Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Tuesday Intro: Rules of Civility by Amor Towles


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.

26 comments:

  1. 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!!!

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    1. Staci - Almost at the halfway mark now and still loving it!

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  2. I 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!

    Thanks for visiting my blog.

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    1. Laurel-Rain Snow - It does seem like this book has been all over the blogs lately. I'm enjoying it very much!

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  3. You 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.

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    1. Arti - I'm very close to the halfway point now and enjoying it just as much. When did your excitement start to fade?

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  4. The 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.

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    1. Harvee Lau - Historical novels have been making up a large part of my reading lately.

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  5. I love this intro! I've not heard of the book or the author, and I thank you so much!!

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    1. Nan - The author is a Yale-educated investment banker and this is his first novel. I'd say he's pretty successful at his 'hobby'!

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  6. I've just put my name on the holds list for a downloadable version from the state library. Thanks again.

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    1. Nan - You're very welcome. I hope you enjoy, too!

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  7. This one must be terrific if it makes you want to read his other books!

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    1. DCMetroreader - I may have to wait a while... this is his first novel .

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  8. I 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! :)

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    1. Audrey - 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'.

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  9. I 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.

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    1. Mrs. B.- Sorry to hear this one wasn't for you. I loved it from the first pages.

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  10. I like the intro and am curious for more. I do have this on my Kindle so....someday:) enjoy

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    1. Diane - Who know, maybe you'll be inspired to read it one of these days...

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  11. I've seen this book around! I would have to read a bit more to decide.

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    1. Nise' - This book does seem to be everywhere lately. I'm really enjoying it!

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  12. Glad 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!

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    1. Lisa - I am definitely still loving this book. My feeling have not changed since the accident.

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  13. I have had this book for a long time - perhaps I need to bring to the top of the pile.

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    1. PBurt -The writing is really wonderful... I hope you get a chance to read it soon!

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