Book Beginnings: The Muralist

The Muralist, by B.A. Shapiro (Algonquin Books, November 2015). This is the book's opening paragraph:

It was there when I arrived that morning, sitting to the right of my desk, ostensibly no different from the other half-dozen cartons on the floor, flaps bent back, paintings haphazardly poking out. As soon as I saw it, I ripped off my gloves, dropped to my knees, and pawed through the contents. I didn't realize I wasn't breathing until my chest began to ache and little black dots jumped around the edges of my vision.

Initial Thoughts:

I like it. I'm always attracted to fiction about the art world. And how wonderful to be so excited about anything that you forget to breathe. Lovely. I've heard a lot of good things about this book, and I'm anxious to get started on it. (A little late, but you know how that is.)

But, what d'you think? Would this first paragraph pull you in, keep you reading? Or if you've read the book, did you like 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.