In case you guys haven’t seen the first chapter of ACROSS THE UNIVERSE by Beth Revis (Razorbill/Penguin, Jan 2011), I have to strongly suggest you head there and do so now! It’s an amazing first chapter for what I know to be an amazing debut novel.
It’s also one of “those chapters.” The kind that are so intense and written so well, they get your heart racing and leave you thinking about them for days. Beth has this chapter in ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, and I know Neal Shusterman has one in UNWIND (for those of you who’ve read it, you know which chapter I’m talking about. Um. Wow!).
These chapters deliver that edge-of-your-seat feeling while reading that I got while watching PULP FICTION (multiple times).
So what other chapters can you think of that give you the same reaction? And can this same level of adrenaline be kept up for an entire book? If so, tell me about it!
PJ Hoover needs to watch PULP FICTION again.
Parker Peevyhouse
lindajoysingleton
Joni Sensel
Chris Eboch
Nick
Greg R. Fishbone
I can’t WAIT to read “Across the Universe”!! That first chapter was incredible. I just sat back and thought, “Wow.” Then I realized I won’t get to read the rest until spring and was super depressed.
Another favorite chapter of mine was in Maggie Stiefvater’s “Shiver.” The bathtub scene was so. good. Great chapter!!
It’s January, KM! Not far away at all! And yes on the bathtub scene. I remember that.
I read Beth’s first chapter and you’re right, it’s awesome. Can’t wait to read the book.
It’s worth the wait, Natalie!
I remember feeling the same way about the beginning of SKIN HUNGER, when the POV character’s mother is having a difficult labor. Very intense.
Revis’ chapter had me feeling the same way. I wanted to read it with one eye shut.
Yes, Parker! I loved this chapter in Skin Hunger. Have you read Sacred Scars yet? I have it but have yet to read it.
I did read Sacred Scars. I wonder when the next one is coming out? Those are some intense books!
**blushes** THANK YOU ALL!
You’re welcome, Beth!
I haven’t read Beth’s first chapter yet…(I’ll do that later this evening.) One book (series) I couldn’t put down/slow until about the 8th book was THE LEFT BEHIND series. I didn’t start reading them until the first 7 books were out in print, but by the time the 8th book came out I was waiting for it and each after that…
I haven’t read those, Sharon, but just saw them advertised today in a flier. Maybe I should get them!
The first chapter of GIRL PARTS by John M. Cusick is like that. And it’s contemporary, but the first chapter of Laurie Halse Anderson’s WINTERGIRLS is breathtaking. A historical that draws you in from page one is WE HEAR THE DEAD by Dianne K. Salerni. (Did you want to borrow that one? I never remember conversations.)
I cannot wait to read ACROSS THE UNIVERSE. Cannot wait.
I remember you talking about WE HEAR THE DEAD, Emily. We’ll have to talk about it again!