- Book Beginnings on Fridays hosted by Rose City Reader, where bloggers share the first sentence or more of a current read, as well as initial thoughts about the sentence(s), impressions of the book, or anything else that the opening inspires.
- The Friday 56 hosted by Freda's Voice, where you grab a book and turn to page 56 (or 56% of an eBook), find one or more interesting sentences (no spoilers), and post them.
Today I'm featuring an upcoming read, Heads You Win, a political thriller by Jeffrey Archer.
Beginning: Book One
Chapter 1 -- Alexander
Leningrad, 1968
"What are you going to do when you leave school? asked Alexander.
"I'm hoping to join the KGB," Vladimir replied, "but they won't even consider me if I don't get a place at the state university. How about you?"
"I intend to be the first democratically elected president of Russia," said Alexander, laughing.
Chapter 1 -- Alexander
Leningrad, 1968
"What are you going to do when you leave school? asked Alexander.
"I'm hoping to join the KGB," Vladimir replied, "but they won't even consider me if I don't get a place at the state university. How about you?"
"I intend to be the first democratically elected president of Russia," said Alexander, laughing.
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Page 56: "We certainly can't risk that. Have any of the passengers shown the slightest interest in our plight?"
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My thoughts: No one writes political thrillers like Jeffrey Archer, and the opening scene really intrigues me.
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From Goodreads: Leningrad, Russia, 1968.
Alexander Karpenko is no ordinary child, and from an early age, it is clear he is destined to lead his countrymen. But when his father is assassinated by the KGB for defying the state, he and his mother will have to escape from Russia if they hope to survive. At the docks, they are confronted with an irreversible choice: should they board a container ship bound for America, or Great Britain? Alexander leaves that choice to the toss of a coin . . .
In a single moment, a double twist decides Alexander's future. During an epic tale of fate and fortune, spanning two continents and thirty years, we follow his triumphs and defeats as he struggles as an immigrant to conquer his new world. As this unique story unfolds, Alexander comes to realize where his destiny lies, and accepts that he must face the past he left behind in Russia.
With a final twist that will shock even his most ardent fans, this is #1 New York Times bestseller Jeffrey Archer's most ambitious and creative work since Kane & Abel.
Alexander Karpenko is no ordinary child, and from an early age, it is clear he is destined to lead his countrymen. But when his father is assassinated by the KGB for defying the state, he and his mother will have to escape from Russia if they hope to survive. At the docks, they are confronted with an irreversible choice: should they board a container ship bound for America, or Great Britain? Alexander leaves that choice to the toss of a coin . . .
In a single moment, a double twist decides Alexander's future. During an epic tale of fate and fortune, spanning two continents and thirty years, we follow his triumphs and defeats as he struggles as an immigrant to conquer his new world. As this unique story unfolds, Alexander comes to realize where his destiny lies, and accepts that he must face the past he left behind in Russia.
With a final twist that will shock even his most ardent fans, this is #1 New York Times bestseller Jeffrey Archer's most ambitious and creative work since Kane & Abel.
********************
This
Friday Focus: The Friday 56 & Book Beginnings post was originally
composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the blog,
bookclublibrarian.com. It cannot be republished without attribution.
Sharing this original post on Twitter with appropriate recognition is
appreciated.
Sounds fascinating, and political thrillers are timely now, aren't they? Here's mine: “THE LOOK-ALIKE”
ReplyDeleteLOL @ the beginning along with Alexander. :-) Merry Christmas to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteJeffery has always amazed me at how well he writes, considering his background... lol I will never forget his financial scandal! LOL
ReplyDeleteHere's my Friday Post. Hope you have a happy Christmas!
Set in the 60s? That sounds fun. My Friday quotes from WITH THE FIRE ON HIGH
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