Let’s take a look at The Lucky One by Lori Rader-Day for Book Beginnings on Fridays.
Book Beginnings is a fun meme hosted by Rose City Reader blog. To participate, share the first sentence or so of a novel you are reading and your thoughts about it. When you are finished, add your URL to the Book Beginnings page linked above. Hope to see you there!
The Lucky One by Lori Rader-Day
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Summary: Alice Fine works in a construction office with her dad by day and volunteers with an online group that matches unidentified bodies (“Does”) with missing persons at night. Unlike many of the other members of the group — who started because they have missing relatives — Alice was drawn to the work because she herself was a missing person when she was very young. She was rescued in less than a day, but her kidnapper was never caught. When Alice recognizes a man from a photograph on the missing persons website, she soon realizes he is the one who kidnapped her so long ago. With the help of other volunteers, Alice delves into the mystery of who he was and why he took her.
First Sentence:
Audrey89: RE: RE: RE:…This thread is getting long and tedious already and you jerks are starting to repeat yourselves.
Discussion:
Oh yes, I’ve been on forums that were like that.
This section isn’t labelled as prologue, but it begins in front of Chapter One. Throughout the text, the author sprinkles in online discussions, emails, etc. between regular-length chapters.
The idea that a victim can investigate the crime really works. It is done in a believable way. The online group is based on an actual organization.
56
The Friday 56 is hosted by Freda’s Voice. The premise is simple. Turn to page 56 in the book and pick a quote.
When Merrily jolted awake from strange dreams, her mouth still tasted weird.
Technically this is from page 57, because page 56 was an email.
Hum, wonder what Merrily was up to before she fell asleep.
What do you think? Would you keep reading?
She has an interesting second job . . . that will probably take the story in an interesting direction.
Especially since she was a missing girl once. Apparently the author based that part of the story on the experiences of an actual person, her neighbor.
A fascinating use of technology and online groups to investigate a murder. Sounds good! Here’s mine: “PRETTY THINGS”
I did enjoy that aspect of it, although it was amazing how fast the technology seemed dated.
What an interesting premise. I would definitely keep reading. And yes, forum threads could get long and tedious. They could be a PITA to moderate.
The forum does come with a moderator. She has to reign things in during almost every discussion.
Wow. That is a first sentence like I’ve never seen before. My Friday quotes
I was a bit disoriented at first. I couldn’t see how it related to any story. It was probably a risky way to start because it might turn off some readers, but the forum members are a big part of the story so I see why she included it.
Both snippets left me curious for more! Happy weekend, stay safe!
You have a good weekend, too.
I have to admit that the premise grabbed my attention. Also, I like when some authors include texts, emails, notes between chapters (either before the beginning or after the end).
What a fascinating premise. I’m definitely interested for more. Thanks for sharing! Hope you have a nice weekend! 🙂
The Lucky One seems like an interesting book. I haven’t heard much about this one. Thanks for mentioning it, and enjoy your current read!
That’s an interesting opening! I think the idea of the victim searching for her kidnapper is a unique perspective. Hope you enjoy it!