 at 2:01 AM

    That seems more like a nightmare than a dream. But, it sounds like a fun read. I'd keep going.

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  7. AnonymousNovember 17, 2015 at 3:54 AM

    Totally embarrassing. What does the mother-in-law say?? Can only imagine.

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  8. Beth FNovember 17, 2015 at 6:12 AM

    Oh gosh! That's a nightmare. And, yeah, doesn't help that her MIL doesn't seem to be sympathetic.

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  9. Sarah (Sarah's Book Shelves)November 17, 2015 at 7:25 AM

    I don't know about this one - dream stuff usually isn't my cup of tea (and my current book has a lot in it as well, which is bugging me).

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  10. MysticaNovember 17, 2015 at 8:14 AM

    Dream things are generally also not me so I am on the fence with this one.

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    1. (Diane) Bibliophile By the SeaNovember 17, 2015 at 8:05 PM

      It's funny how some of us readers dislike dreams in fictions and others don't care (I am in the I don't care camp).

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  11. Girl Who ReadsNovember 17, 2015 at 8:41 AM

    I like the opening. Girl Who Reads

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  12. grammajudybNovember 17, 2015 at 8:56 AM

    I've read Barbara Delinsky in the past and enjoyed it. I would continue with this one.

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  13. Kym November 17, 2015 at 9:00 AM

    I might keep reading. Contemporary fiction is not usually my choice, but the description of the dream is intriguing.

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  14. Monica's Bookish LifeNovember 17, 2015 at 9:17 AM

    I've been interested in trying something by this author. I'd keep reading!

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  15. Juli RahelNovember 17, 2015 at 10:05 AM

    Oh God, that sounds horrendous! I've thankfully never had a dream like that but adding a mother-in-law to the mix makes it all the worse! Thanks for hosting :) I hope you have a great week!
    Juli @ Universe in Words

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  16. JaneGSNovember 17, 2015 at 11:53 AM

    I tend to have a problem with dreams in books and so I question the wisdom of commencing a book with them. On the other hand, it does provide a lot of info about the narrator in a short amount of time.

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    1. (Diane) Bibliophile By the SeaNovember 17, 2015 at 8:07 PM

      I don't mind dreams in books, and thought it was a good hook.

      Delete
  17. Brian's Home BlogNovember 17, 2015 at 1:06 PM

    I'm not sure I would like that one, but I might. It is a well written intro!

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  18. Cleopatra Loves BooksNovember 17, 2015 at 1:24 PM

    Oh yes I like the opening, an opening that makes you wonder what that dream means!

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  19. LuAnn @ BackPorchervationsNovember 17, 2015 at 1:41 PM

    Ha! Her MIL might be more of a scary woman than mine! I'm doing <a href="http://backporchervations.blogspot.com/2015/11/fcfpteaser-tuesday-pale-highway-by.html>Pale Highway<a/>.

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  20. Paulita November 17, 2015 at 2:17 PM

    This sounds good. I'd keep reading.

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  21. DebbieNovember 17, 2015 at 5:49 PM

    I read it and enjoyed it a few years ago--Keep reading!

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  22. Nise' November 17, 2015 at 8:05 PM

    A little late today! I read this and enjoyed it.

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  23. kayerjNovember 21, 2015 at 8:37 AM

    I started this book and never went back to it. I'll have to give it another go. I've missed this game and hopefully I'll feel well enough to play along soon.

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