An interesting book meme

Posted: Friday, May 02, 2008 by Travis Cody in
14

Personally, I think that the NBA pronouncing team of Kevin Harlan and Doug Collins is the best in the game. Harlan doesn't over-dramatize or play "look at how hip I am". And Collins is knowledgable without relying on statements of the obvious or ridiculous. They don't talk over each other and they don't argue. They aren't in it to promote themselves. They are there to call the game and point out things the average fan may not see, without insulting the more knowledgable observer.

Now, continuing my quest to catch up on interesting memes I've seen in my travels about the bloggosphere, I present a meme I found at Shelby's. This is an interesting exercise.

1. Pick up the nearest book.
2. Turn to page 123.
3. What is the first sentence on the page?
4. The last sentence on the page?
5. Now, connect them together.

My book is called Before They Are Hanged. It is the second in The First Law series by Joe Abercrombie.

Note: A Practical is like an enforcer for the inquisitional style justice system of the world created by Mr Abercrombie. Colonel West has gone to a prison to find blacksmiths for his army, which is in the field with none. The Inquisitor, or Warden, in charge of the prison is reluctant to release any of his prisoners to the war effort.

First sentence: Another dour Practical was standing on the threshold, water running from a stained oilskin over his shoulders, hard eyes following West with a mixture of suspicion and indifference.

Last sentence: "You fail to realise the gravity of the situation!" barked West, his temper already fraying.

Now, to connect them.

Another dour Practical was standing on the threshold, water running from a stained oilskin over his shoulders, hard eyes following West with a mixture of suspicion and indifference. The Practical rolled his shoulders and shifted his weight forward, menace and malice designed to intimidate, moving deftly to block Colonel West's path and force him from the chamber.

"You fail to realise the gravity of the situation!" barked West, his temper already fraying.


What makes this meme interesting is the choices you have. Do you stay true to the author's original intent on the page, and connect the two sentences with that in mind? Or do you remove the sentences completely from the author's context and story, and make the short passage original?

I chose to stay mostly true to the author's story. Colonel West does leave the situation with what he came for...my connecting sentence is designed to emphasize his frustration and the possible danger he faces in the future for his actions.

As always, steal or borrow as you like.

I've fallen behind with my rounds again...and there wasn't any dancing on tonight! I'll catch up with y'all this weekend.

Later babies!

14 comments:

  1. Julie says:

    That is an interesting meme. But then YOU'RE interesting too!!

  1. That is so cool! I might have to do this one. :)

  1. DrillerAA says:

    I don't watch the NBA much but I do appreciate good announcing and teamwork when I see it.
    During the NCAA tournament, I just wanted to reach through the set and strangle Bill Rafferty!!! What maroon (in Bugs Bunny voice).

  1. Akelamalu says:

    That sounds like an interesting book Trav. No dancing??? WTF?

  1. Hum, worth giving a try. Interestinc connections could ensue.

  1. Sandee says:

    Good one Travis. I did this one a while back. You did it much better though. Well, I'm not surprised about that. Have a great day and weekend Travis. My regards to Pam. :)

  1. Interesting...might come steal it one day next week. I just got the pre-published readers edition of Brad Thor's new book...

  1. I've seen this meme a lot. I do a feature on Sundays when I rip off a meme and run into this one in my search quite a bit. You did a great job with it!

  1. Julie: Awww shucks!

    Mags: It was fun and thoughtful.

    Drilleraa: Raff has always been a favorite, but he wore on me a little bit this year. Not as much as Packer though.

    Akelamalu: I know! I've been disappointed with the dance show on Bravo. It has good intentions and excellent mentors, but the dancers just don't measure up.

    Charles: Indeed.

    Sandee: Thanks! And right back atcha!

    V: An early look eh? Cool!

    Bud: I liked this one. It was a nice challenge.

  1. Unknown says:

    Ooh...that sounds like fun!

  1. Ok this looks cool. I will work on this over the weekend!

  1. Liz Hill says:

    THis is very cool and you did a fine job with it.

    I think I'll be stealing from you as usual ;-)

  1. Kimmie says:

    You gave this meme a nice twist! You give everything such great thought.

    Now...

    You Have Been Tagged!!!

    Come visit me!
    Smiles,
    Kimmie

  1. Dana: It was definitely a challenge.

    Starr: Cool!

    Turn: Steal away!

    Kimmie: Thanks for the tag my dear! I'll be by to pick it up soon!