Search This Blog

August 17, 2017

Finished the book. Want to read more? #lastlines #runtherace #memorablebooks

While the first line in a book...


hooks a reader into reading more, the last line determines how they will feel when they’ve finished. The protagonist has healed their wound, they’ve run their race and grown as a result. Mostly, we remember first lines and rarely, do we remember last lines. But we do remember how we feel when we finish. And sometimes, if the story is so compelling and we are overwhelmed by the emotions the story raised in us, we just might read that book again instantly.
Here's a famous one: “Tomorrow, I’ll think of some way to get him back. After all, tomorrow is another day.” From Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
‘It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known.’ A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
This month, the Princesses bring you last lines.
Temporarily Insane by Vicki Batman: He took a deep breath and said something I never-never, ever-ever thought I would hear, “Come on, sweetheart. Let’s get lucky.” Amazon

Demon Cursed by Karilyn Bentley: Nothing will ever be the same, but tomorrow dawns another day. Amazon

"The Case of the Tainted Blood" in Curious Incidents by Liese Sherwood-Fabre: "There are flasks of tainted blood for us to ferret out. The game's afoot." Mocha Memoirs Press

IN THE TOWER OF THE WIZARD KING by Michelle Miles: “Sean, what just happened?” Her breath plumed white. “Liam must have used the Time Sphere. He altered time.” Amazon

One Night with the Professor by Linda Steinberg: Leave it to a college professor to verbalize a paragraph of poetry when only three words were necessary. Leaning into his breath, Nora joined her soul with his. “I love you too.” Amazon

Hannah by Chris Keniston: "And one of these days I'll find the right woman, just don't get your hopes up it will be at the reception." "I don't care where you find her so long as she's not behind bars." At least that was one promise he should easily be able to keep. Website







Refuge for Masterminds by Kathleen Baldwin: He kisses me and I forget all the other games in the world. I forget Napoleon, and Ghost, and Daneska. I even forget to worry about the future. When we’re together like this, I believe anything is possible. Believing is a lot like trusting. And it is enough. Amazon






Question for readers: what book had you instantly opening it again and rereading?

13 comments:

chris keniston said...

so much fun seeing the first lines and now the last lines - Fun post Vicki!

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Thank you, Chris. I've read two books, closed them and my eyes and went aah, and instantly reread because of the emotion and the ending.

Loretta Wheeler said...

Oh, be still my heart! I love last lines that make your heart skip a beat. All of these were a delight, Vicki...so of course, I'm going to have to look up the ones I haven't read. I so agree with you, the delivery of a last line can break your heart, ring so exquisitely true that you want to go back inside the story again and again. I have to say, I'm as much a last line gal as I am an opening line, girl. Loved the post...reading again :) You did your job well ;) lol

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Hi, Loretta! Thank you so much for stopping and your comment. The two books I've reread instantly are Knight in Shining Armor and Come to Grief. And to this day, I have a feeling about these books that is the same. Hugs!

Karilyn Bentley said...

I've enjoyed seeing the last lines. And your other post on the first lines too! Thanks for putting together this post!

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Hi, Karilyn. It's been fun to pull together these posts. Hugs, GF.

Joanne Guidoccio said...

Great post! Enjoyed seeing the last lines and wondering about the storyline. I've just finished reading and rereading I Found You by Lisa Jewell. She ends the book with dialogue:

"Shall we go?"
"Yes," says Alice. "I'm ready."

Pamela S Thibodeaux said...

Great post Vicki!
I always pray I leave my readers feeling satisfied and filled with hope.
Good luck and God's blessings
PamT

Angela Adams said...

One of the worse things in the literary world is reading an entire book, and not liking how it ends.

Cat Dubie said...

So true about last lines. I've never forgotten the end of Gone with the Wind and A Tale of Two Cities. Thanks for adding some memorable ones. New books to explore!

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Hi, Joanne! I think that's a fabulous ending. Thank you for sharing.

Hi, Pam! I believe authors want readers to be satisfied and especially with romance. Hugs.

Hi, Angela! Oh dear. This is a toughy.

Hi, Cat! Thank you for stopping by. The end of GWTW really shows her determination to march forward. I'm so glad you can explore too!!

Ilona Fridl said...

There's many books I've felt that way about. Especially the ones that have compelling characters. Great post!

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Hi, Ilona! So glad you visited today. I agree, there are fabulous books out there and if I read one I really like, I usually tell someone. That old shampoo commercial thing about sharing products. Glad you like the post.