“Linderwall was a large kingdom, just east of the Mountains of Morning, where philosophers were highly respected and the number five was fashionable. The climate was unremarkable. The knights kept their armor brightly polished mainly for show — it had been centuries since a dragon had come east. There were the usual periodic problems with royal children and uninvited fairy godmothers, but they were always the sort of thing that could be cleared up by finding the proper prince or princess to marry the unfortunate child a few years later. All in all, Linderwall was a very prosperous and pleasant place.
Cimorene hated it.”

There is a drowsy state, between sleeping and waking, when you dream more in five minutes with your eyes half open, and yourself half conscious of everything that is passing around you, than you would in five nights with your eyes fast closed, and your senses wrapt in perfect unconsciousness.
Oliver Twist

That’s a compelling opening line; metaphors and similes, when used properly, can make the difference between a good novel and a great one, I think. Markus Zuzak’s The Book Thief is a brilliant example; if you’ve not read it, you really must.

I just started reading “Listening for Coyote” by William Sullivan and the opening line of the prologue is, “There are times when daydreams of wilderness loom so enticingly they might be Atlantis at a rare low tide.” It’s not an all-time favorite opener, but it very much resonates with me right now and I thought it was nice imagery.

I haven’t seen Little Women in ages – I might have to propose an “off-cycle” movie night, since Saturdays are pretty much off-limits for spending a few hours at the computer… Mare likes to actually leave the house and do stuff. What’s up with that???

Oh, bib has quoted one of my favorite books! Maybe make a movie night of it, Kirsten? I know it’s not the same as reading the book. I think there are two movie versions, though perhaps it wouldn’t so entertaining to watch them back-to-back?

My favorite opening line of a book:

“Christmas won’t be Christmas without presents.” grumbled Jo, lying on the rug.

That opening line sets the stage for a first chapter that tells you everything you need to know to fall in love with the March family!

You might try Oliver Twist; you have the sort of empathy needed to fully appreciate the tale (though I wonder if some of the humor might escape you, little miss innocent!). *grin*