12 Books with Great First Lines

Well, we talked about some of our favourite last lines, so it only makes sense that we talk about our favourite first lines. I don’t think enough people — readers and writers alike — take the time to really appreciate how a great first time can really pull you in. I think we often get stuck on the “typical” opening devices like waking up from a dream or the moment someone dies. Sometimes it’s something simple like “Call me Ishmael.” in Moby Dick.

Remember, I didn’t just pluck these out of thin air. I’m only going to include books I’ve read on this list. If I haven’t read it, I won’t include it even if I know a book has a famous last line.

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”

“Mother died today.”

“I write this sitting in the kitchen sink.”

“This is my favourite book in all the world, though I have never read it.”

“All children, except one, grow up.”

“In a hole in the ground lived a hobbit.”

“Scarlett O’Hara was not beautiful, but men seldom realized it when caught by her charm as the Tarleton twins were. “

“When I stepped out into the bright sunlight from the darkness of the movie house, I only had two things on my mind: Paul Newman and a ride home.”

“The circus arrives without warning.”

“Far out in the uncharted backwaters of the unfashionable end of the Western Spiral arm of the Galaxy lies a small unregarded yellow sun.”

“Tap-dancing child abuser. That’s what The Sunday New York Times from March 8, 1993, had called Vivi.”

“Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents,” grumbled Jo, lying on the rug.”

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What are some of your favourite first lines from books?

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