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Aug 27, 2010

Book Beginnings on Friday- 27 August

Book Beginnings on Friday is a meme hosted by Becky at Page Turners. Anyone can participate; just share the opening sentence of your current read, making sure that you include the title and author so others know what you're reading. If you like, share with everyone why you do, or do not, like the sentence.

This week, one of the books I am reading is John Marsden's Tomorrow when the War began.  Below is the first sentence:
It's only half an hour since someone - Robyn I think - said we should write everything down, and it's only twenty-nine minutes since I got chosen, and for those twenty-nine minutes I've had everyone crowded around me gazing at the blank page and yelling ideas and advice.
I was ever so slightly put off with this first sentence, but then I think Marsden is doing a good job of trying to give us the voice of a teenager –it’s unsure, the thinking is a little chaotic.
Regardless, I am hoping to find some time to really dig into this book, I suspect I will like it, given the praise it’s received from certain members of my family.
Posted by Sean Wright at 5:02 PM

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Amanda · 760 weeks ago

It's my turn to be ashamed. I haven't read any of Marden's books, even though they're my daughter's favourites, and even though they're on our bookshelves.

I'll also admit that from next Friday, I'm switching from the hop to Becky's meme... time to go for quality.
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SB Wright 110p · 760 weeks ago

Hey, this is my first. I think when i first knocked it back I was a bit of a o.0 book snob.

I find book beginnings is short, easy and generates some discussion. It also I think directs you to read closely.
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Amanda · 760 weeks ago

I've just never got around to reading them - now it's a movie, I guess I'll have to.

Hey have you read Sherlock Holmes? I am absolutely LOVIN' IT! Man, he is such a snark, that Holmes.

I'm going to have got back to reading it soon cos I'm so engrossed.
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SB Wright 110p · 760 weeks ago

I haven't read any Holmes in ages - since upper primary :o
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gautami · 760 weeks ago

Wonderful opening lines.. A book to check out!

Here is my <a
href="http://readbookswritepoetry.blogspot.com/2010/08/book-blogger-hopfollow-me.html">post!
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laurelrainsnow 85p · 760 weeks ago

This opener sets the tone for the book. We immediately get the impression that the group is very aggressive and pushy...and we can already feel the narrator's frustration....
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Desertgirl · 760 weeks ago

I have to thank a wonderful Australian educator working in an international school's library in an obscure country in the Middle East for introducing me (and my kids) to Marsden's books. They are wonderful. If you have difficulties with his books, remember to think like a 16 year old. John Marsden's teaching philosophies speak to my soul as a parent and I have a lot of time for the man and his words. I'd love to attend one of his writing workshops in Victoria.

One word to sum him up? Imagination.

I look forward to seeing the movie. As does my 23yr old. (She re-reads his books and still discusses the philosophies and ethics encountered in his stories. That's impact for you, she originally read his books years ago in primary school!)
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SB Wright 110p · 760 weeks ago

No difficulties for me - remember i spend most of my working days around teens :) .

I think that the rest of the first page (not written here) builds anticipation, the narrator Ellie has the task of chronicling the events thrust upon her - its something she's never done before. Right from the start I think the reader is encouraged to feel Ellie's anxiety?

When I say I feel ever so slightly put off with the first line I think its simply the effect, the anxiety that Marsden's trying to build. I am a fair way into the book now and Ellie has settled down into a focused narrator.

Yes I thought I had better read the book before I go and see the movie.
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Suzanne · 760 weeks ago

An interesting opening - one that would keep me reading to find out what needs to be written about.
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Cat · 760 weeks ago

It is chaotic - I had to read it several times - but I think it's very good because the scene is chaotic and the narrator is finding it difficult to cope. I haven't read any of these books but as my grandchildren get older no doubt they'll encourage me to.
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SB Wright 110p · 760 weeks ago

Its the chaos, a foreshadowing of events to come, that I think Marsden is trying to create
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Becky (Page Turners) · 760 weeks ago

I read this last week and had mixed feelings about re-reading it as an adult. It is a very teenage book, and I do think he does a good job at getting that teenage tone just right. It is a good way to start this book though, I think its a good opener
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SB Wright 110p · 760 weeks ago

It will be interesting to see how the second book starts off. I agree that he has the tone just about right. I read Twilight earlier this year and I didn't think Meyer pulled off Bella as a teenager - there was some cynicism and humour in the start of the book that to me was adult or at least required some experience that the character didn't have. With Ellie I a not getting that.

What a pity that Meyer is more widely read than Marsden.
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SB Wright 110p · 760 weeks ago

In an interesting side note the non-fiction book I am reading at the moment - The Exiles - John's great great grandfather appears, Samuel Marsden.

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