Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Tuesday Intro: Bittersweet


February

CHAPTER ONE
The Roommate
Before she loathed me, before she loved me, Genevra Katherine Winslow didn't know that I existed. That's hyperbolic, of course; by February, student housing had required us to share a hot shoe box of a room for nearly six months, so she must have gathered I was a physical reality (if only because I coughed every time she smoked her Kools atop the bunk bed), but until the day Ev asked me to accompany her to Winloch, I was accustomed to her regarding me as she would a hideously upholstered armchair - something in her way, to be utilized when absolutely necessary, but certainly not what she'd have chosen herself.
Bittersweet: A Novel 
by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore

"Suspenseful and cinematic, Bittersweet  exposes the gothic underbelly of an idyllic world of privilege and an outsider’s hunger to belong."  Of course this novel landed on my wish list before it was released last spring, and I snapped it up as a kindle daily deal in August... and then forgot about it. I was considering what to read on my upcoming trip to Florida when it appeared on Sarah's recent Top Ten Tuesday post, Books About Wealthy People Behaving Badly. Since we're leaving later today, I picked it up last night. I loved the opening paragraph, as well as the rest of the first chapter, and have a good feeling about this book.

Want to know more? Here is the goodreads summary:
On scholarship at a prestigious East Coast college, ordinary Mabel Dagmar is surprised to befriend her roommate, the beautiful, wild, blue-blooded Genevra Winslow. Ev invites Mabel to spend the summer at Bittersweet, her cottage on the Vermont estate where her family has been holding court for more than a century; it’s the kind of place where children twirl sparklers across the lawn during cocktail hour. Mabel falls in love with midnight skinny-dipping, the wet dog smell that lingers near the yachts, and the moneyed laughter that carries across the still lake while fireworks burst overhead. Before she knows it, she has everything she’s ever wanted: friendship, a boyfriend, access to wealth, and, most of all, for the first time in her life, the sense that she belongs. 
But as Mabel becomes an insider, a terrible discovery leads to shocking violence and reveals what the Winslows may have done to keep their power intact - and what they might do to anyone who threatens them. Mabel must choose: either expose the ugliness surrounding her and face expulsion from paradise, or keep the family’s dark secrets and make Ev’s world her own.
What do you think? Would you 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. Feel free to grab the banner and play along.

47 comments:

  1. OH yea, I remember this one, I think. Yes, I am totally curious about this one and that first sentence - I read it twice!

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    1. Care - That's the best opening I've read in a while. Will read more on the plane this evening.

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  2. I think I might keep reading, :) you really have me intrigued.

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    1. Heavenali - This definitely sounds like my kind of book.

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  3. I would definitely keep reading. I have an e-copy of this one that was a deal of the day a while back. Thanks for reminding me and for visiting my blog.

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    1. Catherine - I seem to be accumulating an awful lot of books through those daily deals!

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  4. I agree, the opening holds a lot of promise.

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  5. Yes, there is a definite tinge of secrets and discoveries here. I'd keep going.

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  6. Oh, I love the intro and the blurb! I had noticed this one, but hadn't explored it further. Now it is definitely going on my list. Thanks!

    And thanks for visiting my blog.

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    1. Laurel-Rain Snow - So far it seems like the kind of book you usually like!

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  7. I must get this book! Love the beginning and the plot summary.

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    1. Harvee - I think it's coming out in paperback next month.

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  8. dark secrets of a family..... hmmm. I will put this on my tbr list :)

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    1. Shin - Dark family secrets get me every time!

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  9. I liked this one! I can't wait to see what you think. :)

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    1. Lindsey - Glad to know you liked it! I think it's really good so far.

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  10. This is one I have had my eye on. It sounds like something I would really like!

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    1. Literary Feline - I like this kind of book, too!

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  11. Yay!! I loved, loved this one! One of my most recommended books of last summer! I feel like it never really gained traction in the blogging world, so am glad to see you're reading it!

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    1. Sarah - Hopefully the paperback release (coming up next month) will give it more publicity.

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  12. I listened to this one on audio, very good.

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    1. Anita - I see it's narrated by Cassandra Campbell... can't go wrong there!

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  13. The book's description makes me want to grab it. I found the opening paragraph sort of humorous. I'm not sure if that's what the at hour was going for. Enjoy.

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    1. Margot - The description has quite a few of my trigger words, too!

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  14. This one looks good, and I like the intro. I'd keep reading!

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    1. Monica - I have high hopes for this one. Thanks for visiting.

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  15. This sounds like a book I'd really enjoy. I like the comparison to an ugly utilitarian armchair. Clever! The Vermont setting is appealing to me too.
    My Tuesday post features DEVIOUS.

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    1. Sandra - I love the armchair phrase, too, and Vermont is always a plus!

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  16. I think you should definitely continue reading. So far, it really sounds intriguing, especially with the main character being compared to a bare armchair.

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  17. I'm intrigued by this one and I'd certainly keep reading although I'd not heard of this book before. Thanks for visiting my Tuesday post https://cleopatralovesbooks.wordpress.com/2015/03/24/tuesday-first-chapter-first-paragraph-march-24/

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  18. Terrific intro - I would read on. I do have a copy on my shelf.

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  19. Sounds like a good one and I love the cover.

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  20. Brideshead Revisted revisited with females in the US is how it sounds to me....

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    1. GSGreatEscaper - Ooooh, love that comparison!

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  21. I've heard good things about this one! Hope that the rest of the book remains as intriguing as the first!

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  22. That is a great intro, I have heard very good things about Bittersweet I hope you are enjoying it!

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  23. This one hooked me quickly and I couldn't put it down!

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    1. Melissa - Glad to hear that! I haven't had much time to read this week, so can't wait to bet back to it.

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  24. Replies
    1. Les - I see Cassandra Campbell is the narrator... always a plus! Hope you enjoy it. I finished last night and thought it was an enjoyable "beach read". BTW, just started Being Mortal - in print at your suggestion. Thanks.

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    2. I'll probably save it for one of my flights to CA next month. I downloaded it to my phone since I've lost my Nano. :(

      Hope you enjoy Being Mortal, although it's not really the type of book one enjoys. It's well-written and informative. Let's go with that. ;) I actually just had a customer come into the store today and thank me for the recommendation. He's a semi-retired physician and was looking for a book about death & dying. I was flattered that he sought me out to thank me for suggesting the book a couple of week ago. Anyhow, I hope YOU like it!

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    3. Les - I have a feeling I'll be thanking you for the recommendation, too. And it is very well-written. Sorry about your nano :(

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