How to use this Page

Display Comments Add a Comment

I really enjoyed yesterday’s comments in response to my question, What Are Your Favorite Opening Lines in a Novel?

Yesterday’s response was overwhelming and I was touched with everyones well thought out selections. I decided to give a link back to all the blogs who participated and mention their selected titles. I picked three of my favorite selections wrote a small review of the blog and tossed in an extra link.

I hope my Tuesdays questions will encourage reader participation; which will help entertain, inspire and encourage communication between a community of parents, teachers, librarians, writers, dreamers…everyone concerned with children’s literary or reading in general.

As mentioned I will link every blog that left a comment yesterday and provide the title for their selection. That way you can look up the first lines or review their comments on yesterdays post.

Although I gave everyone a link there is still enough of a prize to make it exciting (i think)

I wrote a short review of each blog and gave an extra link back: Here are my choices:

Bobbarama dot.com

Bobbarama is the warm, stylish, funny, and articulate account of a Southern California journalist named Bob's daily reflections. Bob also makes it "clear that he is a Professional Chief Cat Herder" He has some great posts that are heavy yet light reading told with perfect comedic timing and word choice. He is one of those writers who can make a “butt tomato” into a topic of conversation.

Read the following posts on his blog and you will quickly see for yourself, "Something fishy "going down" at Sea World" his updated list of "Real Men of Genius" and "Tomato butt anyone?" Thank you Bobbarama for an excellent contribution. Oh yeah! I wanted to tell you that we have the same Frank Kafka quote on our blogs. Another great selection but I think your is in a better location!

Here is Bobbarama’s favorite lines:

Bobbarama- In the Company of the Courtesan ... by Sarah Dunant.

I bought this book after reading the opening line:

"My lady Fiammetta Bianchini was plucking her eyebrows and biting color into her lips when the unthinkable happened and the Holy Roman Emperor's army blew a hole in the wall of God's eternal city, letting in a flood of half-starved, half-crazed troops bent on pillage and punishment."

It picked up from there.

:)

I picked this passage because: I loved the imagery, one can envision her lips change color as you read, “biting color into her lips” and the relaxation in her stance with, “plucking her eyebrows.” She is oblivious to how quickly a moment can change when “Emperor’s army blew a hole in the wall of God’s eternal city”

In one sentence, Sarah Dunant changes the atmosphere of a moment. I can see why Bob wanted to buy the book after reading it.

The Non-profit Communication Blog

Non- profit communication blog is the wonderfully designed non-profit blog about fundraising and communication, social advertising and inspirational non-profit campaigns. Ellen Janssens has put much effort ,talent, and education into this site and you can tell. I just recently added The Non-Profit Communication Blog to my blogroll this past week and am excited to learn more about it and Ellen who is already an inspiration to me!

Here is Ellen's selection:

Paulo Coelho, from his book 'By the River Piedra, I Sat Down, and Wept'

August 7, 2007 7:45 AM

“On the banks of the Piedra I sat, and I cried. According to a legend, everything that falls into the Piedra - leaves, bugs, bird's feathers - will turn into rocks. I wish I could rip my heart out of my chest and throw it into the river, for then I would feel no more hurt, no more desire, and have no more memories."

Here writer Paulo Coelho, from his book 'By the River Piedra, I Sat Down does a great job of emotionally pulling you into a desperate and disappointing moment. I really wanted to turn the page, which I suppose is the whole idea!

You contributed a nice selection Ellen. Thank you.

My third choice was also a recipient last week, but I cannot help it I loved the quote as well as the blog who selected it!

It’s from Comedy Plus:

Comedy plus: The name Comedy Plus is perfect for this site! Sandee shares fresh upbeat comical material with a natural voice. The author of Comedy Plus, she is a warm-hearted friend and hilarious writer who clearly cares about her readers. Sandee’s smart voice and quick wit will create a devoted reader out of you from day one! I visit Comedy Plus everyday for a laugh! Thanks Sandee for another wonderful contribution.

Here's the Comedy Plus selection

Sorry I'm so late Ann... Here is one of many favorites.

James A. Michener

Mexico

I had been sent to Mexico to cover a murder, one of a remarkable kind. And since it had not yet happened, I had been ordered to get photographs, too.

I love how James Michener is letting us know exactly where we are and that we are in for a good ride! I love this kind of a beginning.

Other Contributions-

NoDirectOn(not:NoDirection) Kurt Vonnegut (1922-2007), Welcome to the Monkey House

Eat Your Maths: Raven's Gate, by Anthony Horowitz.

Christyscoffeebreak.

Non-profit Communication Blog:

Paulo Coelho, from his book 'By the River Piedra, I Sat Down and Wept'

Bobbarama dot.com:
In the Company of the Courtesan ... by Sarah Dunant.

Comedy Plus:

James A. Michener

Mexico

Thank you to all of you who commented and contributed for a great Tuesday, and some dynamite passages!

Display Comments Add a Comment