Favourite book openings!

[hazelwillow.livejournal.com]

Hi All,

I had fun reading the book recommendations just now, and I also had fun reading over an older discussion in which people posted first lines from their favourite books for people to guess. Then I thought: it would be fun to read the beginnings of some of the books people are recommending. I'm always more likely to seek a book out if I get the first few lines and want to keep going... and it's interesting to see what makes a successful beginning.

So... what are your favourite book openings? do you have a book to recommend that you think has a particularly awesome beginning? What makes a good beginning? And are those lines sometimes more cherished on re-reading than on the first time?

I've always thought the beginning of The Thief was particularly good (I remember being grabbed right away), but I'm sure you all know that one by heart. So here's another one I think is pretty cool:

"She was standing in the middle of the railroad tracks. Her head was bowed and her right front hoof was raised as if she rested. Her reins hung down to the ground and her saddle had slipped to one side. Behind her, a warehouse filled with medical supplies had just caught fire."

--"The Wars" by Timothy Findley

I love how you don't know "she's" a horse at first.
...I can't wait to read yours!