The first page is what gets you. You cautiously open the book, careful not to crack the spine — not yet — and you glance at the first page. Chapter One. Maybe the Introduction. You’re wary, but you’re going to give the book a chance. Let’s see if the first sentence can grab me. And then it does. So does the next sentence, and the one after that. Next thing you know, you look up and you’ve been standing there, reading for five minutes, lost in a book…your book.

Well, today, we bring bookstore browsing experience to you! Here are the first paragraphs of three books you might pick up for your weekend reading. Give them a tryout here. Tell us what you think…

The Watery Part of the World by Michael Parker

Heading Out to Wonderful by Robert Goolrick

The Receptionist by Janet Groth