A really good one is from 'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children'. The main character, Jacob, is listening to his grandfather's strange stories. It starts with this sense of mystery and family secrets. As the reader, you can't help but want to know more about these stories and if there's any truth to them. This opening effectively sets up the whole adventure that follows.
Sure. In 'The Fault in Our Stars', the opening where Hazel is talking about her cancer and how it has affected her life. It's a very honest and raw start that draws the reader in. It makes you care about Hazel from the very beginning.
In 'Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief', the opening where Percy realizes he has dyslexia and ADHD but then discovers there's more to it, like his connection to the demigod world. This start is interesting as it takes a common struggle and twists it into something extraordinary. It makes the reader curious about how these 'disabilities' are actually strengths in his new reality.
Another one is 'Moby - Dick' with its famous opening 'Call me Ishmael.' It's a very simple yet powerful start. It immediately makes the reader focus on the character who is about to tell his story, and it has a certain air of mystery as we don't know much about Ishmael yet but are eager to follow his journey.
Sure. 'The door slammed shut behind her, trapping her in the abandoned asylum. A shrill scream echoed through the halls.' This opening throws the character into a terrifying situation right away.
A vivid description can also make a great novel opening. Such as 'The sun blazed down on the dusty town, the heat rising in shimmering waves from the cracked streets. The saloon doors swung open, and a figure emerged, his face hidden beneath a wide - brimmed hat.' This type of opening sets the scene and makes the reader curious about what will happen next. It gives a sense of place and a hint of mystery.
Beginning with a vivid description can be great. Like in 'The Great Gatsby' where it starts with 'In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since.' It gives a sense of the narrator's voice and draws you into their world.
A recent top - seller is 'Shadow and Bone'. It has a really interesting magic system and a complex plot. The characters are well - developed, and the story is set in a unique fantasy world. It has attracted a large number of young adult readers with its engaging story and great world - building.
The novel 'Ella' by Olga Slavnikova is also worth mentioning. It tells the story of a girl in a world full of political and social unrest. The book explores how a young person tries to find her place and meaning in such a chaotic and often oppressive environment.
Starting with a mysterious statement works well. For instance, 'The old house on the corner had a secret that no one knew, until now.' This piques the reader's interest as they want to uncover what that secret is. It can lead to a story full of mystery and discovery.
Sure. 'Nancy Drew' series is a great start for beginners. These books have been around for a long time and follow the adventures of Nancy Drew as she solves various mysteries. They are easy to read and have engaging plots. Another one is 'The Hardy Boys' series. The Hardy brothers are always getting into mystery - solving situations, and the stories are written in a way that's accessible for young readers new to the mystery genre. 'Encyclopedia Brown' is also good. Each story presents a small mystery that the super - smart Encyclopedia Brown has to solve, and it's a fun way to get into the world of mystery novels.
In 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen, 'It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.' This opening is brilliant as it quickly establishes a social context and the central theme of marriage and wealth that runs throughout the novel.