Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence of the book you’re reading. The Friday 56 – As many of you know Freda over at Freda’s Voice hosted The Friday56 for many years. Since Freda is no longer blogging The Friday 56 is now hosted by, Anne over at My Head Is Full of Books. So grab a book, turn to page 56 or 56% in your e-reader, and share a non-spoiler sentence or two. First Line Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Reading is My Superpower that asks you to share the first sentence of the book you’re reading. Book Blogger Hop asks a question of general interest or discussion hosted by Coffee Addicted Writer
My book for today is You Can’t Hurt Me by Emma Cook
Publication Date: November 5, 2024

Meet Eva, who can’t feel pain, and Anna, who can’t escape it.
Everyone has heard about the case of Eva Reid. Ever since she was born, she’s felt no pain: she can get a paper cut, break a limb and even give birth without feeling a single thing. Her story has long captivated the minds of reporters and researchers—including Dr. Nate Reid, Eva’s husband and acclaimed scientist, renowned for his work in the Pain Laboratory. Also among them is Anna Tate, a ruthless journalist with a dark past of her own.
When Eva is suddenly found dead inside her home, it raises a flurry of questions about the last night of her life—and who might’ve been involved. Anna finds herself growing increasingly obsessed with Eva’s case: her protected, painless existence, her promising career as a psychotherapist, and especially her toxic relationship with the alluring Dr. Reid, whom Eva met and married as his former patient. But what other secrets could they be hiding?
When Dr. Reid embarks on the process of writing a book about Eva, an opportunity arises for Anna to work on it alongside him. As she slowly inserts herself into their home to uncover what’s fact and what’s fiction, shocking discoveries await her—and not everyone may come out unscathed…

First Sentence:
7 December 2022, 7: 30 p.m.
I am a ghost in the room tonight. A shadow no one will notice, exactly as it should be. Guests arrive, flowing toward the heat and hum of the glass atrium at the back of the bookshop. Turing my back to them, I retreat farther into the deserted aisles of Anthropology, reach for a slim volume, inhale the flutter of air as my thumb zips through the pages. I wait for that aroma, dry and sweet, biscuits and sawdust to work its usual magic, a sensory hit that never fails to reassure me. Until now. Books used to be an escape. A window to another world that for a short time might alter me in some unfathomable way. But I’ve been too close to them, seen how they can taint and twist the truth.

Page 56
“I owe Grayson another book. And as I say, it was Priya’s idea, not mine. But lately, I’m not sure it’s worth a book contract, or that I can preserve Eva’s legacy.” He gives me a wistful look. “What can be gained by constantly raking through the past? Who’s it really serving?”
Today’s Question Is: – September is a busy month for literary events and book awards. Are there any award-winning books or authors you’re eager to read, or any forthcoming book events you intend to go to or cover on your blog? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer)
A: I am sorry to say that I have not had time to even think about this. September has been a pretty lost month for me so far. 🙃
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Friday 56 is hosted by My Head Is Full of Books
Book Beginnings hosted by Rose City Reader
First Sentence Friday hosted by Reading Is My Superpower
Book Blogger Hop (BBH) is hosted by Coffee Addicted Writer
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