The Power of a First Sentence

I'm often struck by how the first sentence of a novel can draw the reader in and set the expectation for what's to come. It can't be underestimated. It's the opening salvo for the reader and is a clue to how the reader will spend the next number of hours.

There are many examples of powerful opening sentences. Here are just a few:

SUBURBAN MADAM DEAD IN APPARENT SUICIDE
The headline catches Heloise's eye as she waits in the always long line at the Starbucks... "And When She Was Good" by Laura Lippman

The pavement rises up and hits her. Slams into her face, drives the lower rim of her glasses into her cheek. "How It All Began" by Penelope Lively.

As the ground rushes up to meet him, Kevin thinks about missles again. "Next" by James Hynes.

When he was twelve years old Mad Dog ripped off Cootie Weiss's ear. "Mad Dog House" by Mark Rubinstein