Every Tuesday I host First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros sharing the first paragraph, maybe two, of a book that I'm reading or plan to read soon.
Everything Happens Today; Jesse Browner
Europa Editions - 2011
"When you've walked all the way from the Upper East Side to Greenwich Village in the middle of the night, the first sight of home should be an occasion for joy. Wes felt anything but joyful as he climbed the stoop. He had hoped that a long walk through the dark and quiet city would give him some perspective, but it hadn't worked out that way. In other circumstances, it might have been an adventure but it was nothing but a blur, thoughts as flimsy and disposable as plastic bags. If he had been a character in a book--Prince Andre in War and Peace, say--he would have seized the opportunity for a round of rough, candid soul-searching that would inevitably have led to some brilliant new insight into human nature in general and his own moral frailty in particular. But he wasn't Prince Andre--he was just Wes, idiot Wes, the guy who just ruined his life forever and forever, and he was as confused and miserable now as he's been when he'd just set out from Lucy's apartment two hours earlier. He stood at the threshold and took a deep breath, but it didn't help: the sadness didn't go away. In fact, he felt a tear welling, and he leaned forward to rest his forehead on the cold, damp lacquer of the front door."
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.
Feel free to join in by posting your own First Chapter First Paragraph Intro and linking below.
I haven't heard of this one, but I am definitely intrigued. And any story set in Manhattan is one I enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI haven't started this one yet, but I like the intro as well.
DeletePoor Wes. I am not familiar with this book, but the opening you shared few me in. I would keep reading. I hope all is well, Diane.
ReplyDeleteWendy, I hope to start this one soon, I'm rereading Being Mortal for my book group meeting next week.
DeleteI'd keep reading. I've enjoyed many books published by Europa.
ReplyDeleteI love the quality of Europa fiction as well.
DeleteI already feel Wes pulling on my heart. I'd love to keep reading this one.
ReplyDeleteHe sure seems down in the dumps!
DeleteI love the Europa Editions. This sounds intriguing. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThanks Heather; yes, Europa Editions are most always a real treat.
DeleteThis sounds like a great opening to a book I haven't come across before - I do hope you enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Cleo, I hope to start it soon.
DeleteWhat has he done to ruin his life? I do feel the need to know.
ReplyDeleteHope to start this soon Emma.
DeleteThis isn't one I've heard of and still wasn't sure from the intro ... but putting the intro together with the description on Amazon made me add it to my wishlist!
ReplyDeleteHow great Karen. Glad this one seemed to appeal to you.
DeleteI like that quotation. I really usually like it when a book references other books. I also like the New York setting.
ReplyDeleteI would keep reading.
Brian Joseph, I'm a fan of NYC settings even though I'd never want to live there LOL
DeleteI too want to know what Wes has done!
ReplyDeleteI know, I feel for him already.
DeleteOh, that is sad. Now I need to know what happens next. LOL
ReplyDeleteIt's sad and unique for an opening IMO.
DeleteHmmm, I'm curious as to what's happened in his life. He sounds pitiful. :( It's so melancholy with almost a comical "woe is me" type of tone. I actually want to know more, so keep going.
ReplyDeleteKathy, glad you liked the intro, I thought it was a good draw as well.
DeleteI would want to keep reading to see what happens next. You'll have to tell us!
ReplyDeleteHope to start it after I finish my book group read.
DeleteI would definitely keep reading. Many times on my way home late from staying with the grandkids, I see a walker out alone and wonder what brings that person out this late.
ReplyDeleteI know, it's actually rare that I drive at night these days. I feel like I don't see as well in the dark these days.
DeleteI think what happens next might be interesting!
ReplyDeleteI haven't started it but thinks it might have humor infused as well.
DeleteExcellent opening! I used to walk long distances in NYC, although not in the middle of the night.
ReplyDeleteLOL - I liked the intro as well.
DeleteI like the Manhattan setting as well.
ReplyDeleteYes, I would definitely keep reading. Really like this intro. Here's Mine
ReplyDeleteWell, I'd definitely be curious to read a page or two more. But then I'd ask, "Was this a New Yorker who wrote this book?" And why is Europa Editions publishing it? Well, just curious. I guess I'd want to know the perspective of the writer who created this character.
ReplyDelete