Gualtiero Agnello
August 2009
"I understand there is some controversy about the coroner's ruling concerning Josephus Jones's death. What do you think, Mr. Agnello? Did he die accidentally or was he murdered?"We Are Water
"Murdered? I can't really say for sure, Miss Arnofsky, but I have my suspicions. The black community was convinced that's what it was. Two Negro brothers living down at that cottage with a white woman? That would have been intolerable for some people back then."
"White people, you mean."
by Wally Lamb
I just love Wally Lamb - every single book he's ever written. So of course I added my name to the library hold list the moment his latest novel was released, and now it's finally my turn. When I stopped by the library yesterday afternoon, the director made a point of telling me she had the opportunity to meet the author at BEA last spring... such a delightful, funny man, she said. {Why didn't I go to BEA?} I couldn't wait to dive into this story. My expectations have been tempered by mixed reviews from trusted bloggers but, after just a few pages, I know I am in the hands of a master storyteller. It's going to be quite ride, I'm sure.
What do you think of the opening? Would you keep 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. Feel free to grab the banner and play along.
Definitely an intro that catches the reader. Wonder what time period this is. Hope you enjoy it. Here's Mine
ReplyDeletePaulita - The novel begins in 2009, but they are talking about the late 50's or early 60's here.
DeleteI love Wally Lamb books....I would definitely pick it up...
ReplyDeleteDo check my post!
Gautami - Hurray, another Wally Lamb fan!
DeleteI agree with you about Wally Lamb. She's Come Undone is still one of my all time favorite books. I have a copy of this latest novel on one of my shelves--just haven't gotten to it yet...
ReplyDeleteMy Tuesday Book Club Librarian Post: http://www.bookclublibrarian.com/2014/01/first-chapter-first-paragraph-47.html
Catherine - I can still vividly recall reading She's Come Undone over one weekend back in the 90's... just couldn't put it down.
DeleteSounds like a great intro to me!
ReplyDeleteTara - I think so, too. Thanks for visiting.
DeleteAnother great one from a great author...I loved this one! Thanks for sharing...and here's MY TUESDAY POST
ReplyDeleteLaurel-Rain Snow - I remember seeing that you loved this one. So far, I do, too! Thanks for visiting :)
DeleteI got this as an ARC but then fell into my funk and never got to it. It WILL be read before April. That I know.
ReplyDeleteTi - It's pretty good so far... can't wait to see where he's going with the story.
DeleteI am curious about this one. I've enjoyed the other books I've read by him as well.
ReplyDeleteLiterary Feline - I think Lamb has a pretty strong fan base. Hope this one does not disappoint.
DeleteI am not familiar with Wally Lamb. I will be interested in your review. Have a great week.
ReplyDeletePat - Lamb is definitely a favorite. She's Come Undone, I Know This Much is True, and The Hour I First Believed were all favorites the year I read them. And Wishin' and Hopin' had me laughing until I cried!
DeleteI have loved every book Wally has done too, and regardless of the reviews will be reading this book.
ReplyDeleteNise' - I knew I would read this the moment I heard he had a new book on the way.
DeleteThis sounds really intense. I would keep going.
ReplyDeleteYvonne - I think this is going to become intense and a little messy...
DeleteI would definitely keep reading. I'm a huge funny of Wally Lamb, too, and will always read his books. I cannot wait to read this one. I hope you enjoy it, JoAnn!
ReplyDeleteAmy - His books always end up on my 'best of' lists. We'll see about this one...
DeleteHe is a master story teller to be sure, but somehow I ended up enjoying I Know This Much Is True better than this one. We Are Water fell flat for me, but that's not to say you won't love it. And, I ask myself why I don't go to BEA every year. Except, I know the reason: school isn't out yet. :(
ReplyDeleteBellezza - This fell flat for several bloggers whose tastes mirror my own. At least I'm not approaching it with unreal expectations.
DeleteYes, definitely one for me, sound like it could be quite an emotional read. I haven't read Wally Lamb before, so this is one I have to look out for.
ReplyDeletePeggy - I think you're right - this could be very emotional!
DeleteThis looks really good. The last book of his that I read was She's Come Undone, which I didn't like (too depressing), but this one sounds intriguing!
ReplyDeleteHere's mine:
http://www.sarahsbookshelves.com/memoirs/first-chapter-first-paragraph-tuesday-intros-brain-on-fire-by-susannah-cahalan/
Sarah - Many readers felt She's Come Undone was depressing. It certainly wasn't a happy read, but I couldn't look away.
DeleteI would, I would, i would keep on reading. I have only read one Wally Lamb book, a long time ago. I should pick him up again. If I win the lottery, I would go to BEA. it's just not in the budget for me. Sad, but true.
ReplyDeleteDebbie - My oldest daughter lives in Manhattan now, so I have a free place to stay. That makes me much more likely to attend BEA!
DeleteI'm relieved to find out you are already enjoying this book after only a few pages. My book club is still debating which Wally Lamb book we want to read this year. Some are totally against this one. I look forward to your final opinion.
ReplyDeleteMargot - I'll be curious to see which one your group chooses. My book club doesn't read books until they are available in paperback, so this one wouldn't be an option for us... although we seem to making some exceptions lately ;-)
DeleteMy book club has selected this title to read through the summer and discuss next fall when we start again. I don't know if I can wait that long. It has been on my Kindle since it was released and I am anxious to read it.
ReplyDeleteGrammajudyb - I know I wouldn't be able to wait ;-)
DeleteGreat intro and a book I enjoyed. Hope u like it as well. thanks so much for joining us this week.
ReplyDeleteDiane - I'm just beginning Part 2, so not very far into it, but I think I'm going to like it!
DeleteI've never read Wally Lamb! I know so many people who love his books - this one, however, turned out to not be very popular at my library. We always have lots of copies on the new books shelves. Weird.
ReplyDeleteAnbolyn - I think you might enjoy Wally Lamb. Seems like I've waited for ages to get this one... surprising that your library has copies on the shelf!
DeleteI've read a couple of his books, and while not everyone loved them, I did. He is quite the storyteller! He seems to wander a little bit, but I've never minded. Look forward to hearing more!
ReplyDeleteSandy - I've never minded Lamb's long, wandering stories either. Every years I keep hoping to see him on the list for the local author lecture series, but no luck yet.
DeleteThe opening is quite compelling. I'd read on to get a feel for the story.
ReplyDelete:)
Pooch - It got my attention right away, too.
Deletethat sounds very good. kelley—the road goes ever ever on
ReplyDeleteKelley - It is so far.
DeleteI have this one on my tbr shelf. I would definitely keep reading. I want to know what happened! :-)
ReplyDeleteVasilly - I'm 25% in and must say this is the kind of storytelling I've come to expect from Wally Lamb. Hope the rest of the book is just as good!
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