Another good one is from 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' by Lewis Carroll. 'Alice was beginning to get very tired of sitting by her sister on the bank, and of having nothing to do: once or twice she had peeped into the book her sister was reading, but it had no pictures or conversations in it, “and what is the use of a book,” thought Alice, “without pictures or conversations?”' This opening makes the reader identify with Alice's boredom and curiosity, which is a great way to start a story for a beginner.
Sure. 'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien starts with 'In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.' It's simple yet very effective. It draws the reader into the world of hobbits which is a unique and fascinating one. A beginner would easily be able to picture this hole and the hobbit, making them eager to read more.
Sure. 'Quite Ugly One Morning' is a good start. It's not too complex and has a really interesting style that showcases Brookmyre's ability to mix crime and humor.
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.
A good choice could also be 'Flow My Tears, the Policeman Said'. It has a fast - paced plot with elements of mystery and science fiction. It shows Philip Dick's unique style of writing and his ability to create a strange yet captivating world.
I would recommend 'Of Human Bondage'. Although it's a long novel, it's very accessible. It shows the growth and development of the main character, Philip Carey, in a relatable way. You can easily get immersed in his experiences of love, loss, and self - discovery.
You could also try 'King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table' by Roger Lancelyn Green. It's a more straightforward retelling of the basic Arthurian stories, which is perfect for someone just getting into the legend. It introduces the key characters like Arthur, Guinevere, and Lancelot in a simple and engaging way.
I would recommend 'The Mysterious Affair at Styles' as it sets the foundation for Hercule Poirot's character. You can see how his 'little grey cells' work. 'Murder on the Orient Express' is a classic that many people start with. The setting on the train and the intricate mystery are really engaging. Also, 'Cards on the Table' is not too complex for a beginner. It has an interesting premise and Poirot's deductions are fascinating to follow.
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 third option could be Cicero's 'Letters to Atticus'. While not a traditional novel in the modern sense, these letters provide a great deal of information about Roman politics, society, and the thoughts of one of the most important figures in Roman history, which can be a good introduction to the Roman world.
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.
In 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen, the opening line 'It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.' is brilliant. It not only gives a peek into the society's values and the central theme of marriage in the novel but also has a touch of humor. It makes the reader curious about how the story will unfold around this concept.