Thanks to Rose City Reader for hosting this meme. To participate, share the first line or two of the book you are currently reading and, if you feel so moved, let us know what your first impressions were based on that first line.
Jared Diamond, author of Collapse and Guns, Germs and Steel, has a new book coming out with the new year. It is subtitled “what can we learn from traditional societies?” and seeks to answer that question. It begins:
April 30, 2006, 7:00 A.M. I’m in an airport’s check-in hall, gripping my baggage cart while being jostled by a crowd of other people also checking in for that morning’s first flights. The scene is familiar: hundreds of travelers carrying suitcases, boxes, backpacks, and babies, forming parallel lines approaching a long counter, behind which stand uniformed airline employees at their computers.
Unfortunately the passage is too long to quote in its entirety, so take my word for it that Diamond begins making deeply thought-provoking points within just a few pages. Keep your eyes open for this one, kids.
This quotation comes from an uncorrected advance proof and is subject to change.
Filed under: book beginnings | Tagged: nonfiction |
pagesofjulia 
Oh man, this looks like it will feed my Diamond itch. I can’t wait to read your full review on it.
Thanks! It won’t post til January, unfortunately
but for now, I can recommend it!
Although I don’t often read nonfiction, this book sounds like one I’d enjoy. I’ll look forward to your review.
My Friday 56 post is from TANGLED ASHES.
I haven’t read a Diamond for ages…sounds like a new book for my TBR!!
This is my first of his; and in my opinion his good reputation is deserved.