Every Tuesday I host First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros sharing the first paragraph or two, of a book that I'm reading or will be reading soon. I'm enjoying this one so far, and I'm on chapter 3.
The Sleepwalker; Chris Bohjalian
Doubleday - 2017
PART ONEIT MAKES ALL the sense in the world. You awaken and smell smoke and see that the cat at the foot of the bed is on fire. And so you scoop him up and race to the bathroom and douse him with the tub, You reassure him that he will be fine--he is fine--telling him that everything's okay. You hold him firmly but gently under the faucet because you are worried about his burns.
The only thing is, you're not awake. But you're not precisely dreaming, either. After all, in the morning the sheets are wet where the cat slept when you both went back to bed, and there is fur in the tub. There are scratch marks on your arms and the back of your hands, because the cat was justifiably resistant to the idea of a shower in the middle of the night. And, of course, the animal was never on fire. Northing in the house was on fire. And you're a responsible person; you know that cats and dogs don't spontaneously combust. But in the middle of the night, in the fidelity of that instant, you were saving the cat's life and that was all that mattered."
Based on this intro, would you read more or pass on this book?
Feel free to join in by posting your own First Chapter First Paragraph Intro and linking below.
I really like this opening and also feel sorry for the poor cat. I'd definitely keep on reading.
ReplyDeleteI know the image of a beloved cat on fire can be a turnoff for many readers.
DeleteI'm really looking forward to this book, but that first paragraph isn't doing much for me.
ReplyDeleteThe visual is jarring!
DeleteI am looking forward to reading this one! I love the opening you shared, Diane. While sometimes a sleeptalker, I am not a sleepwalker. My brother is, however. And one of my cousins. The most outrageous thing I remember her doing was climbing out her 2nd story bedroom window, onto the trellis and climbing down in the middle of a freezing cold winter night (in upstate New York). She had no shoes or much clothing on.
ReplyDeleteI've never known a sleepwalker but I have been known to occasionally talk in my sleep. (I don't answer questions though LOL)
DeleteI'm not sure about this opening, but it does intrigue me, so I'd read on.
ReplyDeleteI can understand that as the intro is quite different.
DeleteI love Chris Bohjalian's books and I have heard good things about this one.
ReplyDeleteI'm enjoying it so far.
DeleteThat's quite an unusual opening. I've read and enjoyed a few of Bohjalian's books, so I'd keep reading.
ReplyDeleteSo far so good.
DeleteAs you know, I'm also featuring this one...and I actually like your excerpt from the Intro better than mine from Chapter One!
ReplyDeleteI hope you are enjoying this one? I am so far.
DeleteNo. I didn't read past the first sentence.
ReplyDeleteI know the image of a beloved cat on fire can be a turnoff for many.
DeleteI've heard some pretty amazing sleep-walking stories but none as wild as that one. I'd probably keep reading for awhile, anyway. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLOL
DeleteYes, I'm hooked, I'd have to read on!
ReplyDeleteMiss Cellany.
Glad u liked the intro.
DeleteI'm sorry I haven't been able to link up with you today. Mr. Linky doesn't like my link for some reason. Anyway, I do like the Chris Bohjalian quote. I'd love to read more.
ReplyDeleteSorry about that Margot.
DeleteThis is an unusual beginning! What's going on with the cat? I'd read more!
ReplyDeleteJarring intro indeed.
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