Welcome to another Tuesday celebrating bookish events, from Tuesday/First Chapter/Intros, hosted by Bibliophile by the Sea; and Teaser Tuesdays hosted by Should Be Reading.
Today I’m excerpting from an ARC from the Amazon Vine program: The Accursed, by Joyce Carol Oates.
Intro: (Prologue):
It is an afternoon in autumn, near dusk. The western sky is a spider’s web of translucent gold. I am being brought by carriage—two horses—muted thunder of their hooves—along narrow country roads between hilly fields touched with the sun’s slanted rays, to the village of Princeton, New Jersey. The urgent pace of the horses has a dreamlike air, like the rocking motion of the carriage; and whoever is driving the horses his face I cannot see, only his back—stiff, straight, in a tight-fitting dark coat.
I’m not sure about this opener…but I will keep reading.
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Teaser: He didn’t like the tremulous way in which Wilson was staring at him, or the twitching motions of Wilson’s lips, that appeared caked at the corner with a powdery white substance. p. 213
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Amazon Description: This eerie tale of psychological horror sees the real inhabitants of turn-of-the-century Princeton fall under the influence of a supernatural power. New Jersey, 1905: soon-to-be commander-in-chief Woodrow Wilson is president of Princeton University. On a nearby farm, Socialist author Upton Sinclair, enjoying the success of his novel ‘The Jungle’, has taken up residence with his family. This is a quiet, bookish community – elite, intellectual and indisputably privileged. But when a savage lynching in a nearby town is hushed up, a horrifying chain of events is initiated – until it becomes apparent that the families of Princeton have been beset by a powerful curse. The Devil has come to this little town and not a soul will be spared. ‘The Accursed’ marks new territory for the masterful Joyce Carol Oates – narrated with her unmistakable psychological insight, it combines beautifully transporting historical detail with chilling fantastical elements to stunning effect.
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Now I’m eager to see what the rest of you are offering.
Sounds like it could be a good read.
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I am a little intimidated by the 667 pages, since it will also be intense….but we shall see! Thanks for visiting, Yvonne.
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I really like the opening and am generally a fan of JCO, but wouldn’t pick this up knowing it is psychological horror. Will definitely read something else by Oates in 2013, probably Them.
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I am uncertain about it, too, JoAnn…it is lengthy and will certainly be intense. I remember enjoying Them. Thanks for visiting.
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Your teaser sounds interesting. I love historical reads 🙂 Thanks for stopping by my TT (http://Winterhavenbooks.blogspot.com)
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Glad you liked it, Amber…and thanks for visiting. Enjoy your read!
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I am attracted and yet repelled by the book as described. Sounds wonderful to include real characters yet the supernatural aspect may not pull me in…
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I have mixed feelings, too, Harvee…hope the pull is stronger than the opposite reaction. Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy your pick.
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OOh nice tease! Very visual! Thanks for visiting my teaser!
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Thanks, Jessica…glad you liked it, and I’m glad you could stop by.
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Great teaser!! So what is this white substance they speak of? 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
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Curious, isn’t it? Thanks for stopping by, Lisa, and enjoy your reading.
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I agree with ‘Lakesidemusing’ I don’t read horror, I would have nightmares, and I have to many nights of insomnia, without nightmares thrown in for free….oh well that is just me, I hope you enjoy the book all 667 pages. Thanks for the visit today.
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I may have to set it aside at night, Gigi Ann…not only is it too hefty to read in bed, but I have too many sleepless nights as well…lol
Thanks for visiting.
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interesting tease! very visual!
Trish – My Teaser
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Yes, JCO is adept at visualization. Thanks for visiting, Trish…enjoy your read.
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I don’t read horror, except for the Experiment in Terror series. This sounds intriguing though. Enjoy!
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I hope I can manage this…lol. I’m not really a horror enthusiast, either, but it’s JCO! Thanks for visiting, Autumn.
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I just can’t do horror, but I like the teaser, I am intrigued.
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Thanks, Maegan…I hope I can sleep at night while reading this. Glad you could stop by.
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I would have to read a bit more to decide.
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That makes sense, Nise…thanks for visiting, and enjoy your read.
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sounds like an intriguing read, and an intriguing concept. Not sure if I love the language/flow of the teasers, but I suppose you’d have to read a good amount to get into the story. thanks for sharing, and for stopping by my TT today- Book Savvy Babe
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JCO is different in her writing style, and sometimes hard to connect with…I’m hoping I can with this book. Thanks for visiting, Heather.
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It starts off lyrically, but the teaser seems a bit calmer.
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Yes….thanks, Alice Aubrey.
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Good teaser.
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I mean, it started off lyrically, the the teaser is more straight forward.
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It seems odd, doesn’t it? Thanks for stopping by, Alice Audrey.
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It’s been a long time since I read something by this author. I confess, it’s the horror aspect more than the length that intimidates me.
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I think it’s the combination of the two for me…what was I thinking? lol
Thanks for visiting, Heather, and enjoy your read.
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This opening is atmospheric and somewhat threatening. What surprises does this story hold? Could be the sort of book to get lost in.
🙂
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I’m asking these same questions, Pooch….thanks for stopping by!
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I like your teaser – intriguing and a bit creepy!
mine is here: http://thegreatbookchallenge.blogspot.ca/2012/12/teaser-tuesday-casual-vacancystill.html
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Yes, I think so, too, Shannon….glad you could stop by.
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An intriguing teaser!
http://tributebooksmama.blogspot.com/2012/12/teaser-tuesday.html
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Thanks, Tribute Books Mama…glad you could stop by.
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Hmmm I wonder what the white substance is!? Here’s my TT: Teaser Tuesday
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I know….it sounds kind of creepy. Thanks for stopping by, Leigh Ann.
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I like the opening, The teaser was interesting as well. I hope you enjoy the rest of it.
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I hope so, too, Lisa…glad you could stop by; enjoy your week.
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I don’t know about this one. It’s not grabbing me. Sorry. Something doesn’t feel right. Do you know what I mean?
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Yes, sometimes JCO leaves me cold, while other times I really connect with her characters. I don’t know which way the wind will blow on this one. Thanks for visiting, Margot.
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Interesting beginning & teaser, too 🙂
Happy reading!
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Thanks, Aleksandra; glad you could stop by. Have a great week!
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Bet its a very dark story. Hope you enjoy it though. Thanks so much for joining in.
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So do I, Diane….sometimes dark works for me, and sometimes not. Thanks for visiting…and for hosting.
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Great teaser. I haven’t seen this one before. Sounds interesting and I love historicals. Thanks for stopping by @ Turner’s Antics
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You’re welcome, Kt…and I’m glad you could return the visit! Enjoy your read.
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I’ve heard great things about Oates. Thanks for sharing!
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Thanks for visiting, Andrea…hope you enjoy your reading.
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Wow, it sound interesting. Psychological horror… hmmm seem scary though. Haven’t read any horror books lately.
Thx for stopping by my blog.
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I am hoping the “psychological horror” aspect will raise it above the gory kind…lol
Thanks for visiting, mylunar.
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