Booking Through Thursday
Booking Through Thursday. Haven’t done one of these in a long time.
“What are your favourite first sentences from books? Is there a book that you liked specially because of its first sentence? Or a book, perhaps that you didn’t like but still remember simply because of the first line?”
I’m trying to think of “favorite first lines” and what’s coming to mind isn’t my favorite line, but a first line I remember my cousin Dan reading to me, from John Irving’s “Cider House Rules” because it just blew him away:
“In the hospital of the orphanage– the boys’ division at St. Cloud’s, Maine, two nurses were in charge of naming the new babies and checking that their little penises were healing from the obligatory circumcision.”
I remember him reading that aloud to me, and then exclaiming over how many details, about the orphanage, and about the themes of the book itself, were packed, condensed into that first sentence.
Still trying to think of my own favorite line, though. I should keep better track of really good first lines as I read.
Yes, I see how that line leaves an impression. But then, I love all of Irving’s books.
Aw, now don’t feel guilty! I think WE’RE in the majority!
I’ve not read Cider House Rules yet, but I do have a couple John Irvings in my library. He defitinely has something of an irreverence to hes writing.
Hey, don’t feel bad. Many of us have not recalled beginnings!
Here is my BTT post
Gotta love John Irving! I used the opening line from A Prayer for Owen Meany , and your post just reminded me that I want to reread The Cider House Rules sometime in the near future. I love the story.
I am the same i don’t remember lines very well first or middle or last. It just doesn’t sink in.
I can’t keep track of first lines either.
Here’s my BTT post