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cover of episode A Cool Million - 31 March 2025
Chapters
Martha and Grant discuss the power of opening lines in books, exploring what makes them effective and irresistible. They reference examples like "1984" and "Charlotte's Web," highlighting the element of authority that grabs the reader's attention. They invite listeners to share their favorite opening lines.
  • Great first lines convey confidence and authority.
  • Alice McDermott argues that memorable first sentences convey confidence.
  • Listeners are encouraged to share their favorite opening lines via email, social media, or phone.

Shownotes Transcript

So many books and so little time—it’s a challenge to choose what to read next! It helps to remember that so-called “reading mortality” is a fact of life—you’ll never get to them all, but you can curate your own to-read list that speaks to you. Plus, the sneaky story behind the expression slip someone a mickey, and a new word for walking your dog: let’s go on a sniffari! And: favorite first lines of books, Bohemian, a brain teaser about song titles, how to pronounce aioli, jo-jo potatoes, a cool million, and lots more.

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