Book Beginnings: The Wind in the Willows

One of the books I'm thinking of reading for this year's Once Upon a Time reading challenge/event is The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. Can't believe I've never read this one. These are the first lines of the book:

The Mole had been working very hard all the morning, spring-cleaning his little home. First with brooms, then with dusters; then on ladders and steps and chairs, with a brush and a pail of whitewash; till he had dust in his throat and eyes, and splashes of whitewash all over his black fur, and an aching back and weary arms. Spring was moving in the air above and in the earth below and around him, penetrating even his dark and lowly little house with its spirit of divine discontent and longing. It was small wonder, then, that he suddenly flung down his brush on the floor, said 'Bother!' and 'O blow!' and also "Hang spring-cleaning!' and bolted out of the house without even waiting to put on his coat.

Initial Thoughts: Well, in addition to wondering how I let this one get by me, my first thought was "Please don't mention spring cleaning!" Looking forward to starting this one - I'm pretty sure I'm gonna love it.

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.