Boy Book Crushes
I’ve been reading Erin Blackmore’s The Heroine’s Bookshelf: Life Lessons From Jame Austen to Laura Ingalls Wilder. If you haven’t heard about it or picked it up yet, I highly recommend that you do so. Blackmore gives us twelve chapters devoted to one literary heroine and the characteristic that she represents. I got the book originally because I knew that there was definitely a chapter on Laura Ingalls Wilder and Jane Austen, and I suspected that there was one on Anne Shirley (which there was.) What I like about this book, is just like the literary heroines we may turn to in times of difficulty, we also could come to it for some modern wisdom. This means that you can read it from cover to cover, or, you can read at it. I love reading at books. It allows one to delve into something right away. Finding the exact quote that you need at the right time. Yesterday, I turned to her chapter on Scarlett O’Hara and Jane Eyre. Something about two chapters called “Fight” and “Steadfastness,” respectively, hit home. I would need to do both of these things if I was to pick myself up, stay true to my inner self and keep going. “I’m reminded that a heroine’s most serious battles are often fought alone.”(pg.114) writes Blackmore on Scarlett. As she writes about Jane Eyre, “The moment of crossing is one of isolation, humility and despair. But as heroines, we are already equipped with everything we need.” It is keeping on the task. Focusing on the what you want, whether it is your land back, or, salvation.
Blackmore’s book has made me think about the paper that I’ve spent the last few months steeped in. Makes sense given I’ve spent so many months working on something, everything is going to remind me of it. I’ve hinted and I think possibly written a little bit about what the paper is about. I woke up this morning with an idea. This may have been done before, but I ponder if there is a book out there with the characteristics about the Perfect Man. Not that a heroine needs a perfect man, for she does not, but it is a big part of YA to have a love interest. I’m wondered what the characteristics are for this perfect man.
Why is Edward Cullen so popular? What is it about Cassandra Clare’s Jace that makes girls all aflutter? What is it about Heathcliff that makes girls swoon? (A friend of mine jokingly says that she just wishes he’d get off the moors already.) Why is Darcy considered so handsome? What is it about Almanzo Wilder that makes us picture him as the perfect husband-to-be for Laura? And who can forget Laurie? And, Gilbert. Oh, Gilbert.
So I’m asking you my dear readers and friends, who is your literary book crush past and present and what is it about him (or her) that makes you swoon. Please comment below…Let us debate, but kindly. No attacking other people’s book crushes for they are sacred…And use the twitter tag #literarybookcrushes.
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What a treat to see this in my reader this morning, Melanie! I must say that while Edward Fairfax Rochester has always pushed my buttons, I am increasingly enamored by Wentworth. What can I say…I like a quiet, broody type of guy 😉
This is HARD. I've been reading since I can remember and I don't remember when or who my first crush was. Honestly, as long as I can remember, I was drawn to the girls. Wanted to be them. I never got enamored with the boys. Well, hmmm I loved Nancy Drew, she was my idol for awhile. She'd be my girl crush. 🙂 But also, gotta love those Hardy Boys 🙂
right now the only one I can think of that I have a crush on is Valek from Poison Study. I'm still trying to figure out what's so great about Jace, I think he's a douche.