By Angela Maria Hart

January (Garnet): Associate with warding off negative forces and dark energies. Name a book with the darkest/evilest character you can think of.

I think Voldemort wins this category easily.

February (Amethyst): Purple is associated with royalty. Name a book with regal qualities.

“Three Dark Crowns!” I resisted the urge to add “Game of Thrones.”

March (Aquamarine): Washed out. Name a “wishy-washy” character.

America Singer from “The Selection” series is a character I find “wish-washy.”

April (Diamond): A diamond in the rough. Name a book that you loved but is not well-known.

“Stargirl!” I’m pretty sure that this question has been posed in several book tags. To be consistent and have the book become known, I am citing “Stargirl,” yet again.

May (Emerald): Said to balance energy. Name two characters who balance each other well.

Katnis and Peta. If you have read the books, enough said. If you have yet to read “The Hunger Games,” Katnis is strong-willed and silent, while Peta is the likable outgoing one. They work extremely well together.

June (Pearl): Associated with loyalty. Name a character who is loyal to the end.

Practically every character in “Harry Potter;” Neville, Luna, Hermione, Dobby, Ron, everyone.

July (Ruby): Name a book that made your blood boil.

To avoid spoilers, I won’t go into too many details, but “The Casual Vacancy” had a few blood boiling moments…more so in regards to the situations/circumstances than annoyance at the characters.

August (Peridot): Pale Green. Name a supporting character who you like better than the main character.

In “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” Aunt Josephine makes me laugh. I don’t like her better than the three protagonists, yet I find her every scene hysterical.

September (Sapphire): Blue like the ocean. Name a book that had a calming affect on you.

Mitch Albom’s books always offer a sense of calmness and peace.

October (Opal): Iridescent. Name a book with a beautiful cover.

I have several versions of “Alice in Wonderland,” each of which offer their own beauty. 

November (Topaz): Associated with resilience. Name a book with a character who rises to the top in a time of adversity.

Atticus Finch spoke out against a prejudiced society, rising above the standards people had. “To Kill a Mockingbird” is one of my all time favorite books.

December (Blue Zircon): Associated with friendship. Name a book with a friendship you want to be a part of? 

In the “Anna and the French Kiss” series, the group of students that Anna meets and becomes friends with seem truly kind and welcoming. I would love to explore Paris with them!