We all know we’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover (yet, publishing companies spend big bucks on cover design/art and we all do judge them that way). But, the opening sentence(s)/paragraph(s) are fair game. So, when I stumble on a good opening (or remember one and pull it off the shelves), I like to throw it up here. This one grabbed me with the voice, the perspective, and the attitude. Gagnon tells you everything you need to know about the book–nasty things will happen, and the protagonist is going to be snarky about it the whole way.
from Killing Me by Michelle Gagnon:
The worst part was that I felt stupid.
Well, that’s not entirely true. The real worst part was that I was tied up in the back of a van with a hood over my head, and based on recent news reports, something truly horrific was about to happen.
But feeling stupid was definitely second worst.
Paul Nydegger
Loved that opening, enjoying the rest so far as well!