Name one book that makes you feel thankful and happy.
Generally, whatever my current favourite read is. I don't have one single book that I would pick for this. It will depend on my mood and what's foremost in my mind at the time. Sometimes, if I want to lift my mood, I would grab a favourite book and skim through some of my favourite passages, and that always makes me happy.
Opening sentence:
Your end is a dead blue wren.
From page 56:
Truth is, Bich said, Australian childhoods are so idyllic and joyous, so filled with beach visits and backyard games of cricket, that Australian adulthoods can't possibly meet our childhood expectations.
Boy Swallows Universe
Trent Dalton
A novel of love, crime, magic, fate and coming of age, set in Brisbane's violent working class suburban fringe - from one of Australia's most exciting new writers.
Brisbane, 1983: A lost father, a mute brother, a mum in jail, a heroin dealer for a stepfather and a notorious crim for a babysitter. It's not as if Eli's life isn't complicated enough already. He's just trying to follow his heart, learning what it takes to be a good man, but life just keeps throwing obstacles in the way - not least of which is Tytus Broz, legendary Brisbane drug dealer.
But if Eli's life is about to get a whole lot more serious. He's about to fall in love. And, oh yeah, he has to break into Boggo Road Gaol on Christmas Day, to save his mum.
A story of brotherhood, true love and the most unlikely of friendships, Boy Swallows Universe will be the most heartbreaking, joyous and exhilarating novel you will read all year.
Love that 56. I think it's true for all nationalities. Adulthood is never coparable to childhood. Sounds like a good read. I added you to the linky. Happy American Thanksgiving weekend!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit and the add, Freda.
DeleteOooh, I love that opening! It's so vivid and raises so many questions, with so few words. That 56 snippet is pretty awesome, too. I might just have to look this book up! It sounds like a really good read. I'm not sure what it is with Australia, but I've read a whole slew of books set in Australia in the past year. xD Totally not complaining about that.
ReplyDeleteYou can find my First Line Friday 56 here.
Hope you enjoy it if you give it a try.
DeleteThis one seems kind of interesting. Enjoy your current read!
ReplyDeleteThanks Breana.
DeleteGreat answer.
ReplyDeleteGoing through an old favorite sounds like a perfect way to boost your spirit.
Thanks for sharing and for stopping by my blog, Nicki.
Thanks for the visit.
DeleteOne book, which I haven't reread in years, that I am so grateful for is COLD SASSY TREE. It is the book that got me back into reading after a decade long hiatus. My Friday quotes
ReplyDeleteHaven't heard of that one; I'll have to look it up.
DeleteWhat a striking cover! Great snippets too. Thanks for sharing! Happy reading! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by.
DeleteLove that cover! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit.
DeleteI like your answer for the BBHOP. It really is that simple, isn't it? What did you think of Boy Swallows Universe. That's such an interesting opening. Kind of poetic in its own way. I hope you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week, Nicki.
I liked Boy Swallows Universe, but I wasn't blown away. I gave it four stars.
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