First Chapter ~ First Paragraph

 It's Tuesday . . . time for . . . 

. . . First Chapter ~ First Paragraph Tuesday Intros . . . now hosted by Yvonne at Socrates' Book Reviews, where bloggers share excerpts from a book they have read, are currently reading, or are planning to read.

 

Today I'm featuring a recent read, 56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard. The excerpt shared is from an eBook I received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

First Chapter:  Today

It's like one of those viral videos taken inside some swanky apartment complex, where all the slim and fit thirtysomething residents are doing jumping jacks behind the glass railings of their balconies while the world burns. But these ones stand still, only moving to look down or at each other from across the courtyard, or to lift a hand to their mouth or chest. Their faces are pale, their hair askew, their feet bare. Dawn has barely broken; they've just been roused from their sleep. No one want to film this.
 
What do you think?  Would you continue reading? 

That is a curious opening, and I was glad it prompted me to read on because 56 Days is one of the best books I've read this year. So as not to reveal any spoilers, I share the following brief thoughts:

Ciara and Oliver meet in Dublin shortly before the city and entire country enter a Covid-19 lockdown. Each is initially private and guarded, but as their relationship grows, they move in together during the lockdown. How well will they get to know each other as a result? Will this turn into an opportunity for a future together?

In 56 Days, Catherine Ryan Howard has created a masterly woven tale of suspense with twists and turns that keep readers on the edges of their seats. Her well-plotted revelations turn the story's trajectory in unexpected ways, making this a compelling page-turner.

 

This First Chapter~First Paragraph post was originally composed and/or compiled by Catherine for the Book Club Librarian blog. © 2021, Book Club Librarian All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Book Club Librarian without attribution, know that this post is being used without permission.