Heroine Addict

I’ll admit it. My name is Cyndi and I’m an utter heroine addict. I love a book with a strong heroine that takes center stage. Heroines come in all shapes, sizes, genres, and time periods. My heroine preferences run the gamut and I love them all, often for different reasons. Here are some of my favorite quintessential heroines:

All of the Harry Potter books are rife with heroine-goodness. The obvious choice is of course Hermione – without her Harry and Ron likely wouldn’t have made it through their first year, regardless of the Quirrell issue. Beyond Hermione there is a wide cast of other wonderful female characters created by J.K. Rowling  such as Luna, Ginny, and Mrs. Weasley. Though, my favorite minor heroine is definitely Fleur, but the 7^th book version, not the Goblet of Fire version.

Katniss from the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins is easily one of the most recognizable current pop icon heroines. She is fierce and compassionate, which makes for a great read. More than Katniss, the series also has  Johanna (my favorite character of the whole series) who is also fierce, sarcastic and will often say what everyone is thinking, but unwilling to voice.

Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables series by L. M. Montgomery) may be the first heroine I really fell in love with. She’s spunky, smart, and pretty much everything a young girl could hope for. These books have made a lasting impression on me and many other children as they grew up. Even as an adult I enjoy re-visiting Avonlea.

When Cath goes off to college it is the first time she isn’t living with her twin sister Wren. She struggles to find herself, make friends, and work up the courage to eat in the dining hall.  Rainbow Rowell‘s Fangirl offers heroines in the forms of Cath, and her roommate, Reagan in a timely coming-of-age story.

Scout Finch may be one of the most talked about heroines at current amid Harper Lee‘s new release, but I loved her before she grew up. In To Kill a Mockingbird, she is the spunky tag-along little sister, but in the midst of her games she is also learning about morality, equality, and love  – all themes tested when she grows up in Go Set a Watchman.

Annabeth Chase is main female protagonist in the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series and the  Heroes of Olympus series both by Rick Riordan.  She often reminds me of Hermione to Percy Jackson’s Harry Potter. She at least attempts to keep Percy on track and often outsmarts him. The entire series is premised on the main characters being demi-gods with one human parent and one parent who is a Greek god. These make for fun, quick, light reading.

Emma is the title and heroine of my favorite by Jane Austen. She’s the inspiration behind Clueless, and many other similar films. She can’t seem to keep her nose out of everyone else’s business and miserably failing at playing matchmaking. Her utter cluelessness makes her likable, yet frustrating at every turn.

Who are some of your favorite heroines?