Thursday, April 14, 2016

Book Beginnings: From Russia With Love


From Russia With Love, by Ian Fleming. Number 5 in Fleming's original James Bond series, first published in 1957. This is the book's first sentence:
The naked man who lay splayed out on his face beside the swimming pool might have been dead.
Initial Thoughts:

I'm a huge fan of the James Bond movies, but I've never read any of the novels they're based on. So this will be my introduction to the series -- once again, I'm jumping into the middle, even though I do have a copy of the first book, Casino Royale. That first sentence just hooked me.

Over the years, all the books have been issued in many different editions, worldwide. The Signet paperback pictured above is the one I remember from back in the 1960s, and one of the more boring ones, I think. Some of the later covers definitely have a bit more spice...


Personally, I think I prefer the covers with links to the films, such as...


Or maybe it's just the link to Sean Connery I like!



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.


6 comments:

  1. I've never read an Ian Fleming book either but now I think I should take a look. My Friday Quotes

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  2. This does look worth a look. Never thought to pick one up.

    I'm featuring Between you and me this week. Happy reading.

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  3. I haven't read any of these books, either, and have only seen some of the movies (the ones with Sean Connery were my favorites! LOL).

    Enjoy...and thanks for sharing. Here's mine: “HAVE NO SHAME”

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  4. Never read any of the Bond books but love and saw all the films. Sean Connery is my fave too!

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  5. I, too, have never read any of the Bond Novels, but I like that beginning. Enjoy!

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  6. I have one of the books here -- bought it for Allen hoping to get him into reading fiction but it was a no-go. He loves the Bond movies though. Buying the covers for Sean Connery is not a bad thing.

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