They attract readers by creating intrigue. A good first line like 'I am Number Four' in the book of the same name makes you wonder who this 'Number Four' is. It's a simple yet effective way to get the reader's attention and make them start reading to find out more about the character.
Many young adult novels start with a line that gives a hint of the conflict. In 'The Maze Runner' - 'He began his new life standing up, surrounded by cold darkness and stale, dusty air.' This first line shows that the character is in a difficult and strange situation. It makes the reader want to know how he got there and how he will get out of it, thus attracting the reader to keep reading.
Well, first lines can introduce a mystery. For example, in 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald, 'In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since.' This makes the reader wonder what that advice was and what kind of experiences the narrator has had because of it. It hooks the reader by making them want to find out more about the narrator and their story.
Some first lines use a strong statement. In '1984' with 'It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.' The abnormal time - the clocks striking thirteen - grabs the reader's attention. It makes them want to explore this strange world where normal rules seem to be broken.
They create intrigue. For instance, the first line of '1984' by George Orwell 'It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.' The abnormal 'clocks were striking thirteen' makes readers want to know more about this strange world.
Paranormal young adult novels usually feature relatable teenage characters who are thrown into extraordinary situations. This makes it easy for young readers to imagine themselves in those situations. Also, the themes of love, friendship, and self - discovery are common in these novels, which are important to young people. For instance, in 'Twilight', Bella's relationship with Edward and her journey of self - discovery in a world full of vampires is very engaging. The settings in these novels are also often very interesting, like the shadowy underworlds or magical schools.
They also use relatable characters. Usually, the protagonists are young adults themselves, so readers can identify with their feelings and experiences. In 'Divergent', Tris's struggle to fit in and find her true self is something many teens can relate to. Additionally, these novels often have unique and interesting settings, like the post - apocalyptic world in 'The Maze Runner' which draws readers in.
By creating mystery. For instance, a line like 'Call me Ishmael' from 'Moby - Dick'. It makes the reader wonder who Ishmael is and what his story is all about.
The first lines often introduce something unique. In many best - selling novels, the first line might introduce a strange setting or an unusual character. For example, if the first line is about a character with purple hair and a third eye in the middle of their forehead living in a floating city, it's so different that it grabs your attention. It gives a sense of the extraordinary that might be in store in the rest of the story.
They can use exciting language. For example, words like 'thrilling', 'amazing', and 'unforgettable' can draw in young readers. Also, highlighting the unique aspects of the story in the summary, like a cool magic system or a really interesting character.
Well, take 'The Great Gatsby' for example. Its opening line 'In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since.' This makes the reader curious about what that advice was. It creates a sense of personal narrative and mystery.
Many use vivid descriptions. By painting a picture in the reader's mind right from the start, like a description of a unique setting or an interesting character. For instance, an opening line that describes a spooky old house makes you want to know what's inside. Also, some opening lines introduce a conflict early on, which makes readers eager to see how it will be resolved.