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Meme: Friday Firsts

I heard about this meme from Amy at Passages to the Past, and thought I might jump in. Here’s my answer (the question is here:

“Two boys stood in the Prince Consort Gallery, and looked down on a third.”

--The first line from AS Byatt’s The Children’s Book

It’s not the best first line I’ve ever read, but I was intrigued enough to want to read on. That, and the book’s description. But I definitely think that the first line of a novel can draw you in, make you want to read more (one of my favorites comes from Deanna Raybourn’s Silent in the Grave.

Comments

Allison Vaughn said…
I still would want to know some more. They were mentioned, so they must be important!

Allison
http://www.wellreadreviews.com
Anonymous said…
I would want to know why they were looking down on the third.
teabird said…
Oh, I am SO looking forward to reading this!
Marg said…
I haven't heard of this meme before, but I am definitely going to join in I think!

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