1984

The A-Z continues with some of my favorite books and stories and their first and last lines.

F is for:

1984 by George Orwell

Yes, I'm claiming the word four (in 1984) to slip this book in. I really LOVED this book, but beware, 1984 is here. Big Brother IS watching! You cannot hide. 

First Line: “It was a bright cold day in April and the clocks were striking thirteen.”

End Line: “He loved Big Brother.”

Three random thoughts:

  • I love Big Brother, too--the summer TV show, that is. 
  • The first line creeps me out for one reason. I have a million clocks all over my house. If they struck thirteen, I would be concerned. 
  • On another note. I realize that most of you might not have been born yet, but 1984 (for me) was a very bad year, and that's all I will say.



Comments

I don't like Big Brother, but snap on your other two thoughts. If the clocks (any of them) struck thirteen I would freak out.
And 1984 wasn't a winner for me either.
I loved the book, but it was and is too close to the bone.
I read this book in school...in 1984. :) Great choice!
Mary Aalgaard said…
I don't think I've ever read the book, just heard references to it. 1984, I was in high school.
Play off the Page
Pat Hatt said…
One year too early for me at my sea. But yeah 1984 is a good one and it sure is here
Gail said…
You made it through.
Stephen Tremp said…
I'm one of the few that have not read 1984. I'll stop by the library today. if its not on the shelf I'll download it to read this weekend.
cleemckenzie said…
His story stick to your ribs, don't they?
Hi Teresa - that was stretching it for an F for Four or 4. Well done .. and you've got everyone interested ... Big Brother is watching us - too bad I say ... I read it years ago - and I think I'd better re-read it .. cheers Hilary

I see Orwell predicted a tv that watches us .. and they do now ... incredible foresight and imagination ..
L. Diane Wolfe said…
I've never read it and for some reason, I missed the movie, too.
JoJo said…
This was required reading in 10th grade....another book I blew through long before the class finished and where my teacher swore me to secrecy about what happened. I almost died when that picture fell off the wall revealing the telescreen. Sadly our world is getting VERY 1984/Big Brother. It does not make me happy.
Mason Canyon said…
Oh, I remember the book and 1984 well.
The last line always chills me. The first and last lines of books are so important. The first line gets you to buy the book. The last one gets you to buy the author's next one. :-)
That was a very eerie book. If the clocks ever chime thirteen, I'm looking for Rod Serling.
1984 is definitely here. I need to re-read this one, as well as Animal Farm. Isn't it ironic that the fascism that Orwell pointed out in his books has now become known as "Orwellianism" - even though he was clearly against it?
Suzanne Furness said…
A great opening line I think!
I have to reread this book again because the first and last time I read it was in the university…uhm …27 years ago!
Bob Sanchez said…
HI! 1984 wasn't my favorite year either, but it was a year of change for me. Not nearly as bad as Orwell's 1984, though.

Stop by my blog if you would, please.
Anonymous said…
i havent read this, maybe I should give it a try! but that opening line is freakish n scary!! :O
Joanne said…
It's been years since I read this. Time to revisit and see how much of it's come to fruition. Thanks for the reminder!
Archana said…
Read this book long long ago in college. 'Big brother IS watching' So true.. we have CCTV cameras everywhere. I would support the 'stretch' to include this book for 'F', I guess some lee way is ok on this blog challenge :) :)

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