Best Character-Driven Novels
I don't like plot.
Yes, this sounds strange.
But plot is the least of my interests in books.
I love characters.
Here are a few of my favorites.
Anne of Green Gables.
Tom Sawyer.
Eleanor & Park.
Park, of course. And Eleanor.
Manolito Gafas.
The Summer Book.
Grandma. I plan to be Grandma one day.
Henry Huggins.
I know lots of folks like Ramona better, but I continue to prefer Henry.
Frog and Toad.
Frog. And Toad.
Olive Kitteridge.
Just gotta love Olive for her gossipy all-American-ness.
Sahara Special.
Brideshead Revisited.
I Am the Messenger.
Ed Kennedy. Lost. And then found.
Madeline.
Shrek.
(The book, not the movie.)
The Incredible Adventures of Professor Branestaum
The Good Earth.
The mom. What a mom. Sacrifice. She's all about sacrifice.
Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress.
The little Chinese seamstress is all of us. Before books.
And after books. Changed.
What did I forget? Any suggestions for me?
I don't like plot.
Yes, this sounds strange.
But plot is the least of my interests in books.
I love characters.
Here are a few of my favorites.
Anne of Green Gables.
Tom Sawyer.
Eleanor & Park.
Park, of course. And Eleanor.
Manolito Gafas.
The Summer Book.
Grandma. I plan to be Grandma one day.
Henry Huggins.
I know lots of folks like Ramona better, but I continue to prefer Henry.
Frog and Toad.
Frog. And Toad.
Olive Kitteridge.
Just gotta love Olive for her gossipy all-American-ness.
Sahara Special.
Brideshead Revisited.
I Am the Messenger.
Ed Kennedy. Lost. And then found.
Madeline.
Shrek.
(The book, not the movie.)
The Incredible Adventures of Professor Branestaum
The Good Earth.
The mom. What a mom. Sacrifice. She's all about sacrifice.
Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress.
The little Chinese seamstress is all of us. Before books.
And after books. Changed.
What did I forget? Any suggestions for me?
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So far the only book of Zusak's I've read is The Book Thief - I'd really like to read I Am the Messenger. :)
ReplyDeleteYou definitely should!
DeleteI haven't read "I Am the Messenger" yet but it's on my TBR. So is Eleanor & Park. Man, I really need to get along with my reading list! :D Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMy TTT
Obsessive Compulsive Reader
Yes, you need to get busy!
DeleteAhh I've only read Eleanor & Park on this whole list and unfortunately I was the black sheep and did not love it. I must prefer Rowell's other books but she does write some memorable characters!
ReplyDeleteNicole @ The Quiet Concert
Funny! To each his own.
DeleteEleanor & Park is definitely making it on a lot of people's lists this week :) Nice that you mentioned Brideshead Revisited; I've been meaning to re-visit it at some point, I remember thinking it to be a very interesting character and family study...
ReplyDeleteOh yes, memorable.
DeleteThere's a Shrek book? I have Olive Kitteridge on audio but keep forgetting about it! I bet it would be great for my commute.
ReplyDeleteI vote for Olive during your commute.
DeleteAnd Shrek (the book) is by picture book great William Steig.
WAIT there is a Shrek book!? I feel like I've been living a lie!!!!!! I've got a few of these on my TBR but the only one on yours I've read is Eleanor & Park & of course I agree on it making this Top Ten list!
ReplyDeleteAlexandra @ SleepsOnTables
You must seek it out.
DeleteAw, another Ed Kennedy fan! Man, I LOVE that book. It is one of the few that I have read more than once. Great pick! ~Megan
ReplyDeletehttp://wp.me/pzUn5-29o
Great character, I think.
DeleteRamona is overrated ;) And Yes, I loved Ed Kennedy!
ReplyDeleteGood to hear the support.
DeleteFROG AND TOAD!!! Yes, they are great. LOVE.
ReplyDeleteYes, Frog and Toad.
DeleteAs usual, your list blows me away. I really struggled this week because I started out to create a list of just YA books that are character driven and I tried to stay away from books that were driven by the plot even if they had strong characters like The Hunger Games, Thanks for visiting my blog and putting up with my puny answers.
ReplyDeleteYour lists are always thoughtful!
DeleteI really need to read 'Eleanor & Park', I'm only hearing good things about it! What did you think of 'Brideshead Revisited'? Also really need to sit down and pick it up sometime! Great list, Deb! :)
ReplyDeleteEleanor & Park - yes! I haven't read any Marcus Zusack yet (I know, I know, THE BOOK THIEF), but did pick up I Am the Messenger recently. Glad to see it on your list!
ReplyDelete