You never get a second chance to make a first impression...
There's nothing quite like the anticipation that comes from cracking open a book for the first time. The first line beckons you, and if done well it can pull you headlong into the story. Done poorly, the first line can lead a reader to set a book aside and move on to something better, especially if they're browsing at the bookstore.
The best first lines are memorized and celebrated, and the worst ones are lampooned and parodied. So with the knowledge of just how important first lines are, is it any wonder that one of my favorite bookish memes focuses on the first line?
When Becky at Page Turners decided to reprioritize at her blog, she offered her Book Beginnings on Friday meme to anyone interested in adopting it. I jumped at the chance, and Becky chose A Few More Pages as the new home for Book Beginnings on Friday. I'm really excited to be hosting my first meme! I hope you'll join in!
How to participate: Share the first line (or two) of the book you are currently reading on your blog or in the comments. Include the title and the author so we know what you're reading. Then, if you would like, let us know what your first impressions were based on that first line, and let us know if you liked or did not like the sentence. The link-up will be at A Few More Pages every Friday and will be open for the entire week.
Thanks to Becky at Page Turners for starting this meme and to Rose City Reader for inspiring it!
The townspeople of Hagenheim craned their necks as they peered down the cobblestone street, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Duke of Hagenheim's two handsome sons.I rather liked this first line. It's almost lighthearted, and even though this book takes place in 1386, it reminds me how so little has changed. How many times have we seen people standing outside of awards shows or theaters, craning their necks trying to catch a glimpse of a celebrity? I thought this was a good first line, and it set the stage for a really good book.
So, what is the first line of your current read, and how did you like it? Please leave the link to your specific post, not just to the front page of your blog.
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Congratulations on taking over this fun weekly event. And thanks for hosting it!
ReplyDeleteThanks from me as well for hosting this meme.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the first run and thanks for hosting! New follower too =)
ReplyDeletehttp://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com
Thanks Katy for being the host! I am new to it and your blog. XD
ReplyDeleteAnd here's the link to my posting on the beginnings!XD
http://unbrokenwyld.blogspot.com/2010/10/book-beginnings-on-friday-1.html
Your book sounds really intriguing. I have added it to my to-read list that never seems to get any shorter!
ReplyDeleteI was so glad to see that this meme got a second life! Now I just have to remember to participate occasionally!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful for you. I hope you have fun hosting it. I may join in from time to time ... if I get a real whopper of an opening sentence.
ReplyDeleteI like your commentary on your first line. I wouldn't have thought too much about it. I think I will pay more attention now.
Congrats on taking this meme over! Your linky says it's closed so here is my beginning friday: http://booklovingmommy.blogspot.com/2010/11/book-beginnings-on-fridays-11510.html
ReplyDeleteWill you be posting a new linky for today's Book Beginnings on Friday? I'll post this link there, when you set it up:
ReplyDeletehttp://bonniesbooks.blogspot.com/2010/11/beautiful-cover-intriguing-book.html