Sep 4, 2018

First Chapter: Beijing Bastard by Val Wang


Each week, Vicki at I’d Rather Be At The Beach hosts First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros where readers share the beginning paragraph(s) of a book they are reading or plan to read.  

Beijing Bastard: Into the Wilds of a Changing China

Beijing Bastard: Into the Wilds of  a Changing China by Val Wang, October 2014, Avery
Genre: memoir, humor 

Raised in America, Val travels to Beijing in 1998 expecting to find freedom but instead has a different experience living in the old city with her traditional relatives.

First chapter:
On the very first page of a book about Christopher Columbus that my dad is reading to me, there is a word I don't know. I am squeezed next to him in the creaky maroon recliner where he does all his reading. Every new word opens up new worlds to me. This one has a long, slow sound to it and looks so different than it sounds. 
"What is a journey?" I ask. He looks surprised and pauses before answering. 
"A journey is a long trip," he says. 
"A long trip!" What a disappointment. But as we read further into the book, I see what he means.
Do this make you curious? I am, considering she takes her journey to old Beijing when she grows up. 

15 comments:

  1. This is new to me, but I like the sound of it. Enjoy.

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  2. Sounds good. I hope you enjoy it. This week I am featuring Read and Gone by Allison Brook. Happy reading!

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  3. I love the excerpt and the idea of a child taking such a journey. The scene with her dad was a cozy one.

    Thanks for sharing, and for visiting my blog.

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    1. Though she is an adult when she goes back to Beijing.

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  4. I like the intro, but I'd have to find out more about the book before making up my mind whether to read it or not.

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    1. I often read the cover blurbs before I borrow or buy a book!

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  5. Sounds like it could be an interesting read.

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  6. Does sound like a humourous read, especially if the title is anything to go by :)

    Here's my Tuesday post. Enjoy your day!

    Sassy x

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    1. Yes, I wondered ab out the title. Have to read on to see.

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  7. Interesting start for a memoir. Hope you are enjoying this one.

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  8. Sounds like an interesting read. Thanks for stopping by Girl Who Reads.

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I appreciate your comments and thoughts...

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