Beginner's Luck

I actually searched through books looking for a first sentence to go along with a link I wanted to share. I didn't find exactly what I was looking for, but the following sentence could certainly apply.

From Laura Pedersen's novel, BEGINNER'S LUCK:

Was there ever a single moment about which you later wondered, "What would my life be like now if that hadn't happened?"

Who hasn't?

Salsa, anyone?

I have come to discover that although the books that I call my "favorites" are not necessarily campy or character-driven, the first sentences that make me giggle are.

Today's first sentence comes from a book that we have pulled from the stacks and put out on display to get some notice. No one has checked it out since July of 2003 and if it doesn't move soon, it will be weeded. (See my post on weeding!)

From MURDER UNDER BLUE SKIES by Willard Scott with Bill Crider:

Everything was going wonderfully well at the gala grand opening of the Blue Skies Bed & Breakfast Inn, right up until the moment Belinda Grimsby collapsed facedown into a bowl of homemade salsa.

I hope she wasn't wearing white! My luck always dictates that I'm wearing white whenever we eat Mexican food. Pollo Fundido is my favorite.

Starlight, starbright

I wish I could say that I am enthused right now about writing in this blog but I can't. I have a trapezius muscle that is completely seized and the other is following. I've been in a lot of pain, but life must go on, right? I was sent an e-mail from a reader who suggested this title's first sentence. Thanks to Carol.

Today's first sentence comes from Sena Jeter Naslund's book, AHAB'S WIFE, or THE STARGAZER: A NOVEL:

Captain Ahab was neither my first husband nor my last.

I've not read this book yet, but I shall. Eventually.

I am currently engrossed in TO THE POWER OF THREE by Laura Lippman.

A Reference Question Answered

Very few people make comments to my blog. But one day when I wrote about Panera's Portobello and Roasted Garlic Bisque, I received two comments. Below is one of them:

Dupota said...
My Grandmother made the best mushroom soup. It was made, usually, with wild mushrooms (pipanki). Very basic, but it warmed the cockles of your heart! Although these mushrooms were picked here in the good ol' USA, no one has been able to tell me their "real" name.

Well...the librarian in me couldn't let that last bit rest. So, Dupota, if you are listening, I contacted David W. Fischer, co-author of "Edible Wild Mushrooms of North America" and "Mushrooms of Northeastern North America" and here is what he had to say:

"Popinki" (various English spellings) is any of several species of Armillaria, e.g. Armillaria mellea, aka the Honey Mushroom.

I did a GOOGLE search on honey mushrooms and recipes and came up with a whole bunch of hits, so happy eating!

All in the family

In MY SISTER'S KEEPER by Jodi Picoult, starts out with a poem and then the prologue which is a quote. The first sentence after all of this, is:

In my first memory, I am three years old and I am trying to kill my sister.

I have always been a big fan of Jodi Picoult's. I started reading her when PLAIN TRUTH came out, read the next several books she wrote and then went back and read her older stuff.

I like that she takes a simple "what-if" concept and turns it into a compelling read.

I am not alone in this way of thinking.

As an aside, I have been deeply saddened by what is happening in the Southern states and like many have been watching the tragedy unfold daily, always trying to figure out what I can do to help. If you'd like to donate to the Salvation Army to aid in the relief for the people affected by Hurricane Katrina, click here or to donate to the American Red Cross, click here.

Be careful of scams.

Donate a little or a lot. You can make a difference.