There are so, so many characters I’ve met in books over the years that I’d want to meet – and many that I feel like I have met! Early examples were Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables, Matilda from Dahl’s book of the same name, Sara Crewe from A Little Princess, and Trixie Belden from her book series. As I got older I got to know Scout and Jem from To Kill a Mockingbird, Anne Frank from her Diary of a Young Girl, Cassandra Mortmain from I Capture the Castle and a bit later all the characters from the Harry Potter series. There are lots of adult books with characters I loved as well, but I think it’s these books I read as a child and young adult (or in books meant for that age) that have stayed with me the most. I met them during parts of my life that were hard, full of change and growth, where I was grappling with who I wanted to become and how to get there, and with the world in general. I didn’t have a great childhood as I never really had true friendships and never felt like I fit in, so the characters I knew from books were who I had to keep me company on a more permanent basis than any of the “friends” I had back then (none of which I’ve stayed in touch with into adulthood or ever see now). This is one of the truly magical things about reading – it offers so much, particularly to those of us who feel like we are missing important things in our own lives, whether that’s friendship, support, people who understand us, or a safe space of our own. I’ll never really feel like any of these characters are behind me, because they still make me feel less alone when I think of them, even this many years later!
What about you guys? Anyone else have mostly characters from books for younger readers on their list this week? Anyone share any of my picks?
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Oh, Matilda. Didn’t even think about her. She would be a fun one to meet. Great picks.
She would! Thank you!
Anne Shirley made my list. Scout, Jem, and Anne Frank are such great choices, too. Thanks for sharing.
I’m so glad she did! I always have a soft spot for Anne. Thank you!
Ah, Matilda and Anne Frank are both great choices. Both strong characters in their way. I completely get what you mean about books keeping you company. I was like that, too. I travelled to many wonderful places and met many wonderful people without leaving the comfort and safety of my bedroom.
They are both very strong. I think we (myself at the top of the list) all like to think that we’d be able to handle extreme circumstances with aplomb, honour and courage, but I suspect that actually being in that situation would leave many of us falling short of our own expectations. But I think it’s not a given at all, and that people like Anne Frank and her family are pretty amazing. I’ve been to the building they hid in, and I’ve stood in her room, and it’s so small and claustrophobic. It’s one thing to read about, but actually standing there…. I don’t know how they managed in such a small space, having to be quiet all day, sharing with so many people. And for so long! Anyway, her story deeply affects me. But yes, I love being able to open a book and step into another life, another place, another story. It’s such a joy and privilege!
Oddly enough, there are some of those characters that really do stick with me. Heck, I still want to be Nancy Drew too 🙂
Haha! Yes!