One of the worst could be 'It was a day, like any other day.' It's so bland and unoriginal. It gives no real hook or unique aspect to draw the reader in. It doesn't create any mystery or excitement, just stating the obvious as if there's nothing special about the story that's about to unfold.
The best first sentence of a novel is often one that poses a question, either directly or indirectly. For instance, if the first sentence is 'The door was ajar, and a strange sound came from within', it makes the reader ask what's behind the door and what's making that sound. It creates intrigue and a desire to explore the story further.
Mine was the worst. It was with this guy I barely knew at a party. He just lunged at me out of nowhere, and his breath smelled like a mix of onions and beer. His lips were super slobbery, and it was so over in a second. It was just a horrible, unromantic mess.
Here are two. 'I found a photo of myself sleeping. I don't remember anyone taking it.' And 'I was home alone. The phone rang, and when I answered, all I heard was my own voice whispering things I don't remember saying.'
On my worst first day, I sat next to a really mean girl in class. She kept stealing my pencils and when I asked for them back, she told the teacher that I was being mean to her. The teacher believed her without even asking me my side of the story. I was so frustrated and angry. I spent the rest of the day in a really bad mood.
I remember my worst first day at a new school. I had prepared my textbooks and everything but when I opened my backpack in the first class, I realized I had grabbed my sister's bag by mistake. So, I had all her girly stuff like makeup and dolls in my bag instead of my own things. The whole class laughed when I tried to explain. It was a nightmare and I still cringe when I think about it.
The 'first sentence novel' refers to a novel where the initial sentence plays a crucial role. It can act as a hook to draw the reader in. Many great novels have a first sentence that is memorable and full of intrigue. It might pose a question, introduce a unique character, or present a mysterious situation. Such as 'In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since.' This first sentence makes the reader curious about what that advice was and how it has affected the narrator.
One of the contenders for a very long first sentence could be from a dense, multi - layered novel. Consider James Joyce's works, which are known for their complex and often long - winded sentences. His novels might have first sentences that are quite lengthy as he was a master of language manipulation. But to single out one across all novels ever written is near impossible as the world of literature is so vast and diverse.
Well, the first sentence of a novel can be crucial as it grabs the reader's attention. If it's dull or uninteresting, the reader might not continue. It can also introduce the main theme or character in a subtle way. Take 'Call me Ishmael' from 'Moby - Dick'. Right away, we are introduced to the narrator and it makes us curious about who he is and what his story is.