Tuesday, October 2, 2018

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph

It's Tuesday . . . time for . . . 

                                                      
 

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, now hosted by Vicki at I'd Rather Be At The Beach, where bloggers post the first paragraph(s) of a book they are currently reading or planning to read sometime soon.  

Today I'm featuring a book club selection, Loving Eleanor by Susan Wittig Albert.  The excerpt shared is from the hardcover edition I borrowed from the library.  



Loving Eleanor   

Prologue: Goodbye

Hyde Park, 1962
Hick didn't go to the funeral.

Oh, she was invited, and for that she had Sisty to thank -- Eleanor's granddaughter, the one Hick had known and loved since she was a little girl.  During her grandmother's last illness, it was Sisty who kept in touch.  And who took down Eleanor's last letter because her grandmother couldn't manage the pen: Dearest Hick, I'm still horribly weak, but as soon as I'm able to hold the phone I'll call you.

Chapter One: Hello
I met Mrs. Roosevelt in 1928, the year that Herbert Hoover beat the pants off Al Smith.
 

What do you think?  Would you continue reading?
I like how well the the prologue and first chapter relate to each other.  They frame the parameters of the story, signalling to readers that this will be a (fictional) account of the relationship of historical figures Eleanor Roosevelt and AP reporter Lorena Hickok.



This First Chapter ~ First Paragraph post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the blog, bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution. Sharing this original post on Twitter, Google+ and/or other blogs with appropriate recognition is appreciated.

18 comments:

  1. I like how the two opening paragraphs grabbed my emotions. I'm interested in reading this one. i'm going to see if my library has a copy.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I know nothing about Eleanor Roosevelt, so this one definitely interest me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Eleanor Roosevelt is one of my heroes, not to mention one of the U.S.'s most progressive First Ladies.

      Delete
  3. You are so right - a good echo between the prologue and the opening chapter and yes, I would like to keep reading to find out more!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So often I have to re-read the Prologue after finishing a novel to discover its significance to the story.

      Delete
  4. I like the bookend sort of way of the prologue and and first chapter. I would keep reading. See what book Susan is featuring this week at Girl Who Reads

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm interested in seeing how the story develops under this talented author.

      Delete
  5. So many books lately on Eleanor and Hick. I read two in the past few years. I like the opening here.

    Here's my pick for the week: https://bibliophilebythesea.blogspot.com/2018/10/first-chapter-first-paragraph-tuesday.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I find every aspect of Eleanor Roosevelt's life fascinating.

      Delete
  6. Sounds interesting. I hope you are enjoying it. This week I have The Hollow of Fear by Sherry Thomas from my review stack. Happy reading!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm impressed with your progress on clearing your review stacks.

      Delete
  7. Oh, yes, I have been curious about this book, and I love the excerpts. Thanks for sharing, and for visiting my blog.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I like the beginning of this book. It's interesting that Susan Wittig Albert wrote it. She's an author from Central Texas and has those series that she writes and occasionally a historical standalone.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I didn't know Albert is from Texas. I'm aware of her series novels, so I'm interested in seeing how she develops this story.

      Delete
  9. Not a book I'd usually read so I'd pass on it. I do hope you enjoy it though.

    ReplyDelete