Now that I’ve got your attention. This is not a sex question. Not exactly. When I was growing up, sneaking Harlequin romances, popular wisdom held that if you turned to page 69, that’s where all the sex was. Of course, I was too innocent to know why the number 69 held any importance. Still, it was the first page I turned to. Needless to say, I was often disappointed.
But that’s not what this post is about. Not entirely. I stole the first line and the topic from P.J. Parrish’s blog where the subject was the much vaunted page 69 as a test of whether or not to purchase a book–and not because of the sex. According to Marshall McLuhan (if you’re wondering how he got into this, follow the blog trail here), page 69 often serves as a microcosm of what your book is about. Forget all the gush of the back cover blurb, the hyperbole of the author quote, the tempting teaser page in the front. If you like page 69, buy the book.
And so, dear friend, I decided to give my latest novel the test. Here is page 69 of BODY OF LIES:
Alex closed her folder and tossed it onto the coffee table in front of her as she heard the music signaling the news was about to begin. She yawned, trying to banish her sleepiness long enough to make it through the first couple of stories. She figured this story had to be one of the first items if not the lead. Despite what Zach told her about the police releasing Thorpe’s name, that part of the story hadn’t made it into the afternoon newscasts.
After the anchor team of a black man and an Asian woman introduces themselves, the camera narrowed in on the woman. “This just in on the case of the Amazon Killer that claimed the life of young Ingrid Beltran.” A picture of the young woman in what looked to be a cheerleading outfit appeared in the top left corner of the screen. “A source close to the police investigation has revealed that investigators are focusing on this man, Walter Thorpe, as the Amazon Killer.” Thorpe’s mug shot replaced Beltran’s picture on the screen. “Thorpe, also known as the Gentleman Rapist, was convicted of attacking several Upper East Side women in 1999, and has apparently turned toward the macabre. Thorpe is believed to be armed. Anyone spotting him should contact the police immediately.”
Alex watched the broadcast openmouthed, her surprise increasing with every word the woman spoke. Given the fact that Thorpe was missing, it didn’t surprise her that the police might release Thorpe’s name as someone who they wanted to interview in connection with the crimes.
As a test of whether the book is readable and interesting, I think this page passes, though that second paragraph is unnecessarily long. I hope so. You tell me.
I invite you to post your page 69 in the comments section or post your results when you looked at your own work.
had our talk, I don’t think Mr. Tony will be pursuing “Her Honor.”
I mean, all of us told Angie what this would do to her career. He must understand that. If he truly cares anything about her, he will just forget about having a relationship with her. He can’t be that selfish and stupid.”
For a moment, Theresa and Rhonda just looked at Darlene, trying to understand why she was so angry. The more she spoke, the more her face contorted and the less she looked like the beautiful woman that she really was.
“Darlene, who gave you the right to decide what’s best for Angela? She is a grown woman who can make up her own mind thank you. She doesn’t need us trying to make her mind up or trying to decide what’s best for her.” Theresa said, trying to reason with her.
“Rhonda, don’t you have anything to say about this? I mean you should be able to help her understand what’s wrong with this relationship. Don’t you realize that this could affect you too? You guys are not only friends you are both roles models in this community. This could affect us all.”
Rhonda was sitting on the edge of her chair, taking everything in that was being said.
“Darlene, would you calm down please. I can’t think with all of this ranting and raving you are doing. I don’t disagree with you, but we must all keep a level head about this. Whatever we decide to do, we must present a united front. Not come across as though we are allowing our emotions to rule us. It’s not just Angie’s credibility that’s at stake here, my image as well as the both of yours could be affected by this too.”
As these last words were spoken by Rhonda, Theresa rose from her chair and stood over Rhonda.
For the first time in a long time, Theresa had actually allowed the anger she had worked so hard to control over the years take over.
Woo, Rhonda,
I like the way it ends there. But the question is, do you think this page is a representation of your novel? And who the hell is Mr. Tony?
Interesting concept, Dee. Your ’69″ was surely interesting and would make me buy the book…Now, for my page ’69′ of my soon to be released novel, Sacrifices In The Name of Love:
“…My parents are devout Southern Baptists, and attend church services every Sunday. I grew up with this weekly ritual. Finally, it occurred to me that what I needed was some type of miraculous intervention from God.
“Isn’t that what I’d been taught all those mornings in Sunday school that God would answer my prayers? All I have to do is ask, right?” I asked the image in the mirror again.
Feeling a glimmer of hope at this realization, I lifted my eyes up as if I was looking straight up to Heaven, and began speaking to God. But as soon as I did, I quickly lowered my eyes in shame. Doubt had suddenly overtaken the rationale that had just come to me and shattered what little bit of confidence I had.
“Why would God send me an answer after the way I have behaved?” I asked the image sorrowfully, as the tears began to well up in my eyes. “Not only have I had lustful sex outside the union of marriage, but I’ve run away from my responsibilities and deserted Tessa. It isn’t like she did this all by herself. But what other choice did I have? I’m so confused, Lord. Help me!” I cried out.
I suddenly fell to my knees and began to pray. I remembered from Bible study that I first had to acknowledge God and His awesome powers. As I did, I began to cry even harder. Then I…
What say you?
I like this, Vanessa, even though I have an opposite viewpoint. Lustful sex? Yeah! Let’s have some more of that. LOL Or do you mean this was adultery? Then I have to change my mind. But you certainly did all right, my dear.
All the best,
Dee