Thursday, January 2, 2014

A GOOD HOME - Book Beginnings on Friday and Friday 56

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When I began reading A GOOD HOME, I knew nothing about the author. I've since discovered that Cynthia Reyes is an award-winning journalist in Canada. This memoir, however, doesn't focus on her achievements. Instead, it's the story of a woman who has overcome significant challenges in her life. With beautiful descriptions of settings in Jamaica and Canada, I enjoyed following Cynthia's journey and visiting her homes along the way.  

 Book Beginning (Prologue):
     The fire glows brightly, the wood floors nearby reflecting its warmth. The burning logs smell of maple and apple wood. Embers spark. Wood ash sifts through the grate.
     It's a quiet evening in our old farmhouse northeast of Toronto.

 Friday 56:
     If the mythical Don Quixote had ever fathered a daughter, I would have been that daughter, racing off on my horse, wielding a too-short lance, ready to fight Mandeville's high and mighty every time one of them openly disparaged or otherwise mistreated poor or uneducated people in my presence. 

 Genre: Memoir
Number of Pages: 307
Amazon Link: A GOOD HOME

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Anyone can participate in Book Beginnings and Friday 56. 

   Click here to connect to other Book Beginnings posts  
   (sponsored by Rose City Reader.)

   Find other Friday 56 bloggers here 
   (sponsored by Freda's Voice). 
                           

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28 comments:

  1. Brooke ShowalterJanuary 3, 2014 at 12:01 AM

    Thank you for sharing the beginning and the 56. The prologue sounds very interesting! I haven't come across the 'book beginning' meme before, I will have to check that one out. I linked up on Freda's post and would love for you to check out my post as well. :)

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    1. Sandra NachlingerJanuary 3, 2014 at 9:30 AM

      The Book Beginning and Friday 56 memes seem to work well together in featuring a book, so I always combine them. I'm glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment.

      Delete
  2. ElizabethJanuary 3, 2014 at 5:59 AM

    That is a beautiful beginning, and your summary sounds amazing. I can see and smell the fire...great imagery.

    THANKS for sharing.

    Please stop by for a giveaway on my blog if you like. The link to the giveaway is in my Book Beginnings post.

    Elizabeth
    Silver's Reviews
    My Book Beginnings

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    1. Sandra NachlingerJanuary 3, 2014 at 9:31 AM

      I just stopped by your blog, left a comment, and entered the giveaway. Thank you for participating in this week's Friday meme.

      Delete
  3. AnonymousJanuary 3, 2014 at 6:48 AM

    The description is written beautifully.

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  4. JC JonesJanuary 3, 2014 at 7:47 AM

    She sound like a fascinating person, one who will be fun to read about.

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  5. fredamansJanuary 3, 2014 at 8:16 AM

    Lovely beginning, and close to home for me... literally. I live 40 minutes from Toronto!
    LOL @ the 56!
    Sounds like a great read! Happy weekend!

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    1. Sandra NachlingerJanuary 3, 2014 at 9:32 AM

      It's definitely an interesting and heart-warming story.

      Delete
  6. Laurel-Rain SnowJanuary 3, 2014 at 8:30 AM

    I love those descriptions...I feel like I'm there! Thanks for sharing...and for visiting my blog.

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    1. Sandra NachlingerJanuary 3, 2014 at 9:33 AM

      The description in the prologue makes you want to curl up with a good book, doesn't it?

      Delete
  7. Sandra NachlingerJanuary 3, 2014 at 9:33 AM

    Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment.

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  8. LesleyJanuary 3, 2014 at 9:50 AM

    What a great beginning. I love the cover - it looks like a wonderful place to sit on a warm day with a good book and a glass of iced tea!

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    1. Sandra NachlingerJanuary 3, 2014 at 10:26 AM

      The picture on the cover goes well with the title, doesn't it? A lovely setting.

      Delete
  9. Jean Joachim BooksJanuary 3, 2014 at 9:51 AM

    The book sounds great. I love memoirs, biographies and autobiographies. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Sandra NachlingerJanuary 3, 2014 at 10:27 AM

      I enjoy those kinds of books too. It's interesting to see how the events in someone's life unfold to create the person they become.
      Thank you for stopping by to leave a comment.

      Delete
  10. CherylJanuary 3, 2014 at 10:05 AM

    I've heard of this author before, but I don't think I've read anything by her. This memoir sounds fascinating. Love that excerpt.

    Thanks for stopping by The Busy Mom's Daily.

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    1. Sandra NachlingerJanuary 3, 2014 at 10:28 AM

      Cynthia Reyes definitely has had an interesting life. I especially enjoyed the part of her story that was set in Jamaica.

      Delete
  11. LadyD PianoJanuary 3, 2014 at 1:43 PM

    The prologue sounds so warm and inviting. I like rural living and often enjoy an evening fire. Your #56 is great. Can you imagine being Don Quixote's daughter?!!

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    1. Sandra NachlingerJanuary 3, 2014 at 3:40 PM

      I was drawn in by the beginning too. Sounds cozy and comfy.

      Delete
  12. UnknownJanuary 3, 2014 at 2:27 PM

    An excellent beginning. Makes me need to read more. I love this idea and will have to check it out.
    Here is my Friday 56 if you want to check it out.
    http://fuonlyknew.com/2014/01/03/the-friday-56-11-blood-of-the-lamb-a-supernatural-thriller/

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  13. BeaJanuary 3, 2014 at 4:30 PM

    Now I want to curl up in front of that fire. :) The author has a knack for imagery.

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  14. PoochJanuary 3, 2014 at 8:47 PM

    The comparison to Don Quixote's "daughter" is very clever. The description of the setting in the Prologue places the reader right in the room. Enjoy and Happy New Year!
    :)

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  15. YvonneJanuary 4, 2014 at 7:55 AM

    This really sounds like a good read. Thanks for sharing these great snippets.

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  16. sherry fundinJanuary 5, 2014 at 7:38 AM

    I read Don Quixote a long time ago and I can I love your comments. ^_^

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  17. Ricki TreleavenJanuary 5, 2014 at 3:26 PM

    LOVE your quote for Friday 56! :D

    ReplyDelete

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