British novelist Charles Dickens (1812-1870) sat in his study in Gads Hill near Rochester, Kent circa 1860. He wrote one of the best first lines in literature. Great opening lines to books set the ...

You know that feeling when you crack open a book and the very first sentence grabs you by the collar? It's rare, honestly.

Welcome to Shelf Life, ELLE.com’s books column, in which authors share their most memorable reads. Whether you’re on the hunt for a book to console you, move you profoundly, or make you laugh, ...

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." She urges her readers—and all readers—to “support libraries and librarians. Stand for free speech, when ...