This week’s Top Ten Tuesday on The Broke and the Bookish is: Favourite Literary Heroines. I often have trouble cataloguing the books I’ve read and characters I’ve met in my mind. But there are always those few brilliant characters who stick with you as if they were flesh and blood. Here are a few of mine:
This is one of the most whimsical, quirky, heart-warming stories I’ve ever read. And I’ve read it several times. It’s the lesser-known book by the author of 101 Dalmations, but I think it had more of an impact on me than most books I read as a teenager.
Well I mean come on. Who doesn’t love Hermione? She’s smart, brave, loyal and punches Malfoy in the nose. Best. Moment. Ever.
When I was 13, after several weeks of getting sicker and sicker, I was diagnosed with diabetes. It’s not cancer, but it still sucked. I remember waking up in hospital, I remember the worry etched on my parents’ faces. I remember realizing my life would never be the same again, and that this medical condition would irrevocably change me. But I still can’t imagine going through what Hazel Grace and her family did. It takes incredible courage, and I will forever be in awe of Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters.
She’s a total badass, and not only that, but she’s a believable badass. I loved her character development and that she never gave up being a warrior, even when those around her didn’t value her abilities. She’s a great role model and her stories were epic.
I mean, honestly. This girl is my fictional best friend. I love her spunk, her witty repartee, her friendships and her skills. MAD skills. I basically wish I WAS her.
I wasn’t sure about Tiffany at first. It took a while to understand where she was coming from and why she was behaving the way she did. But in the end, I was won over. Life isn’t easy. Sometimes you feel like it has broken you, or that you don’t have anything left to fight for. But somehow you have to find the strength to go on living, even if in doing so you alienate those who have never been where you are. The trick is not to apologize for your dreams, to find people worth your loyalty, and not to let the tough moments in life beat you.
This chick flew halfway around the world to look for her missing dad… and she’s a teenage blind girl with a little brother to take care of. She’s brave, she’s tough, and she is definitely someone you’d want on your side.
I fell in love with Matilda when I first read the book as a child. She was one of the first reflections of myself I found in literature. Her story was inspirational and she’s a wonderful role model for book-loving young girls.
Oh, Anne. Sometimes too hot-headed for your own good, often doing silly things because you refuse to let anyone get the better of you, and half the time living in a different world created entirely by your imagination. One of my first literary best friends, and always a favourite.
It’s been a long time since I read Coraline, but I remember being really impressed with how well Gaiman captures the character of young Coraline. She’s adventurous, brave and spunky.
There are so many more literary female characters over the years who have come to life as I read and have become part of my mental landscape (Trixie Belden, Nancy Drew, Harriet the Spy, Sara Crewe, Austen’s ladies…). Role models and kindred spirits, I will always be grateful to their authors for making my world a bit more vivid, and at times, a lot more bearable.
What about you guys? Which heroines struck a chord and stayed with you? Share in the comments!
I recently re-watched Anne and am planning on a re-read! I liked Nancy, but I liked Trixie Belden better. Nancy always seemed so proper with her perfect outfits and every hair in place. Trixie was more my style – always a mess, getting into trouble, hanging out with the boys.
Oh I'm almost jealous! Have you seen the show? The first book was alright, but nothing compared to the show. I've heard the second book is even better though, and I'll take any Veronica over NO Veronica any day!
I recently re-watched Anne and am planning on a re-read! I liked Nancy, but I liked Trixie Belden better. Nancy always seemed so proper with her perfect outfits and every hair in place. Trixie was more my style – always a mess, getting into trouble, hanging out with the boys.
Oh I'm almost jealous! Have you seen the show? The first book was alright, but nothing compared to the show. I've heard the second book is even better though, and I'll take any Veronica over NO Veronica any day!
Oh, Anne…I fell in love with her as a child! And Nancy Drew for sure. Spunky, self-reliant ladies, both of them!
I've never read the VM books but I feel like I ought to. I hear such good things about them.
Oh, Anne…I fell in love with her as a child! And Nancy Drew for sure. Spunky, self-reliant ladies, both of them!
I've never read the VM books but I feel like I ought to. I hear such good things about them.
I'm really looking forward to Mr. Kiss and Tell. I've got it in my TBR pile, but I'm making myself be good and get through some of the other books first. Plus then I can keep looking forward to it!
I'm really looking forward to Mr. Kiss and Tell. I've got it in my TBR pile, but I'm making myself be good and get through some of the other books first. Plus then I can keep looking forward to it!
I mean, Augustus was better, but she was pretty great!
I mean, Augustus was better, but she was pretty great!
I ran out of room well before I ran out of heroines! That's the tricky part, eh?
I ran out of room well before I ran out of heroines! That's the tricky part, eh?
Right? I love how the book starts, with her writing in the kitchen sink. I love how her life is so odd, but to her it's normal, so you come to just accept it. I thought the movie could have been a bit better, but still enjoyed it. I've read that book more times than I can count, and I suspect I will continue re-reading it. Glad someone else has heard of her!
Right? I love how the book starts, with her writing in the kitchen sink. I love how her life is so odd, but to her it's normal, so you come to just accept it. I thought the movie could have been a bit better, but still enjoyed it. I've read that book more times than I can count, and I suspect I will continue re-reading it. Glad someone else has heard of her!
I found that both Matilda and VMars were very similar in print and film, so if you loved them on screen, then I think you can safely say you like them! I really enjoyed both the book and movie for Silver Linings, but if I had to pick, I'd say the book was the best (it's a bit heavy on football, but still excellent). I'd recommend both!
I found that both Matilda and VMars were very similar in print and film, so if you loved them on screen, then I think you can safely say you like them! I really enjoyed both the book and movie for Silver Linings, but if I had to pick, I'd say the book was the best (it's a bit heavy on football, but still excellent). I'd recommend both!
Feisty, smart and loyal – my brand of vodka! 🙂
Feisty, smart and loyal – my brand of vodka! 🙂
It wouldn't be complete without those two! They were some of my best childhood friends.
It wouldn't be complete without those two! They were some of my best childhood friends.
Just commented (and followed) your blog, but Deuce was one of my favourites. Matilda another. I loved Hazel Grace, but her strength was a different type. Less obvious, but just as admirable. Thanks for the visit & follow!
Just commented (and followed) your blog, but Deuce was one of my favourites. Matilda another. I loved Hazel Grace, but her strength was a different type. Less obvious, but just as admirable. Thanks for the visit & follow!
Thanks, Chrissi! I gotta admit, this was a tough one. There are so many fantastic ladies out there!
Thanks, Chrissi! I gotta admit, this was a tough one. There are so many fantastic ladies out there!
Yay for Veronica Mars! I just finished Mr. Kiss and Tell, and I'm already awaiting the next story in the Mars oeuvre.
Yay for Veronica Mars! I just finished Mr. Kiss and Tell, and I'm already awaiting the next story in the Mars oeuvre.
Hazel was such a great character and I love that she's in your list.
MY TOP TEN TUESDAY
Hazel was such a great character and I love that she's in your list.
MY TOP TEN TUESDAY
Great list!! I included Hermione and considered adding Hazel. I loved the TFIOS, but I ran out of room on my list.
Here is my TTT: http://jacquesbooknook.blogspot.com/2015/02/top-ten-tuesday-favorite-heroines.html
Great list!! I included Hermione and considered adding Hazel. I loved the TFIOS, but I ran out of room on my list.
Here is my TTT: http://jacquesbooknook.blogspot.com/2015/02/top-ten-tuesday-favorite-heroines.html
Absolutely yes to Cassandra Mortmain! My favourite literary heroine of all time, lead character in my favourite book of all time.
Great list 🙂
Cora @ Tea Party Princess
Absolutely yes to Cassandra Mortmain! My favourite literary heroine of all time, lead character in my favourite book of all time.
Great list 🙂
Cora @ Tea Party Princess
Hazel is a good choice. I also love Matilda but I chose to leave her off because I have only seen the movie, same goes for Veronica Mars. I need to hurry up and read Silver Linings Playbook, so desperate to watch the movie. Thanks for sharing 🙂
My TTT https://jazminjade.wordpress.com/2015/02/24/top-ten-tuesday-favourite-heroines/
Hazel is a good choice. I also love Matilda but I chose to leave her off because I have only seen the movie, same goes for Veronica Mars. I need to hurry up and read Silver Linings Playbook, so desperate to watch the movie. Thanks for sharing 🙂
My TTT https://jazminjade.wordpress.com/2015/02/24/top-ten-tuesday-favourite-heroines/
I know a lot of these ladies. Lots of feisty, smart, loyal women. Here's mine.
http://ebogie.blogspot.com/2015/02/favorite-heroines-top-ten-tuesday-224.html
I know a lot of these ladies. Lots of feisty, smart, loyal women. Here's mine.
http://ebogie.blogspot.com/2015/02/favorite-heroines-top-ten-tuesday-224.html
Anne Shirely is on my list as well, and Matilda is also a really fantastic pick!
Anne Shirely is on my list as well, and Matilda is also a really fantastic pick!
Deuce was on my list and I agree with Hazel Grace as well. Oh and Mathilda such a strong little girl. New follower.
Deuce was on my list and I agree with Hazel Grace as well. Oh and Mathilda such a strong little girl. New follower.
Yay! So happy to see Matilda on someone else's list. She's amazing! 🙂 I think you've got some great characters on your list. My TTT
Yay! So happy to see Matilda on someone else's list. She's amazing! 🙂 I think you've got some great characters on your list. My TTT