12 February 2008

Just for fun ...

Instructions:
1. Grab the nearest book (that is at least 123 pages long).
2. Open to p. 123.
3. Go down to the 5th sentence.
4. Type in the following 3 sentences.
5. Tag five people.

OK. The nearest book at hand right now is a paperback copy of The Golden Compass, by Phillip Pullman. On the cover it has a compass-like thing with arcane symbols around the edge in the foreground; in the background is a child standing next to a gigantic polar bear (all I needed to see to get the book, since I'm truly partial to polar bears). The bear and the child are looking across a plain of snow at a glowing city.

Page 123, sixth, seventh and eighth sentences:

There was a light in the parley room window. It was too high to look through, but she could hear a low rumble of voices inside. So she walked up to the door and knocked firmly on it five times.

I heard that the film version of The Golden Compass wasn't particularly good, but I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the book, which did indeed include a wonderful polar bear, whose name is Iorek Byrnison, as a major character. The story is written simply but beautifully, and the author is masterful at painting with words. I also heard that the story was controversial as being down on religion and promoting atheism. Maybe. I think it depends on how you read it. Personally, I was looking for a good story that took me to another place and time. It did that, and more.

I won't tag anyone, since participating in these memes ought not to be obligatory. But do enjoy, if it catches your fancy.

4 comments:

Boldly Serving Up Wheat Grass said...

I liked the movie, but didn't read the book. I think I liked it a little bit more than I normally would have -- just because Christian groups were so dead-set against it.

I'll do the meme this week, as the closest book to me now is Atlas Shrugged.

Boldly Serving Up Wheat Grass said...

On second thought, I just read those three sentences and, out of context, they make no sense whatsoever. So, I'll probably skip it.

Anonymous said...

From "L" is for Lawless by Sue Grafton -

Page 123, 6th, 7th, and 8th sentences are:

I found the stairwell and headed up the stairs two at a time. I didn't dare risk the hotel elevators. I pictured Mrs. Spitz notifying Security, guards swarming the exits in search of me.

Strange that both books' snippets involve entering a building.

Fun.

Anonymous said...

Aaagh, you've been infected with this blog meme too! Must ... resist! ...