Some books distinguish themselves by having exceptionally good opening lines. Here are some of my favorites:

• The Gunslinger by Stephen King
  The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed.
• Neuromancer by William Gibson
  The sky above the port was the color of television, tuned to a dead channel.
• Farenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
  It was a pleasure to burn.

More to come.