Prologue
As the rest of the guests wandered the deck of the beach club under an early-evening midsummer sky, taking pinched, appraising sips of their cocktails to gauge if the bartenders were using top-shelf stuff and balancing tiny crab cakes on paper napkins while saying appropriate things about how they'd really lucked out with the weather because the humidity would be back tomorrow, or murmuring inappropriate things about the bride's snug satin dress, wondering if the spilling cleavage was due to bad tailoring or poor taste (a look as their own daughters might say) or an unexpected weight gain, winking and making tired jokes about exchanging toasters for diapers, Leo Plumb left his cousin's wedding with one of the waitresses.The Nest
by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney
I just realized that the first paragraph is actually a single sentence, but it sets the stage nicely by giving us a peek into the world of the Plumb family. This novel seems to be the hot ticket lately and I was surprised to discover the newly-added ebook available for download at our FL library... especially since I've been on my home library's hold list for weeks. I've read about 25% of the book so far and am completely hooked.
The goodreads summary is a little too long to share, so click here if you're curious. I think this is a classic "rich people behaving badly" story. Four adult siblings have lived their lives expecting an inheritance (referred to as "the nest") when the youngest turns forty. Now the date is approaching and distribution of "the nest" is in jeopardy.
What do you think? 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.
I have this novel on my to read list. I'm looking forward to your review. I'm glad your hooked so far. That is a long sentence!
ReplyDeletePat - I can't wait to pick it up again later this afternoon!
DeleteYes, that is quite the sentence! I loved it...and the book. Hope you do, too. Thanks for visiting my blog.
ReplyDeleteLaurel-Rain Snow - I love this type of book, and figured this would be a pretty sure thing.
DeleteThis one has been at the top of my reading pile for a few weeks--I must find the time to get to it.
ReplyDeleteCatherine - It's great so far. Hope you get a chance to read it this summer!
DeleteIt is a fun book! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteRachel - Thanks, I am!
DeleteWhinings of the rich and famous don't seem to be my thing. This also touches a little too close to home with all the familial issues ongoing, so I think I'd pass.
ReplyDeleteCharlie - Sounds like you'd be wise to take a pass on this one!
DeleteI think I would ... I like your library karma!
ReplyDeleteAudrey - You should have heard my cry of delight when I clicked on the library website! My husband just doesn't get it...
DeleteI've always been fascinated by stories of the "rich people behaving badly." It's somehow fun. If it were poor people, it would just be tragic. Keep enjoying the story JoAnne.
ReplyDeleteMargot - That type of story always appeals to me. It's definitely a fun read so far!
DeleteObviously I'd keep reading :) Since I thought this was a great beach read!
ReplyDeleteSarah - We'll see how it goes from here, but this may be the book I recommend to everyone this summer, too!
DeleteThis is on my list too! Hoping to get to it this summer.
ReplyDeleteBeth F - This would be a great summer read!
DeleteOh yes this does sound fun and definitely one I will be looking out for - a perfect holiday read I'd say!
ReplyDeleteCleo - Yes, a perfect beach or vacation read is my initial impression.
DeleteI have no problem with long sentences (I just finished reading the 7 books comprising In Search of Lost Time, and Proust is most famous for that writing trait!), but it does not work for me here
ReplyDeleteFrance Booktours - I never noticed that sentence was so long until I typed it here... guess it didn't phase me, lol!
DeleteYes, I would keep reading (or listening). I better hurry up before it gets over-hyped! :)
ReplyDeleteLes - This may end up being the big book for summer...might not be a bad idea to read it before the hype really starts ;-)
DeleteI haven't read this one, it's getting plenty of PR. I love the opening--it's one I'd pick.
ReplyDeleteDiane - This is a debut and I've read that the author got nearly a million dollar advance... pretty steep!
DeleteThis is high on my list! Yes, I would keep read in, a critic's choice.
ReplyDeleteHeather - It does seem to be one of the books they're touting.
DeleteThat's an awful lot to take in, all in one sentence. Kinda Gertrude Stein-ish. 😛
ReplyDeleteJudyMac - It is, but it gives me a pretty clear understanding of the guests ;-)
DeleteI have seen this book all around the blogosphere, so now with your recommendation too, I must go find it!
ReplyDeleteGrammajudyb - It sure is getting a lot of buzz right now.
DeleteI did keep reading and thoroughly enjoyed it!
ReplyDeletePatty - I'm really enjoying it, too!
DeleteI read a book recently in which the first paragraph was one sentence too. It was nothing like this book though. :-) This does sound good. I don't blame Leo for leaving even if his reason might not be in the best taste. I'd likely be in hidden spot reading if I had to attend an event like that. Haha
ReplyDeleteLiterary Feline - LOL, I know what you mean :)
DeleteI like the first sentence/paragraph of this one. I've been seeing it around lately but haven't been sure that it was for me. From the sound of this I think I'd enjoy it though. Hope you are!
ReplyDeleteKatherine - It's very entertaining so far!
DeleteI've heard that quite a few bloggers have liked the book! But ugh I don't like that first paragraph, yikes! what a mouthful. Does this writing represent a lot of the book?
ReplyDeleteSusan - I don't think there has been another sentence that long, and it doesn't seem representative of her style.
DeleteI absolutely need to read this one. It certainly feels like a hot-ticket item right now but the description also sounds pretty good. I may wait a bit though - too much on my reading list right now but looking forward to hearing what you think.
ReplyDeleteAthia - This is a lot of fun so far. I think it would make a great beach/vacation book.
DeleteI really think you should keep reading. This wasn't extraordinary for me, but it is really good family drama.
ReplyDeleteKathy - This has been a very entertaining read so far... can't wait to see how it's settled!
DeleteI am on the wait list for this book. Looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteNise' - 75% done now and it's a lot of fun!
DeleteThis one does sound like it will be an emotional read. Not sure I can take it... It seems you can handle this type of book much more easily than I can. Lol. I hope you enjoy it all the way to the end!
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by and commenting on my own Tuesday Intros post!! :)
Maria - It has been mostly fun so far. Guess I don't feel that strong of an emotional bond with the characters.
DeleteThe author always had the most amazing long sentences at the beginning of each chapter, did you notice that, too? I liked this book; looking forward to all of your thoughts on it.
ReplyDeleteCare - No, I didn't!! Had to go back and check... quite a few of them are just as long. I really enjoyed the book. My kind of summer read!
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