At this, the beginning of a new year, let’s discuss what makes a compelling opening to a book.

Fiction Openings

“The door to my office bursts open, the way it only does when it’s my younger brother, Callum.”

From Royal (Gone) Rogue by Emma St. Clair (a rom-com)

While the sentence itself doesn’t indicate the genre of the book, it does tell us a number of things about two of the characters.

This and the second of the duology, Royally (Re)Arranged, are among my favourites by the author (and I’ve read virtually all of her novels).

“It’s a conspiracy.”

From Carrot Cake Jailbreak by Rosie A. Point (a cozy mystery)

While this could be the opening line of numerous mysteries (and several other genre stories), still, it makes me want to read more.

I first heard the author on the Indie Writers Club podcast. When I found out she wrote cozy mysteries, I looked up her work, and since then, have listened to several of her stories. (I have become a huge fan of audiobooks.)

“Thunder burst overhead, and Gavran Anderson instinctively ducked.”

From Cursed Wishes by Marcy Kennedy (a clean historical fantasy)

A thunderstorm: just another ordinary occurrence. But the sentence still has the potential to stir up several questions: Why did Gavran duck? What made the action instinctive? What kind of a name is Gavran?

There was no doubt that I would read this series after reading the page-turning prequel.

Nonfiction Openings

“What made you decide to become an author?”

From The Intuitive Author: How to Grow & Sustain a Happier Writing Career by Tiffany Yates Martin

When it comes to setting and achieving goals, we are often encouraged to determine our “why”. This question is closely related to that concept. It also indicates the information that follows recognizes each reader’s uniqueness.

I appreciate the author’s recognition of this fact and the wisdom she has gained from decades in the industry, wisdom she goes on to share with readers.

“What if I told you that church security isn’t just about watching doors and scanning crowds?”

From Shielded: 52 Weekly Devotions for Church Security Team Members by Lori Morrison

Granted, this is a very niche book, but the opening sentence has the potential to grab the attention of both readers who are on their church’s security team and those who aren’t.

I’ve had the privilege of connecting with the author online and greatly appreciate her insights and practical encouragement to make our churches truly safe for everyone, especially the most vulnerable.

“Consider the next few chapters your entrance to Oz.”

From The PLAN: Manage Your Time Like a Lazy Genius by Kendra Adachi

This sentence may not give any indication of the information that follows. Still, it draws the reader in and compels them to read on. Having read it, I know this is not just another time management book. It’s one I’ve added to my 2026 To Be Read (Again) pile.

I regularly listen to the author’s podcast, The Lazy Genius, and have both of her other books, The Lazy Genius Way and The Lazy Genius Kitchen.

What are some of your favourite opening lines? Why did they draw you in? What’s on your 2026 TBR pile?