I reviewed this brilliant book yesterday which a much deserving rare 5 star rating from me :)
I know openings of books are so important and I love this opener. It really made me swell with anticipation. I love the mood and beauty and simplicity of it - you can feel the awe and ache in it of one guy crushing on a girl. It also feels nostalgic and teenager-y, plus it's intriguing. (also, awesome first line - in the prologue and the first chapter)
PROLOGUE of Six Impossible Things
THERE'S THIS GIRL I KNOW
I know her by heart. I know her in very way but one: actuality.
Her name is Estelle. I yearn for her.
She walks in beauty - yes, like the night of cloudless climes and starry skies - with one iPod earbud in at all times - the soundtrack of her life.
She's stopped biting her nails, except for the left hand little finger.
She sometimes nibbles the inside seam of her school jumper cuffs.
She's an only child. Like me.
She plays the cello.
She likes mochaccinos. And banana milkshakes - made with syrup, not real bananas. And Cherry Ripes. She has a friend in New York she sends Cherry Ripes to. You can't get them over there.
She has more than one friend. Unlike me.
She lives next door. To where we live now.
She laughs a lot.
She and I have a three band over-lap in our top five bands.
Her favourite writers are Georgette Heyer and J.D. Salinger.
I can't tell you how I know all this stuff about someone I never met.
AND first line of CHAPTER ONE: If you can forget that it means someone just died, inheriting something is a good thing, isn't it?
Wow. I have to read this. It's poetical. Thanks for the teaser.
ReplyDeleteI adore this opening and any book that quotes my favourite poem in the opening lines is a must buy. Bet it's not out in the US yet :) but thanks for the heads up I'll add it to the list.
ReplyDelete@ Mrs DeRaps - I know! Isn't it awesome?
ReplyDelete@ Alexa - Not available yet - but Fiona Wood was offered representation from a US agency - wahoo! x
Ooo cool :)
ReplyDeleteIts so well-written. It makes me want to read it even more. Thanks for featuring this!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful. "I know her by heart. I know her in very way but one: actuality." I'm desperate to know more about this story now!
ReplyDeleteSigh. I have to read this....it sounds so wonderful. Hopefully it'll show up on the book depository! And thank you for commenting on my review for Scars-it IS a tough book to get through but you should definetely pick it up once you're in the right mood :)
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