Friday, July 24, 2015

Book Beginnings: Jack of Spades


Jack of Spades, by Joyce Carol Oates (Mysterious Press, May 2015). First lines of the book:
Out of the air, the ax. Somehow there was an ax and it rose and fell in a wild swath aimed at my head even as I tried to rise from my squatting position and lost my balance desperate to escape as my legs faltered beneath me and there came a hoarse pleading voice -- "No! No please! No" --
My Thoughts:

Well, why not just jump right into the mayhem? I love Joyce Carol Oates, especially her thrillers. But I have to admit, that opening seemed a little extreme -- even for JCO. Not that there's anything wrong with that. This one grabbed me right away. You?



Rose City Reader hosts Book Beginnings on Fridays. As she says, the idea is to post the first sentence (or so) of the book you're currently reading, along with any first impressions or thoughts you have about the book, the author, etc.  It's a wonderful way of adding new books to your must-read list, and a chance to connect with other readers and bloggers.


5 comments:

  1. Oh gosh! I think I may have flinched a little reading it!

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  2. Wow that's quite an opening! I haven't read Joyce Carol Oates in years and I'd love to revisit her though I might look for a book that starts a little less dramatically!

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  3. Is the opening a dream sequence? Maybe it's "somehow there was an ax" that makes it seem like a nightmare. Regardless, the opening is definitely a grabber. I hope you enjoy the story.
    My Friday post features The Collected Stories of Eudora Welty.

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  4. Just seeing the name Joyce Carol Oates is enough for me. Thanks for sharing and enjoy your weekend.
    sherry @ fundinmental Friday Memes

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  5. Pretty intense for a start, but definitely makes me want to read more.

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