What makes you pick up a book?

The main thing that makes me pick up a book is whether or not the back cover hooks me. Yes, I’ll read the endorsements, and sometimes scan the first page, but the blurb has to first intrigue me. And while a stunning cover is a plus, I’ve never bought a book solely for its cover yet. I guess I adhere a little bit to the old saying.

So my fellow writers, heed the advice about crafting strong hooks! It’s hard, but it’s what gets readers (or at least this reader) to add a book to their TBR.

What’s one of your favorite hooks for a book, whether one of your own or one on your bookshelves?