Welcome to the ‘too much snow’ edition of Book Beginnings and The Friday 56 hosted by Rose City Reader and Freda on Freda’s Voice. Head on over there and check out the other participating blogs.
This week I’ll be featuring my new book club selection, Zeitoun by Dave Eggers. I only got it on Wednesday night and I’m really enjoying it so far. I’m a big Eggers fan.
Book Beginnings is all about that very important opening sentence (or two) that us writers are always worrying about! Here’s the opening scene from Zeitoun:
On moonless nights the men and boys of Jableh, a dusty fishing town on the coast of Syria, would gather their lanterns and set out on their quiet boats.
I think it’s interesting Eggers chooses to open the book in Syria because besides this opening scene and one or two flashbacks, the book takes place in New Orleans. Perhaps I’ll figure it out as I go.
The way this meme works is pretty simple. If you want to join in, head over to Freda’s blog and add your link.
Rules:
*Grab a book, any book (I grab the one I’m currently reading)
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader
*Find any sentence, (or few, just don’t spoil it) that grab you.
*Post it.
I haven’t gotten to page 56 yet, so we’ll see what I learn from this quote.
Ten thousand cars, twenty thousand lights, she guessed, extending all the way to Baton Rouge.
Phew, didn’t learn anything new. This is a scene as Kathy, the main character’s wife, takes her family out of New Orleans as Hurricane Katrina approaches. I remember the images of this exodus and I think this sentence gives a great visual of what it would be like to be a part of that crowd.
Until next time, write on.
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Taking On a World of Words 
We read this for book club also. I thought it would be a great book for discussion but the news about what happened to the family after the book was published was so distressing the club decided to to nix it. When you are done reading it hop over to my review of the after-effects, reading the information at the LA Times, and other sources. It really makes the whole story a double, triple tragedy.
My Zeitoun thoughts
and please visit my Friday 56 post:
My Friday 56 Post
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Someone mentioned the story about this family when we had our last meeting but I haven’t heard the news yet. I’m avoiding it until I finish the book. I’m getting really attached to the characters so I’m scared to find out the truth! Happy reading.
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I think you know I’m pretty much obsessed with the Middle East, but for some very strange reason, Syria has always stood out the most. I am not sure I would brave it and visit it now, but man, it would be a dream come true. There is just so much biblical history there; more particularly during the 1st Century 🙂
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I remember going to Europe and thinking how amazing it was that the buildings had been standing for so long; since the 1400s! I can’t imagine how awe-inspiring it would be to visit the Middle East and see the oldest relics of human civilization. It would be beyond my imagination. Happy reading!
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You just gave me the chills! I hope to fulfill this wish in my lifetime. . .at least when my kids are grown and settled. . .even if I’m 80! XD
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I have such mixed feelings about Eggers as a writer…. His stuff can be SO good… Or just too much for me, sometimes…
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So far I’ve loved all of the ones I’ve read. What have you not enjoyed?
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You Shall Know Our Velocity- It’s one of the few books I gave up on… But I am very excited to read The Circle.
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I have it on my shelf too!
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This story takes place at a tragic time and strikes very close to home. I’m definitely wanting to read it.
My 56 – http://fuonlyknew.com/2015/02/13/the-friday-56-52-my-pet-yeti/
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I’m really enjoying the writing. I think Eggers is a great storyteller. I hope you enjoy it!
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That is odd about the beginning taking place in Syria. I will be interested to hear why.
ENJOY!!!
Elizabeth
Silver’s Reviews
My Book Beginnings
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The main character is Syrian but it still seems an odd choice. Happy reading.
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I will tell you a story.
I live in a somewhat-urban area outside NOLA and we got into the Katrina traffic after the contraflow had been in effect for an hour our two. Were trying to drive 30 miles to weather it under the protection of the patricarch/matriach, because they have chainsaws and tractors, and they are a little long in the tooth, so they need us to work the machines just as much as we need to be sure they are ok and be available to actually work the machines.
Took us four hours to drive 30 miles.
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The section this was taken from tells a similar story about the contraflow. Being from Detroit, it’s hard to imagine the fear of a hurricane. I can imagine two feet of snow, but not two feet of ocean flooding.
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Katrina was something we had not seen in a while. It typically does not happen twice in one lifetime, unless you are really lucky and live through two of them.
But the weather patterns are changing. I think. I fear for us coastal folk if it actually is.
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Not much given from the 56 at all, but the beginning left me intrigued. Have to check it out!
Happy weekend! ❤
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I try to limit it to one sentence it’s hard when the author writes in short sentences!
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Oh wow. That’s pretty ominous quote. Sounds terrifying when put into context.
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Knowing what’s coming, yes, I’d have to agree.
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