8.31.2012

Book Beginnings - A Red Death



Book Beginnings is a meme hosted by Rose City Reader. Share the first sentence (or so) of a book you are currently reading, along with your initial thoughts and impressions about the sentence or book. Remember to include the title of the book and the author AND link up at the Rose City Reader


I always started sweeping on the top floor of the Magnolia Street apartments. It was a three-story pink stucco building between Ninety-first Street and Ninety-first Place, just about a mile outside of Watts Proper. Twelve Units. All occupied for that month. I had just gathered the dirt into a neat pile when I heard Mofass drive up in his new '53 Pontiac. 
It's not an attention-grabber, but knowing what Easy Rawlins went through in Devil in a Blue Dress (review here) makes you wonder why he's sweeping floors. I'm completely intrigued by his character, but I can't pinpoint why exactly. I'm halfway through this one and it's pretty good. Spying on Reds is both tricky and interesting...how does he get into these situations?  


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14 comments:

  1. Sandra Nachlinger11:56 AM, August 31, 2012

    I like this opening because it sets the mood and lets me know where and when the book takes place. It also tells me that the narrator is a guy who sweeps floors--because he's a janitor? or maybe he owns the building? I'd turn pages to find out more.
    My beginning is from THE ROOTS OF THE OLIVE TREE.

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    1. Amber1:53 PM, August 31, 2012

      One of those deductions is correct.

      Thanks for visiting!

      Delete
  2. Chris Thompson12:05 PM, August 31, 2012

    Gruesome cover. I never read Devil in a Blue Dress, but maybe I should

    Here's my Book Beginning Post.

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    1. Amber1:57 PM, August 31, 2012

      I love the cover. The artist who designed these editions had the right idea. You might like Devil in a Blue Dress...I'd be curious to know what others thought of it.

      Delete
  3. Anonymous12:15 PM, August 31, 2012

    That is a pretty good beginning especially with your comments added in about the previous book.

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    1. Amber2:04 PM, August 31, 2012

      At second-glance it is a pretty good beginning.

      Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  4. KenzieB7:24 PM, August 31, 2012

    It's an curious way to start a book. But I like it!

    Here's my book beginning:
    http://thereadingkorner.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-sneak-like-beginning-book-beginnings.html

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  5. test1:10 AM, September 01, 2012

    Great cover art! It does sound intriguing - I wish Sandy hadnt speculated. A janitor can be many other things ... maybe i should get this on my TBR ...:P

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    1. Amber10:45 AM, September 02, 2012

      Yeah, the cover art is nice. As for the speculation...I'm guilty of doing it sometimes too.

      Delete
  6. Eva5:07 AM, September 01, 2012

    Good beginning. I'm considering this one, but guess I should read Devil in a Blue Dress first.

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    1. Amber10:50 AM, September 02, 2012

      Hmm. I think this could be a standalone book...Of course there are references to Devil in a Blue Dress, but the plot itself is different. But then again, there are a couple recurring characters and a little backstory that should probably be known before reading. Both are short novels. And good.

      Delete
  7. Gilion at Rose City Reader1:27 PM, September 02, 2012

    I went on an Easy Rawlins tear after the movie and read them all. I didn't care as much for his other series (I can't even remember the character now), but I always love the ER books.

    Thanks for posting on BBOF!

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    1. Amber2:19 PM, September 02, 2012

      That's awesome. I plan on reading all the Easy Rawlins fiction as well. I think White Butterfly is the next one.
      Thanks for hosting!

      Delete

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