By Angela Maria Hart
1. Michael Scott: A book that tried way too hard.
A lot of YA novels right now are trying “way too hard” with alternating his and her perspectives or really contrived plots to mimic best sellers. I’ve been noticing a pattern emerge for dystopian pieces and contemporary romance stories that needs to let go.
2. Dwight Schrute: A book that ended up being a lot more complex than you thought it would be.
This is going to be a strange answer for me but I am going to say “50 Shades of Grey.” Yep, you read that right. I think the psychological profile James created for her leading man was well-done. There is one scene in which he is a child eating frozen peas that truly struck me.
3. Jim Halpert: You in a book. A character that you related to a lot.
Based on my love of literature, wanting to be independent, and an affinity for Jane Austen, I am going to say Elizabeth Bennet. Another character I related to was Cath from “Fangirl” by Rainbow Rowell. Cath’s personality had elements that mirrored my own. I can be really introverted and I related to that in her quite a bit.
4. Pam Beesly: An underrated but amazing book you wish everyone would read!
“Stargirl!” I love this book. The idea of not conforming to fit other people’s standards and being true to oneself is a theme that is sadly prevalent and a constant issue. Stargirl is a unique character that will forever stand out amongst literary creations to me.
To learn more about my love of “Stargirl” watch my BookTube video (spoiler free book review).
5. Ryan Howard: A debut novel that impressed you.
For those of you who do not know, “The Hobbit” was a debut novel. Also, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Catcher in the Rye,” and “The Book Thief.” Debuts can be truly amazing.
6. Andy Bernard: An annoying character that you can’t help but love (or not).
Annoying characters!? I am going to choose some of Austen’s minor leading ladies, Lydia from “Pride and Prejudice” and Marianne from “Sense and Sensibility.” There were times those women made me want to stop reading.
P.S. The not answer would be Professor Umbridge.
7. Robert California: A book that went over your head or was really confusing.
James Joyce had a few head scratchers. “Finnegans Wake” and “Ulysses” are not easy reads.
8. Angela Martin: Book with a plot that didn’t appeal to you at first but you ended up loving.
I don’t usually pick up books if they don’t appeal to me. I am going to edit this question to be “A book that became more interesting as you read.” For this revised question, I am going to select “My Life Next Door.” I thought it was a sweet YA romance, but halfway through it became much more than two teenagers dating.
9. Kelly Kapoor: Favorite sassy character.
America Singer is quite sassy. I don’t know if she is my favorite sassy character, but I do know she is feisty. I also think Elizabeth Bennett was sassy at times.
10. Kevin Malone: Name a book that features music.
Rainbow Rowell’s “Eleanor and Park” features headphones on the cover. I could not not say “Eleanor and Park.”
11. Phyllis Lapin: A book that made you feel warm and fuzzy.
When I read “Fangirl,” I curled up with a hot cup of tea and a blanket. Rainbow Rowell’s books lend themselves really well to being “warm and fuzzy.”
I’ve also started reading “cozies.” For those of you who do not know what cozies are, they are mysteries that occur in small towns and have strong characters who solve the mystery. To truly be a cozy, the writer does not place a lot of emphasis on sex, very little swearing, and the deaths occur off the page (meaning that they are not overly gruesome).
12. Oscar Martinez: A book that has an awesome LGBT character that defies stereotypes.
In “Lola and the Boy Next Door,” Lola’s fathers were amazing parents who wanted the best for their daughter. I don’t know if they defied stereotypes per say, but they stood out to me. They went above and beyond to ensure her happiness.
