Wow! I was sure this one was going to be so easy. I tell you, folks, it’s hard to know which ones are going to jog people’s memories and which aren’t. At any rate, this is a great opening line, in my opinion, and one that clearly lets the reader know something very different and interesting is about to follow. A good lesson in pulling readers in, I think.
For the second week in a row, we only have one winner, however, she was johnny-on-the-spot with the correct answer. So, let’s congratulate Jeanne Owens for figuring out one that was apparently pretty difficult for most of you. This one, I knew as soon as I read it, though that is certainly not always the case.
And since I’m in the midst of preparing for Dorian’s arrival, I’m keeping this short. Here’s the correct answer for you:
“The drought had lasted now for ten million years, and the reign of the terrible lizards had long since ended.” is the opening line of 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clark.
It’s a bit unusual, in that the 1968 science fiction novel was developed concurrently with Stanley Kubrick’s film version and published after the release of the film. Clarke and Kubrick worked on the book together, but eventually only Clarke ended up as the official author.
Buy 2001: A Space Odyssey HERE
BLURB:
The classic science fiction novel that captures and expands on the vision of Stanley Kubrick’s immortal film—and changed the way we look at the stars and ourselves.
From the savannas of Africa at the dawn of mankind to the rings of Saturn as man ventures to the outer rim of our solar system, 2001: A Space Odyssey is a journey unlike any other.
This allegory about humanity’s exploration of the universe—and the universe’s reaction to humanity—is a hallmark achievement in storytelling that follows the crew of the spacecraft Discovery as they embark on a mission to Saturn. Their vessel is controlled by HAL 9000, an artificially intelligent supercomputer capable of the highest level of cognitive functioning that rivals—and perhaps threatens—the human mind.
Grappling with space exploration, the perils of technology, and the limits of human power, 2001: A Space Odyssey continues to be an enduring classic of cinematic scope.
And there you have it, folks. I suspect there isn’t a one of you who hasn’t seen this movie or read this book, or like me, both. In fact, I read the entire series. (Yes, there are several more Space Odyssey books, and though it’s been a while, I remember enjoying all of them.)
Stay tuned for next #FirstLineFriday quiz. (If all goes well, that will be Friday, 9/13, unless I let you know differently.) I’m pretty sure I’m going to use the easiest to recognize first line I can find. (No, NOT “Call me Ishamel.” Just. No. 😀 ) But I promise it will be pretty darn famous, and hopefully, we’ll have more winners. Set your alarms, and I’ll see you then!
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