Currently Reading First Lines

[Janice, Moderator]

Oooh - I have this book to read and slated for the movie mania challenge.

[Sam2004]

I'm going to start reading The Golden Compass (or Northern Lights in the UK) by Philip Pullman soon.

The first lines: Lyra and her daemon moved through the darkening hall, taking care to keep to one side, out of sight of the kitchen. The three great tables that ran the length of the hall were laid already, the silver and the glass catching what little light there was, and the long benches were pulled out ready for the guests.

[Sandra, Moderator]

Janice wrote: "Oooh - I have this book to read and slated for the movie mania challenge."

So far so good, Janice. It is a fast and entertaining read. I have it slotted for "silk in the title" but it also fits other tasks. Hope you get to it.

[Sandra, Moderator]

Sam2004 wrote: "I'm going to start reading The Golden Compass (or Northern Lights in the UK) by Philip Pullman soon.

The first lines: Lyra and her daemon moved through the darkening h..."

Nice. You can see the place through the description.

[Janice, Moderator]

Sam2004 wrote: "I'm going to start reading The Golden Compass (or Northern Lights in the UK) by Philip Pullman soon.

The first lines: Lyra and her daemon moved through the darkening h..."

I've seen the movie and enjoyed it but have never gotten to the book. The opening lines are inviting.

[Gavin]

Reading Inferno:

"I am the Shade.
Through the dolent city, I flee.
Through the eternal woe, I take flight.

[Cherie]

Sandra wrote: ""I have often reflected upon the strange series of circumstances that led me to my long association with one of the most singular and remarkable figures of my age."

[book:The House of Silk|1109332..."


I must not have been in a good mood, when I read this, Sandra. I bought it and put off reading it for a long time, wanting to save it for "just the right time". I have the second one now, and have been putting it off too. (view spoiler)[what really put me off, the first time I picked it up, was Watson stating that Holmes had been dead for a year. I could not face that, I guess. (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa]

I'm currently reading The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
"The first time our father brought Andrea to the Dutch House, Sandy, our housekeeper, came to my sister's room and told us to come downstairs. "Your father has a friend he wants you to meet", she said."

[Janice, Moderator]

I'll be interested in what you think of the book when you're finished, Lisa. I'm on the fence about getting it. Are you listening to the audiobook?

[Lisa]

Janice wrote: "I'll be interested in what you think of the book when you're finished, Lisa. I'm on the fence about getting it. Are you listening to the audiobook?"

No, I'm reading the hardback. The audiobook is narrated by Tom Hanks isn't it? I was actually on the fence about reading it myself but the many positive reviews convinced me to give it a try. It's pretty good so far. Although not a great deal is happening, it's strangely addictive. I will let you know what I think when I finish.

[Janice, Moderator]

Sounds great! I'll look forward to your review.

Yes, the audiobook is narrated by Tom Hanks. As much as I admire him, I'm not sold on the sample. I might have to read it in print.

[Shirley]

Janice wrote: "I'll be interested in what you think of the book when you're finished, Lisa. I'm on the fence about getting it. Are you listening to the audiobook?"

Lisa wrote: "I'm currently reading The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
"The first time our father brought Andrea to the Dutch House, Sandy, our ..."
This book is ready for pickup at my LL. I would have been quite keen to hear Tom Hanks read it but audio is not available in Australia yet.

[Margo]

Janice wrote: "I'll be interested in what you think of the book when you're finished, Lisa. I'm on the fence about getting it. Are you listening to the audiobook?"

I'm the same as Janice. I've listened to 2 of that authors books, Commonwealth I enjoyed and Bel Canto I didn't. And I'm less keen now that I tom hanks is narrating!

[Margo]

Janice wrote: "Sounds great! I'll look forward to your review.

Yes, the audiobook is narrated by Tom Hanks. As much as I admire him, I'm not sold on the sample. I might have to read it in print."

Oh, the audio isn't available here so I don't have to make any decision on it!

[Cherie]

Last night, I listened to the Audible sample of The Dutch House, with Tom Hanks narrating, just to get a feel for it. I think I could get used to listening to him. I am going to let my daughter decide if she wants to use a credit to get it. It is her turn to pick this month. I am two books behind, listening to the ones I picked.

[Sarah]

Re. Golden Compass Janice - book is definitely better. Mainly because it's based around the canals in Oxford and the Gyptians live on narrowboats. In the film they apear more seafaring pirate style boats. I guess you'd say I'm biased though. Haha. They are making a tv series out of it at the moment too .

[Janice, Moderator]

Sarah wrote: "Re. Golden Compass Janice - book is definitely better. Mainly because it's based around the canals in Oxford and the Gyptians live on narrowboats. In the film they apear more seafaring pirate style..."

Yes, I can see why it would appeal to you. :)

[Cherie]

I am currently listening to Jane Steele and noted the first lines, but only got back to this string today, because I downloaded the ebook (because it was available).

"Of all my many murders, committed for love and for better reasons, the first was the most important."

The interesting part of that, is that later - she goes on to tell the reader to never murder for love.

This is the second line, which I think is better.
"Already this project proves more difficult than I had ever imagined. Autobiographies depend upon truth; but I have been lying for such a very long, lonesome time."

[Janice, Moderator]

That sounds like a fun book, Cherie. I'll be interested in how you rate it.

[Sandra, Moderator]

Sounds good. Good first line.

[Gavin]

Reading Wanderers:
"Shana stood there looking at her little sister's empty bed, and her first thought was: Nessie ran away again."

[Margo]

Cherie wrote: "I am currently listening to Jane Steele and noted the first lines, but only got back to this string today, because I downloaded the ebook (because it was available).

"Of all my man..."

I'm very tempted to add that Cherie but I think I would need to reread Jane Eyre - it's been 30 years.

[Cherie]

I really do not think you need to re-read Jane Eyre to enjoy Jane Steele, Margo. If you listen to the audiobook, just be aware that the chapter headers are quotes from Jane Eyre. It was very confusing at first, before I realized it. I confirmed it, when I downloaded an ebook copy. I think you will enjoy it.

[Margo]

Okay, you've convinced me to add it. I'm such a pushover 😆

[Lisa]

I'm currently reading Soon by Lois Murphy
"The hardest thing, I sometimes think, is keeping track of time. With no school or shops there is nothing to define the days, and the weeks flow through the calendar like a sluggish river."

[Janice, Moderator]

Lisa wrote: "I'm currently reading Soon by Lois Murphy
"The hardest thing, I sometimes think, is keeping track of time. With no school or shops there i..."

My first thought was that it was dystopia, but after looking at the book, it's horror. It sounds interesting. I'll be interested in your comments when you finish.

ETA: Ha! I went to add it to my wishlist only to discover it was all ready there.

[Lisa]

Janice wrote: "Lisa wrote: "I'm currently reading Soon by Lois Murphy
"The hardest thing, I sometimes think, is keeping track of time. With no school or ..."

I think it's definitely been influenced by dystopian novels, Janice. It reminded me a bit of Station Eleven when I first started it.

[Margo]

Mmm! I am very tempted by that one Lisa. Dystopian for sure.

[Lisa]

I have just started The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
"There is a pirate in the basement.
(The pirate is a metaphor but also still a person.)
(The basement could rightly be considered a dungeon.)
The pirate was placed here for numerous acts of a piratey nature considered criminal enough for punishment by those non-pirates who decide such things."

[Margo]

Lisa wrote: "I have just started The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
"There is a pirate in the basement.
(The pirate is a metaphor but als..."

Okay, that made my brain hurt! I hope it gets simpler Lisa :-/

[Lisa]

Lol! I have a feeling this is going to be a wacky ride, Margo!

[Sandra, Moderator]

Who can resist a first line like that one??

[Janice, Moderator]

I'm not sure I like the use of the parenthesis. I popped over to Amazon and read the little bit and it sounds good in spite of them.

[Lisa]

I'm currently reading Mistletoe by Alison Littlewood
"There was something in the snow. Leah sensed it even before she shifted her eyes from the sagging wreck of her barn and scanned the white fields. She didn't know what it was, but she felt it waiting, almost recognised it - life, as she wanted to live it? The future, or something else? It was hidden in the spaces between snowflakes, almost visible through their flicker and dance. She couldn't reach it, not yet, so instead she tilted her her head back and relished the snow's cold kisses on her face, the numbness that spread across her skin."

[Janice, Moderator]

That sounds very good Lisa. I'm looking forward to your thoughts on it when you finish.

[Kristie, Moderator]

First line: "My mother has the tenacity of a bulldog, looks like June Cleaver, and curses like a truck driver."

I want to meet her mother. :)

[Margo]

Lisa wrote: "I'm currently reading Mistletoe by Alison Littlewood
"There was something in the snow. Leah sensed it even before she shifted her eye..."

That raises so many questions. ....

[Margo]

Kristie wrote: "First line: "My mother has the tenacity of a bulldog, looks like June Cleaver, and curses like a truck driver."

I want to meet her mother. :)"

LOL that could be interesting!

[Grainne]

Kristie wrote: "First line: "My mother has the tenacity of a bulldog, looks like June Cleaver, and curses like a truck driver."

I want to meet her mother. :)"

What a great character description! It's very succinct.

[Grainne]

"I don't know what I should talk about - about death or about love? Or are they the same? Which one should I talk about?"

Voices from Chernobyl: The Oral History of a Nuclear Disaster

That perspective can only be reached after a true test of life/love/death.

[Janice, Moderator]

That's an intriguing first line, Graine.

[Kristie, Moderator]

Another book that I'm currently reading:

"The day I came squealing and squalling into the world, was the first time someone tried to kill me."

Grainne reminded me that it was a great first line in our buddy read thread. :)

[Margo]

Grainne and Kristie, both of those are incredible opening lines.

[Janice, Moderator]

Kristie wrote: "Another book that I'm currently reading:

"The day I came squealing and squalling into the world, was the first time someone tried to kill me."

Grainne reminded me that it was a great first line ..."

Is that from Dread Nation?

[Kristie, Moderator]

Yes, it is. :)

[Grainne]

I really like that opening line! It's a great start to the story.

[Kristie, Moderator]

Grainne wrote: "I really like that opening line! It's a great start to the story."

Me too.

[Janice, Moderator]

"The rain was heavy now and the hem of her dress was splattered with mud. She'd have to hide it afterwards; no one could know she was out." - The Lake House by Kate Morton.

[Cherie]

I thought it was a great story, Janice. Who is doing the audio?

[Janice, Moderator]

Cherie wrote: "I thought it was a great story, Janice. Who is doing the audio?"

It's being read by Caroline Lee. I think she does most of Kate Morton's books.