Welcome to the ‘It’s Spring!’ edition of Book Beginnings and The Friday 56 hosted by Rose City Reader and Freda on Freda’s Voice. It’s likely that I’m on a plane as you read this. Head on over there and check out the other participating blogs.
My newest book is A Scanner Darkly by Philip K. Dick, which I’m reading for a book club. Here’s the summary from Goodreads:
Bob Arctor is a junkie and a drug dealer, both using and selling the mind-altering Substance D. Fred is a law enforcement agent, tasked with bringing Bob down. It sounds like a standard case. The only problem is that Bob and Fred are the same person. Substance D doesn’t just alter the mind, it splits it in two, and neither side knows what the other is doing or that it even exists. Now, both sides are growing increasingly paranoid as Bob tries to evade Fred while Fred tries to evade his suspicious bosses.
Book Beginnings is all about that very important opening sentence (or two) that us writers are always worrying about!
Once a guy stood all day shaking bugs from his hair. The doctor told him there were no bugs in his hair.
This is not one of my favorite book beginnings. I didn’t like the first few pages of this novel, really, but I’m getting more into it now. The book starts with the druggies the summary refers to but I didn’t know that and it made me a little hesitant to get into the book. Things are going better for me now.
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.
Page 56 is a conversation between the main character and one of his coworkers.
“I’ll tell you one that’ll get you for sure. You’re aware of the three babies over at Fairfield Hospital that they have to give hits of smack to every day, that are too young to withdraw yet?”
I haven’t gotten here yet, but seeing as how the book follows a narcotics officer, this doesn’t particularly surprise me. It’s sad to think about the children of drug abuse but I’m sure there are tons of stories like this one about how children are affected by drug use and I wonder how much of this story is fiction or if Dick ripped some of it from the headlines. Kinda creepy to think about.
Until next time, write on.
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Taking On a World of Words 
I had to reread the 56 excerpt twice to make sure I was reading it right. I’m sad to say that I was. Stories like this are just tragic. Reading the blurb, this book does have an interesting premise though.
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It’s sad, but the book concentrates more on narcotics officers which is more positive. This passage happened to be more of a downer than the rest of the book. Happy reading!
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I’m not sure if this is one for me but you mention it’s more focused on the officers and I like that part.
My 56 – http://fuonlyknew.com/2015/04/17/the-friday-56-58-terror-never-sleeps-by-richard-blomberg/
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It’s not my typical read, either. I like that my book clubs push my comfort zone, but this one is still hard to read. Have a good weekend!
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Wait. I saw this film! It’s the one with Keanu Reeves! Yes! Wow, I didn’t know it was a book! I can only imagine how much more gripping it would be in text form, as it was on film
Have you seen the movie?
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I’m waiting till I finish the book to see it but my hubby assures me that it’s awesome!
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It really is! You’ll have to share your thoughts with me!
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I plan to write a post on it. Stay tuned!!
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I saw a movie with the same title… is it the same? I liked the film, and the book is usually better. 🙂
Happy weekend!
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Yes, there’s a movie adaptation of the book. I hope to see it soon! Enjoy your weekend!
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