It was the last night of 1937.
With no better plans or prospects, my roommate Eve had dragged me back to the Hotspot, a wishfully named nightclub in Greenwich Village that was four feet underground.
From a look around the club, you couldn't tell that it was New Year's Eve. There were no hats or streamers; no paper trumpets. At the back of the club, looming over a small empty dance floor, a jazz quartet was playing love-me-and-left-me standards without a vocalist. The saxophonist, a mournful giant with skin as black as motor oil, had apparently lost his way in the labyrinth of one of his long, lonely solos. While the bass player, a coffee-and-cream mulatto with a small deferential mustache, was being careful not to hurry him. Boom, boom, boom, he went, at half the pace of a heartbeat.
-Chapter 1
Rules of Civility
by Amor Towels
I started our next book club selection last Friday evening and, after reading just 25 pages, made the declaration that I will read anything Amor Towles ever writes. Besides the writing, I'm also enjoying the setting - Manhattan in the late 1930's. What do you think of the intro?
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.
I'm excited that you're enjoying it so much at page 25. I somehow wound up with 2 copies of this one, so I gave one away but I'm glad I kept the other!!!
ReplyDeleteStaci - Almost at the halfway mark now and still loving it!
DeleteI do like the setting, the feel and tone of the opener, and I've been noticing this one all around lately. It's going on my list!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog.
Laurel-Rain Snow - It does seem like this book has been all over the blogs lately. I'm enjoying it very much!
DeleteYou see it's the book cover and the beginning pages, and the anticipated zeitgeist that attracted me to read it. Thought I was reading another Great Gatsby. But my excitement faded as I moved along. I'm glad you're enjoying it so much. Looking forward to reading your review.
ReplyDeleteArti - I'm very close to the halfway point now and enjoying it just as much. When did your excitement start to fade?
DeleteThe intro sets the scene nicely for the rest of the book, I think. One of many of the new historical novels I'd like to read.
ReplyDeleteHarvee Lau - Historical novels have been making up a large part of my reading lately.
DeleteI love this intro! I've not heard of the book or the author, and I thank you so much!!
ReplyDeleteNan - The author is a Yale-educated investment banker and this is his first novel. I'd say he's pretty successful at his 'hobby'!
DeleteI've just put my name on the holds list for a downloadable version from the state library. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteNan - You're very welcome. I hope you enjoy, too!
DeleteThis one must be terrific if it makes you want to read his other books!
ReplyDeleteDCMetroreader - I may have to wait a while... this is his first novel .
DeleteI have this on my Ipod! ... BTW, I think your 'blurb' should be on her book jacket. (Is Amor a woman?) She couldn't do better! :)
ReplyDeleteAudrey - As long as it has a good reader, I'm sure this would be a fabulous audiobook. Amor is actually a man... a Yale-educated investment banker who has written a novel on the side! Laughing at your 'blurb' comment, but I was totally serious. Half way through now and hoping the book 'finishes strong'.
DeleteI just couldn't get into this book for some reason. I abandoned it a fourth of the way. Maybe I should give it another try.
ReplyDeleteMrs. B.- Sorry to hear this one wasn't for you. I loved it from the first pages.
DeleteI like the intro and am curious for more. I do have this on my Kindle so....someday:) enjoy
ReplyDeleteDiane - Who know, maybe you'll be inspired to read it one of these days...
DeleteI've seen this book around! I would have to read a bit more to decide.
ReplyDeleteNise' - This book does seem to be everywhere lately. I'm really enjoying it!
DeleteGlad to see that you're still loving it at the half way mark. I know some readers didn't like the way the story changed after the accident. New York City just came alive for me!
ReplyDeleteLisa - I am definitely still loving this book. My feeling have not changed since the accident.
DeleteI have had this book for a long time - perhaps I need to bring to the top of the pile.
ReplyDeletePBurt -The writing is really wonderful... I hope you get a chance to read it soon!
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