Oh my god, what in hell's name's going on in Basra?

Okay, here's a new competition. I'm going to copy out the first paragraph of a book, missing out certain words that would give the game away. Your job is to name the author and say which book it comes from. Simple.

And the prize? You get to write out the first paragraph of a book of your choice yourself, and then we'll see if we can guess it. Here we go:

A very interesting very flowing passage.

I really liked the sentiments.

Top hole!

I was in a bookshop yesterday when i realised that i had arrived at an edge, kept picking up great books i've read and wished i hadn't yet, but no idea about the rest, about the new ones. any suggestions? just so you don't completely waste your time on this: amis (both), bellow, murakami, rushdie, miller, v woolfe, h james...coupland....david eggers even, hmmm can't think right now....but these are favourites....so anything along these lines of greatness?

From BBC News website today:

" Nintendo plans one-handed joypad"

I think the Japanese are being a bit slow here. Every bloke I know discovered the one handed joypad before they were 14.

...

if anyone knows anyone who has a flat or something in london available ... for any length of time ... can you please mail me?

my son and his g/f are finding themselves homeless in a fortnight and just can't find anything quick enough ...

cheers

fretful fish

http://www.abctales.com/soraia_almeida/my_tears

just wanted to say that i liked this poem.