There's nothing quite like the anticipation that comes from cracking open a book for the first time!
How to participate: Share the first line (or two) of the book you are currently reading on your blog or in the comments. Include the title and the author so we know what you're reading. Then, if you would like, let us know what your first impressions were based on that first line, and let us know if you liked or did not like the sentence. The link-up will be at A Few More Pages every Friday and will be open for the entire week.
Thanks to Becky at Page Turners for starting this meme and to Rose City Reader for inspiring it!
In the year 1860, the reputation of Doctor Wybrow as a London physician reached its high point. It was reported on good authority that he was in receipt of one of the largest incomes derived from the practice of medicine in modern times.
Yeah, not especially exciting. In fact, I think it's a bit boring for a beginning. I suppose it could be a nice, unassuming way to start a story about a haunted hotel. We'll just have to see how it progresses.
What is the first line of your current read, and how did you like it? Please leave the link to your specific post, not just to the front page of your blog.
Hey, glad to see some Wilkie Collins! (I haven't read any yet but of course his reputation is good; I intend to.) It's not the zippiest beginning; reads like it could be nonfiction. But I'd give it A Few More Pages. :) Look forward to your review.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree...we get a brief glimpse...enough to want to read more.
ReplyDeleteDr. of medicine in London, how exciting! New follower, thanks to squirrel Queen. Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteI agree...not exciting. My reaction was kind of "Well, good for him."
ReplyDeleteLol, yes a bit is left to be desired in the exciting department, but that next sentence might be a shocker in comparison ;)
ReplyDelete@pagesofjulia - I haven't read Collins yet either! This was the first one I've picked up. Hopefully I'll snatch some spare time this weekend to enjoy it!
ReplyDelete@Laurel Rain Snow - You're right, even if it is a boring beginning, I do want to read on. It helps that the title promises that things should get more exciting!
@LadyD & @Bev Hankins - LOL! That's kind of what I thought when I first read it. Here I was, hoping for something a bit creepy perhaps, but nope, just some mundane information about a rich doctor. LOL! Surely he'll be an important part of the story, so maybe this is pertinent information?
@Svea - I certainly hope so! :D I have a feeling this one will draw me in gradually.
ReplyDeleteI have read some of Wilkie Collins' books and as I remember he starts off slow and plods a little but in the end he weaves a very good story.
ReplyDeleteJoining in for the first time!
Hi Katy,
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that this doesn't sound like a particularly awe inspiring, or exciting start to a book.
However, with Wilkie Collins being considered one of the best and classic exponents of the 19th century detective story, I am sure that it will improve as it goes along.
I do hope so anyway, as you sound a little disappointed with it so far.
Have a great weekend.
Yvonne
Hopefully it'll grow more interesting as you read.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love Woman in White, and also really liked The Moonstone so I definitely want to check this one out. I'm a huge Wilkie Collins fan so I think it will probably be a great story.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that every first line has to be completely gripping or exciting-although I do realize this Meme is Book Beginnings...
This first line makes me think of curling up with a blanket and a cup of tea and settling in for a good story. Enjoy!
@SquirrelQueen - I'm so glad to hear that you've enjoyed Collins before! I'm looking forward to spending some time with this one! And thanks for joining Book Beginnings today!
ReplyDelete@Elspeth - True, you can't really judge a book by its beginning. Sometimes good books don't have the most gripping of beginnings. I tend to like it when it grabs me from the start, but I'm always willing to read on when it doesn't. :)
I haven't read anything by Wilkie Collins yet although The Moonstone is on my shelf, but i have read wonderful reviews of his books.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of The Haunted Hotel but I like the title! The opening sentence is interesting, too especially for the time period mentioned. I hope you like it!
Hey Katy!! My blogging schedule hasn't permitted me to participate in these book beginnings recently, but I hope to start doing it again soon. They were always so much fun!! :-)
ReplyDeleteOn a side note, be sure to check out my post today. You won two blog awards on my blog. Read the post for details on how to accept the award. :-)
http://katie-mccurdy.blogspot.com/2011/10/2-more-awards-d.html