Book Beginnings: The Girls

The Girls, the debut novel by Emma Cline (Random House, June 2016). These are the first sentences of the book's Prologue:

I looked up because of the laughter, and kept looking because of the girls.
I noticed their hair first, long and uncombed. Then their jewelry catching the sun. The three of them were far enough away that I saw only the periphery of their features, but it didn't matter--I knew they were different from everyone else in the park.
...
These long-haired girls seemed to glide above all that was happening around them, tragic and separate. Like royalty in exile.

My Thoughts:

OK, I was hooked immediately. I can understand why the girls would have been noticeable, but why TRAGIC? Also, I'm attracted by the fact that this book is set (partially, at least) in the 1960s -- back when I was a long-haired girl myself. And that cover reminds me so much of posters from that era. I've gotten through the Prologue and into the first chapter, and so far I'm enjoying it quite a lot.

So, how about  it? Would that opening keep you reading?

Rose City Reader hosts Book Beginnings on Friday. 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.