books' first sentences meme, part 2

[enthusiastick]

I'm not looking to stretch this out indefinitely. We've gone from 10 in the original post down to these remaining 4. Here, as promised, are the second sentences. If no one is able to figure them out in a further 24 hours, I'll go ahead and post the answers. I'm trying to decide whether to take the fact that only four of my Friends chose to play this game as final and clinching proof that the people who read this blog are lazy. Hopefully not. Feel free to make guesses!

1. If you listen, you can hear it.
   The city, it sings.


2. "Hold," said Jarhead. He reached back from the driver's seat as Bobby came near.


3. The great radar pulse generator Excalibur, powered by nuclear explosions, had been out of service for almost half a century. It had been designed and developed in a frantic effort during the months following the transit of Rama through the solar system.


4. As the door to the suite dilated, the man seated staring glumly out the window looked around. "Who the hell are you?"

Comments

[syganzychick.livejournal.com]

I dont think its that we're lazy, but speaking from experience, I havent the foggiest notion what these are from!

[celeloriel.livejournal.com]

Ditto that. I like to think I read a little, too. Very humbling.

[lassarina]

I know I've heard that first one, I just can't place it.

[pooka-madness.livejournal.com]

Humbling? Sheesh. They're just books.

[yeppiagree.livejournal.com]

C is Rendevous with Rama by Arthur C. Clarke (right?)

[pooka-madness.livejournal.com]

So close!