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Q: What is a deal breaker for you in a book? For example, do you abhor love triangles? Or can’t deal with bad editing?
If I don’t like the opening sentences of a book then I find that I’m not able to enjoy as much as possible. I have no idea why this is but the opening sentences really show what the book is going to be about and whether it is worth reading.
For example:
Matched by Allie Condie- Now that I’ve found the way to fly, which direction should I go in to the night? My wings aren’t white or feathered; they’re green, made of green silk, which shudders in the wind and bends when I move- first in a circle, then in a line, finally in a shape of my own invention. The black behind me doesn’t worry me; neither do the stars ahead.Verdict: When I first read this it really confused me. It doesn’t introduce the story well and doesn’t set you straight on to the story line.
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver- They say that before you die your whole life flashes before your eyes, but that’s not how it happened for me.
Verdict: This immediately interested me and tells you that the story is going to be based around the main character’s death. It sets you on the story line and makes you want to read on.
Wildthorn by Jane Eagland- The carriage jolts and splashes along the rutted lanes flooded by the heavy November rains.
Verdict: I find this opening quite boring and, although I found myself asking questions, I didn’t really want to read on.
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater- I remember lying in the snow, a small red spot of warm going cold, surrounded by wolves.
Verdict: I love this opening sentence. It’s definitely one of my favourites and makes me want to read on. I was immediately enthralled and it sets you on the story line quickly.
11 Comments
beccabooklover
2 November, 2012 at 11:42 amGreat answer and very similar to mine this week. I love how you’ve given examples of good and bad opening sequences too! I haven’t read any of these books so I can’t comment on them but I do mean to read Matched in the future so I can make my mind up then 🙂
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Becca @ Lost in Thought
http://lostinthought-becca.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/feature-follow-4.html
Sophie_Louise
2 November, 2012 at 11:57 amI have Before I Fall waiting to be read! I found it in the library and was only reading about it the previous day. I love the verdicts you have made-Shiver is also on my Wish List. Is Matched a good book?
Sophie:)
Lucy
2 November, 2012 at 11:58 amI haven’t completely finished it but skipped to the end so I know the outcome. I didn’t really enjoy it, but the plot was good and it was well-written.
Julie
2 November, 2012 at 2:08 pmBad editing is definitely a deal breaker. I’ve run across books that everyone is raving about and yet I can’t get past the first chapter because the editing is so bad. Also, I’m sick of virgins. If I have to read about another virgin (that’s not young adult) I’m gonna scream. Ditto in the happy endings that wrap up all neat. A little reality goes a long way with me.
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Julie~ New Adult Addiction
Liesel K Hill
2 November, 2012 at 3:54 pmThat’s a good one! I wouldn’t have thought of it, but I think you’re right. First sentences DO make a difference! 😀 Old follower via GFC. My FFs are at Musings on Fantasia and LKHill. Happy Friday! 😀
Jenny
2 November, 2012 at 4:33 pmReally great answers. The opening definitelt sets the pace of the book.
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Lauren
2 November, 2012 at 5:15 pmThis is a good point, a first sentence can tell a lot about a book. LOVE the Shiver series too.
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Lani Sku
2 November, 2012 at 11:49 pmOh, i hadnt thought of this, but yes! an opening sentence should be amazing! says so much about a book, and you know straight up whether or not it will be a great read.
My FF
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Amanda P
3 November, 2012 at 7:37 amInteresting! I never thought of it.
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-Amanda P
Paranormal Romance
Krystianna
3 November, 2012 at 6:02 pmI haven’t ever really thought about opening sentences, but I could see how they have an impact on the rest of the book. Thanks so much for sharing!
New follower via GFC. Krystianna @ Downright Dystopian
Kim L
7 November, 2012 at 5:30 amWoah, I’ve never actually noticed these small things but I get how an opening line can really say something about the book.
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