First Chapter First Paragraph ~ Tuesday Intros : The Blonde by Anna Godbersen
by Anna Godbersen
Weinstein Books | May 13, 2014 | Hardcover • EBook 400 pages
1st Paragraph:
ONE
New York, March 1959
The biggest spectacle in Manhattan, on the eve of Easter Sunday, was at the corner of Forth-fifth and Broadway, where Billy Wilder’s new picture was having its premiere and the press swarmed the sidewalk to document the famous faces emerging from the chandelier-dappled lobby of the Loews State Theater. There were so many onlookers and full-time fans jockeying for position in the street that the police several times had to push them back. The last of the film’s stars to appear was the blonde who’d played Sugar Kane. The temperature had just dropped in to the thirties, and she wore a sleeveless, low-cut gown that appeared to have been made out of a thousand silver filaments clinging by some magnetism to every rise and fall of her sure body.
What do you think? Would you keep reading?
I will be reading The Blonde in the next week or so. The description of the book is what initially drew my attention, and now I want to read more. Historical fiction with real people and events woven throughout are one of the genres I enjoy – and the 60s time frame is a favorite.
Description:
In Anna Godbersen’s imaginative novel, set at the height of the Cold War, a young, unknown Norma Jean meets a man in Los Angeles — a Soviet agent? A Russian spy? — who transforms her into Marilyn the star. And when she reaches the pinnacle of success, he comes back for his repayment.
Part biography, part spy thriller, and part love story, The Blonde is a whip-smart re-imagining of the relationship between Marilyn Monroe and John F. Kennedy that draws on historical events to create a dark tale of American celebrity, sex, love, violence, power, and paranoia.
More Information
About the Book | Goodreads | Author’s Webpage
First Chapter Tuesday is hosted by Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea. Join us by visiting Diane and linking your own First Chapter post or to find out what others plan to read this week.
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Source: Review copy provided by FSB Associates.
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Under My Apple Tree 
I have not heard of this book, but by the intro, I’d keep reading –enjoy and thanks for joining in Leslie
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I’d definitely keep reading, it’s an evocative opening and I am intrigued to know more about her!
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I just read a review of this one today. The blogger enjoyed it, but I’m not sure I would! I don’t think I want to see Marilyn as a spy….
Today I’m spotlighting The Daring Ladies of Lowell.
http://mytime2read.blogspot.com/2014/05/tuesday-memes-daring-ladies-of-lowell.html
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This does sound intriguing. Here’s Mine
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Sounds interesting. I am curious about those times. I like the intro and would keep reading. I hope you enjoy it.
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I would definitely continue reading this one, with its intriguing characters and setting.
My Tuesday post: http://www.bookclublibrarian.com/2014/05/first-chapter-first-paragraph-60.html
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I enjoyed this one, and the unique twist the author brought to it…different than the usual MM reimaginings. Thanks for sharing. Here’s mine: “THE ARSONIST”
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Wonderful Intro. I would go on…..
Here is my Intro post!
AND
Here is my teaser post!
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This does sound good! I don’t usually like to read books about real life celebrities, even fictional ones, but occasionally one will catch my fancy.
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I would read this one. Didn’t Joyce Carol Oates have a book out titled Blonde a little while back? May be not.
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Oooh – this sounds juicy! I, too, love this genre (historical fiction with real people and events weaved in). I had not heard of this book before, but am adding it to my TBR list and will be interested to hear what you think about it.
Here’s Mine: http://www.sarahsbookshelves.com/fiction/first-chapter-first-paragraph-tuesday-intros-bittersweet-miranda-beverly-whittemore/
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I’ve been wanting to read this one since seeing it on another blog.
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I’m not sure although I’m sure her rags to riches story is very interesting. kelley—the road goes ever ever on
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I definitely want to read The Blonde. I remember that era real well – I graduated high school in 1959 and I was very news savvy. I know I’d enjoy this one.
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This one is new to me. The opening draws me in; I’d read more!
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I would continue, mainly because I love to read about the 1950’s/60’s.
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