Thursday, September 17, 2015

Book Beginnings: The Last September


The Last September, by Nina De Gramont (Algonquin Books, September 2015). This is the opening paragraph:
Because I am a student of literature, I will start my story on the day Charlie died. In other words, I’m beginning in the middle. In medias res, that’s the Latin term, and though my specialty is American Renaissance poetry, I did have to study the classics. Homer, Dante, Milton. They knew about the middle, how all of life revolves around a single moment in time. Everything that comes before leads up to that moment. Everything that comes afterward springs from that moment.
In my case, that moment—that middle—is my husband’s murder.
Initial Thoughts:

Well, it's a little talky. But I think it's intriguing enough to keep me reading. What do you think? Does that opening passage draw you in, or turn you off?



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.

9 comments:

  1. What? a murder? I was NOT expecting that. I think I'd better look for this book.
    My Friday Quotes

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  2. Definitely a little tally, but unusual enough that it would t tick me off. Smart to give us the whole paragraph or it would seem like 2 different books.

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  3. I think that is a good place to start. Murder always peaks my interest. It does seem a bit wordy and that might bug me. Would have to check it out to know for sure. But I hope you enjoy it.
    sherry @ fundinmental Friday Memes

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  4. Definitely a little talky but very intriguing! I'd love to find out what happens next.

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  5. I love it when books are aware of themselves, when authors actively talk about writing and how they write. It's always interesting :) And way to reel the reader in with that last line! I'm intrigued, to say the least! Thanks for sharing :) I hope you have a great week!
    My Friday post
    Juli @ Universe in Words

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  6. I just started this book last night...only read about two paragraphs, though. Too sleepy.

    Sounds good...thanks.

    Elizabeth
    Silver's Reviews
    My Book Beginnings

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  7. This book is on my list, and I can't wait to read it! Thanks for sharing...and here's mine: “HOUSE OF GLASS”

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  8. It is a little wordy but that just makes me think it's probably a British/Canadian or Australian writer...lol...it does sound pretty interesting though so I'm adding it to my list. Here's my Book Beginnings and Friday 56

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  9. Whoa. That last line!!!
    Sounds like a fantastic read!

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