Ever crack open a new book, read the first line, and feel like the author’s right there, drawing you into the story. That’s the beauty of a great opening line. The best ones don’t just tease your taste buds, they offer you a full culinary experience. Let’s check out some killer opening lines (well, I think they are) and see how they set the vibe for the whole story.
Fear of Flying by Erica Jong
“There were 117 psychoanalysts on the Pan Am flight to Vienna and I’d been treated by at least six of them.”
From the get-go, we know a ton about where this story is heading. Like Isadora Wing, the main character, this line is funny, honest, and slightly obsessed. It hints at her neurotic tendencies and her obsession with analysis. The fact that she’s on a flight to Vienna—a city synonymous with psychoanalysis thanks to Freud—only adds to the irony. The opening sentence sets up the novel’s main theme – a woman searching for her identity and craving freedom from societal pressures and personal challenges. You can totally feel the anxiety, overthinking, and rebellious vibe. Aren’t you curious to know more about Isadora when you read this? I am.
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
“Who is John Galt?”
This simple yet powerful line is a classic in literature. It’s a riddle that instantly grabs your attention, creating a sense of intrigue and curiosity. From the get-go, Rand establishes the main mystery and its philosophy. The question “Who is John Galt?” echoes throughout the book, representing the search for meaning, purpose, and personal success. It’s similar to that feeling you get when you’re a bit off your game, but there’s still a little hope for those who want to find the answer. The novel goes on to examine the concepts of individuality, collectivism, and the search for purpose. And while I’m not sure you can figure that all out by the first line, it’s enough to want to find out what’s so special about John Galt that he’s mentioned in the first line, and how did this one name come to mean so much more.
Last Girl Ghosted by Lisa Unger
“Modern dating. Let’s be honest. It sucks.”
This opening line hits you with the truth about dating nowadays and makes you want to keep reading. Unger’s words make it clear that the protagonist is totally done with the fake and frustrating world of dating apps and online connections. Lots of people can relate to this, so it makes an immediate bond between the narrator and reader. This line is like a warning sign, telling you that this story is going to uncover some messed up stuff about relationships and the dangers hiding sometimes in plain sight. It also sets the stage for a psychological thriller about trust, betrayal, and the dark side of love.
Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
“All children, except one, grow up.”
Barrie’s opening plunges us into the heart of his tale’s central theme: the tension between the innocence of childhood and the inevitability of growing up. From this line alone, we understand that Peter Pan is the exception, the boy who refuses to surrender to the responsibilities and realities of adulthood. This line speaks to anyone who has ever wished they could stay young forever, highlighting the universal desire to cling to the simplicity and joy of childhood. It also hints at the bittersweet nature of the story—while Neverland might seem like a dream come true, there’s an underlying sadness to Peter’s refusal to change.
Why First Lines Matter
First lines are more than just an introduction. They’re a promise to the reader. A killer first line gives you a taste of what’s to come and sets the vibe for the entire story. It’s like the first impression at a party—nail it, and everyone wants to get to know you. Get it wrong, and people might start looking for the nearest exit. From the humor of “Fear of Flying” to the intrigue of “Atlas Shrugged” to the relatable tension in “Last Girl Ghosted” or the inherent sadness of a boy who won’t ever grow up, these first lines hook us and prepare us for the stories to come…as does first paragraphs, first pages, and first chapters. So much to think about!
Crafting Your Own Memorable First Line
Writers don’t worry too much about your first line when you’re just staring your novel. Your first line can be improved over time. Honestly, it’s usually better to wait until you’ve finished your first draft, or maybe even your fourth, before you really start polishing that opening line. Why? Because by then, you know your story inside and out. Once you get to that point, you’ll have figured out your themes, tone, and all the little things that make your story stand out. Once you’re at this point of polishing, think about the tone you want to set and the promises you want to make to your reader. Does your story make people laugh, scream, or think? Keep that in mind when you finally write that killer first line. Go ahead and tweak it as often as necessary. Sometimes, you only find the perfect opening when your journey is over.
So, next time you grab a book, make sure you notice that first line. It’s where the adventure begins, the hint to the puzzle, the spark that starts the fire. And if you’re writing or editing your own novel, make sure your first line not only opens the door but also invites the reader to come inside and chill.
In the comments below:
What is your favorite first line?
How many pages do you read to decide if you want to finish a book?
Happy writing!
Nancy Clements is a book coach for fiction, non-fiction, and memoir and founder of Second Act Book Coaching. She particularly likes to help analytical types tap into their creative side to write the book they’ve always wanted to write.