FIRST CHAPTER FIRST PARAGRAPH TUESDAY INTRO: SALT TO THE SEA By Ruta Sepetys

I thought I’d try something new today as my reviews have become sporadic due to the busyness of the holidays although I promise to get back on track with reading and reviewing very soon:) In the meantime, Tuesday First Chapter/First paragraph is hosted by Diane at Bibliophile By the Sea and highlights the first paragraph (or 2) of a current or future read that she decided to read based on the opening.

The opener I’ve chosen is from a book that’s been on my want to read list for quite awhile based only on the cover, which to me looks intriguing, yet tragic.

Published Feb 2016 by Philomel Books

joana

Guilt is a hunter.

My conscience mocked me, picking fights like a petulant child. It’s all your fault, the voice whispered. I quickened my pace and caught up with our small group. The Germans would march us off the road if they found us. Roads were reserved for the military. Evacuation orders hadn’t been issued and anyone fleeing East Prussia was branded a deserter. But what did that matter? I became a deserter four years ago, when I fled from Lithuania. I had left in 1941. What was happening at home? Were the dreadful things whispered in the streets true?

We approached a mound on the side of the road. The small boy in front of me whimpered and pointed. He had joined us two days prior, just wandered out of the forest alone and quietly began following us.

“Hello, little one. How old are you?” I had asked.

“Six,” he replied.

“Who are you traveling with?” He paused and dropped his head. “My Omi.”

I turned toward the woods to see if his grandmother had emerged. “Where is your Omi now?” I asked.

The wandering boy looked up at me, his pale eyes wide. “She didn’t wake up.”

So, what do you think? Would you keep reading based on this intro or pass? I most definitely have kept reading (I’m halfway through) and I can tell you, this book’s not only well-written, but I’m invested in the characters, they have become real…the book’s cover is really haunting me now!

Check back soon….maybe even tomorrow for my full review!