Welcome to First Chapter/Intros, hosted by Yvonne @ Socrates Book Reviews. Each week readers post the first paragraph (or 2) of a book we are reading or plan to read soon. I've read and enjoyed this author's previous (2) books: The People in the Trees and A Little Life so this (720pp.) is a "must read" for me. I've read 13 chapters so far and, although it is different, I am enjoying it.
To Paradise; Hanya Yanagihara
Doubleday - January 2022
Book 1
Washington Square
He had come into the habit, before dinner, of taking a walk around the park: ten laps, as slow as he pleased on some evenings, briskly on others, and then back up the stairs of the house and to his room to wash his hands and straighten he tie before descending again to the table. Today, though, as he was leaving, the little maid handing him his gloves said, "Mister Bingham says to remind you that your brother and sister are coming tonight for supper," and he said, "Yes, thank you, Jane, for reminding me," as if he'd in fact forgotten, and she made a little curtsy and closed the door behind him.
What do you think. Have you read anything by this author?
I like the opening and can picture that walk around Washington Square! Have not read this author, but am certainly tempted. This is pretty long, so I'll wait to hear what you think...
ReplyDeleteThe book is divided into (3) parts and I've already finished part 1 which was well written and very interesting. This is another combo: eBook and audio - excellent audio as well.
DeleteI have this one ready to read but it may take me a while to get to it. I'll be interested to read your thoughts on it.
ReplyDeleteI hope you like it Dorothy. Just started it yesterday and have finished part 1 of 3 which is about 27% of the book. I like the writing a lot.
DeleteThis one is new to me, but it sounds good! Enjoy, and thanks for visiting my blog.
ReplyDeleteI just started this yesterday and have finished part 1 of 3 which is about 27% of the book. I like the writing a lot.
ReplyDeleteI like this intro. I hope you are enjoying it.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed it as well and am enjoying the story thus far.
DeleteI have this ready to listen to and am glad that intro has my interest piqued! I still have A Little Life on my bookshelf and hope to get to it this year, too. 2022 may be my year for chunksters! :)
ReplyDeleteIn general, I really am not a fan of chunksters but, after loving Crossroads, The Lincoln Highway and now To Paradise, I am changing my opinion. I loved A Little Life - so much so that I had a hard time finding another good book as I recall.
DeleteI don't know this author but since this is the third book of theirs you've read, sounds like someone I need to know more about. The opening is certainly enough to keep me reading.
ReplyDeleteSam, I love her writing style. The characters always have depth and the situations she creates most always evoked some emotion for me as well. A Little Life was one that gutted me at times yet, when I finished it, I found it nearly impossible to find another good book for several months after.
DeleteI haven't read this author yet ... I'm a bit chicken of the trauma but I look forward to your review of this one!
ReplyDeleteHonestly without looking at my review for The People in the Trees, I don't recall much about it but, A Little Life gutted me a bit at times, yet, I loved it as well. This is going to be excellent as well I think - so far.
DeleteThat one doesn't sound interesting to me.
ReplyDeleteIt's different and I can see how it would not appear to everyone but, I like it so far.
DeleteThe book didn't grab me but I do like the opening. I'll be looking for your review of it and reading a little more about it. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAt 700++ pages, I'm making slow progress = about 65% through - it's so different and I'm not loving it so far.
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