Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Tuesday Intro: The Homecoming of Samuel Lake


Columbia County, Arkansas, 1956 
John Moses couldn't have chosen a worse day, or a worse way to die, if he'd planned it for a lifetime. Which is possible. He was contrary as a mule. It was the weekend of the Moses family reunion, and everything was perfect - or at least perfectly normal - until John went and ruined it. 
The reunion was always held the first Sunday in June. It had been that way forever. It was tradition. And John Moses had a thing about tradition. Every year or so, his daughter, Willadee (who lived way off down in Louisiana), would ask him to change the reunion date to the second Sunday in June, or the first Sunday in July, but John had a stock answer.
"I'd rather burn in Hell."
The Homecoming of Samuel Lake
by Jenny Wingfield

At some point in my Tuesday Intro posts, I usually ask if you would continue reading a book based on the opening passage. I'll skip the question today and just tell you it would be a big mistake to miss The Homecoming of Samuel Lake.

After reading Les' glowing review, I began listening on the three and a half hour drive to Twin A's college. This novel has it all - plot, characters, and atmosphere - and I would have been happy to drive twice as long. Since we talked all the way home, I haven't had more time alone in the car to listen. Thankfully, a print copy arrived at my door yesterday. I can't wait to continue reading!

Every Tuesday, Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea posts the opening paragraph (sometime two) of a book she decided to read based on the opening paragraph(s). Feel free to grab the banner and play along.



27 comments:

  1. I do like the sound of this one...and it's been on my radar, so thanks for reminding me about it.

    And thanks for visiting my blog.

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    1. Laurel-Rain Snow - Several other bloggers loved this one, too. Hope you get a chance to read it!

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  2. I've put this on my TBR list -- sounds fantastic!

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    1. Col - It really is... can't wait to read more tonight!

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  3. This opening sure sounds powerful... and a bit sardonic. ;) Thanks for sharing with us, JoAnn.

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    1. Arti - I'm loving the characters in this novel... they are a very colorful bunch ;-)

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  4. This book is high on my tbr list but I totally appreciate you reminder and advice! This opening section is fascinating & John is sure about how he feels regarding the date for the reunion! Great choice!

    Love the new Lake photo, it's beautiful anda wonderful reminder that it's spring!

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    1. Amy - You would love this book! Every page is a treat. Glad you like the new photo - the change was definitely overdue.

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  5. I've got to get to this one! Many have loved it.

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    1. Nise' - All I've seen are raves about this book... will be adding mine to the chorus after I finish.

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  6. I absolutely loved this book and savored it in print. Because of Les' outstanding review of the audio I'm going to get it from Audible.com!! I'm sure I will enjoy listening to it this time through!

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    1. Staci - I think you'll love the audio! Now that I have a print copy, too, I am totally immersed in this book.

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  7. Thanks. I'll add it to my reading list. Here's Mine

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    1. Paulita - Hope you enjoy it as much as I am!

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  8. What a great idea! You chose well for this post. These opening paragraphs are compelling.

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    1. Diana - Thanks. This book has been on my wish list ever since it was published, so I'm glad to be reading/listening at last.

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  9. An addictive read -- loved it. Great intro as well.

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    1. Diane - I checked your review before downloading, too. I knew you and Staci and Les wouldn't steer me wrong :-)

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  10. I have heard such great things about this one. I have had it on my kindle forever so I really need to read it!

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    1. Reviewsbylola - Definitely read this book soon...I'm loving it!

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  11. That does sound interesting! And I'd never heard of this one before - will check it out.

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    1. Eugenia O'Neal - Hope you decided to read it!

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  12. Hmmm--think that between you and Les I've been convinced to add this to my list. Fingers crossed that my library has it--if not on to Audible I go. :)

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    1. Trish - I'm just pages from the end now. It's been a combo read/listen for me... you've GOT to listen to this!!

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  13. Hmm, I could've sworn I left a comment here. Sometimes my iPad messes with my brain! ;)

    I'm so glad you enjoyed this book! I thought it was wonderful and plan to read the printed version sometime in the not so distant future. The audio was fantastic! I loved the reader and hope to find more books read by her.

    Thanks for the link-love, JoAnn!

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    1. Les - How strange! I have all sorts of problems commenting from my iPad, too, and lately have given up even trying. I loved this book and am sure it will be one of my favorites of the year. Gave it to my mom after I finished and she loved it, too. She made my dad read it, too. I'm finally working on the review now.

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