- 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, A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins. The excerpts shared are from a hardcover version borrowed from the library.
Beginning: Blood-sodden, the girl staggers into the black. Her clothes are disheveled, hanging off her young body, revealing expanses of pale flesh. Shoe lost, foot bleeding. She is in agony, but the pain has become inconsequential, eclipsed by other sufferings.
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Page 56: "Maybe I could come with you?" Theo suggested. "You, me, and Ben – we could make a weekend of it?"
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My thoughts: I was so captivated by The Girl on the Train that I am really looking forward to starting the author's newest novel.
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When a young man is found gruesomely murdered in a London houseboat, it triggers questions about three women who knew him. Laura is the troubled one-night-stand last seen in the victim’s home. Carla is his grief-stricken aunt, already mourning the recent death of yet another family member. And Miriam is the nosy neighbor clearly keeping secrets from the police. Three women with separate connections to the victim. Three women who are – for different reasons – simmering with resentment. Who are, whether they know it or not, burning to right the wrongs done to them. When it comes to revenge, even good people might be capable of terrible deeds. How far might any one of them go to find peace? How long can secrets smolder before they explode into flame?
Look what you started.
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.
I keep meaning to try Paula Hawkin's books one of these days, but I never got around to The Girl on the Train. This one looks good.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of her books, but certainly heard of The Girl on the Train. The opening is a grabber.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a gripping story. I liked The Girl on the Train so I will be interested to find out what you think of this book. My book is The Lincoln Highway
ReplyDeleteGeez.. that beginning!!! SOunds like a great read! Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteGreat excerpts! I read and enjoyed this one last year. Here's mine: “WITH LOVE FROM LONDON”
ReplyDeleteI like the cover. I hope you enjoy it! Have a great weekend! Here's my post: https://cindysbookcorner.blogspot.com/2022/02/first-line-friday-38-time-to-love.html
ReplyDeleteWhat a way to start the novel! I really feel for whoever she is. I really liked The Girl on the Train too and hope this one will be just as good. Have a great weekend, Catherine!
ReplyDeleteOoh, I need to read this one!
ReplyDeleteThat is an intense beginning! I haven't read anything by this author though of course I've heard of her.
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