I've been collecting great opening lines to books. This line has topped the list -- not that I ranked them, but I put it first, followed by "It was inevitable. The scent of bitter almonds always reminded Dr. Juvenal Urbino of the fate of unrequited love." from Love in the Time of Cholera.

If you know of others that are missing, let me know: http://joshuaspodek.com/great-opening-lines-to-books

On a note of remembrance, many years ago, when I lived in Paris, my friend volunteered at the English Language Library for the Blind there. She told me they valued American accents in the readings there and asked if I would read a book for them. I agreed and decided on Love in the Time of Cholera. The librarian suggested starting with a shorter book, but I loved the book so much I couldn't pick another.

Only after starting it did I realize how much longer it takes to read a book out loud than silently and how much time I had volunteered for them. Still, I finished the book. I still wonder if my reading is still there. I recorded it onto cassette tapes.