TTT is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish
I like both character driven and plot driven books. So much so, that I don't actually pick which book I reader based on this criteria. I feel a good book must contain a right balance of both. Which is why I actually struggled a bit with this list because I'm not sure if the books I've chosen are "purely" character driven.
1. The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick
This is the first book that came into my mind. This novel doesn't contain a lot of action - just plenty of character interaction and development.
2. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
WWII acts as the pivotal setting in this novel but the reader is enchanted by the characters and their lives rather than the actions on the front line.
3. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
I have a feeling this is going to be a fairly popular choice today.
4. The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling
J.K. Rowling's post-Harry Potter novel disappointed many die-hard HP fans but really, what did they expect? This is, right from the start, obviously not a HP novel. Instead, it is about a small-town politician who suddenly died. He wasn't someone particularly important or famous to the world outside of the town yet his death sent shock waves through the community. People are affected, one way or another.
5. Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier
A soldier determined to return back home to his sweetheart. This book offers deep insight into how the American civil war affected the people that were living through it.
6. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
What can I say? This book spoke to the inner fangirl within us all.
7. The Crucible by Arthur Miller
Read how hysteria and paranoia can turn a small town upside down in this brilliant play by Arthur Miller.
8. My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
A heart breaking story that poses a scenario, which is fairly impossible by current medical standards, still poses a lot of medical ethical questions that makes us think.
9. Atonement by Ian McEwan
A family saga about how a seemingly innocent presumption by a young girl creates devastating effect to the lives of those around her. An absolute favourite of mine.
10. Letters from the Inside by John Marsden
A series of letters from two seemingly ordinary girls. Back and forth. Back and forth. Simple as that. Yet this is one of those stories that truly stayed with me, all the way through high school right up to this day.
So those are the top ten books I would pick for readers who like character driven books. What are yours? Leave a comment and/or link below and I'll be sure to check them out.
1. The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick
This is the first book that came into my mind. This novel doesn't contain a lot of action - just plenty of character interaction and development.
2. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
WWII acts as the pivotal setting in this novel but the reader is enchanted by the characters and their lives rather than the actions on the front line.
3. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
I have a feeling this is going to be a fairly popular choice today.
4. The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling
J.K. Rowling's post-Harry Potter novel disappointed many die-hard HP fans but really, what did they expect? This is, right from the start, obviously not a HP novel. Instead, it is about a small-town politician who suddenly died. He wasn't someone particularly important or famous to the world outside of the town yet his death sent shock waves through the community. People are affected, one way or another.
5. Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier
A soldier determined to return back home to his sweetheart. This book offers deep insight into how the American civil war affected the people that were living through it.
6. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
What can I say? This book spoke to the inner fangirl within us all.
7. The Crucible by Arthur Miller
Read how hysteria and paranoia can turn a small town upside down in this brilliant play by Arthur Miller.
8. My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
A heart breaking story that poses a scenario, which is fairly impossible by current medical standards, still poses a lot of medical ethical questions that makes us think.
9. Atonement by Ian McEwan
A family saga about how a seemingly innocent presumption by a young girl creates devastating effect to the lives of those around her. An absolute favourite of mine.
10. Letters from the Inside by John Marsden
A series of letters from two seemingly ordinary girls. Back and forth. Back and forth. Simple as that. Yet this is one of those stories that truly stayed with me, all the way through high school right up to this day.
So those are the top ten books I would pick for readers who like character driven books. What are yours? Leave a comment and/or link below and I'll be sure to check them out.
I think there are certain authors that are very good at creating characters. Two are probably John Green and Rainbow Rowell.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your list!
Oh I absolutely agree. I will probably buy and read whatever these two authors write because I know the characters will always be genuine and relate-able and thus make it an enjoyable read :)
DeleteTHANK YOU. Honestly I think you're the first book blogger I've come across who hasn't said they were disappointed with The Casual Vacancy - I never understood why so many Potterheads went out to buy it when it's obviously nothing like the HP books, and it really bugs me that people have based their judgment of that book on whether or not it's like a HP book. I've yet to read my copy (I actually had no intention of buying it but then I was given it as a present ^_^) and it's nice to know once I get around to reading it there will be some readers out there who aren't still annoyed that it was a HP book. ;)
ReplyDeleteGreat selection. I love The Book Thief, and I'd really like to read The Silver Linings Playbook - I loved the film!
The Book Thief was on my list too... I love the characters so much. :)
ReplyDeletehttp://youmeandacupofteablog.blogspot.com/2014/10/top-ten-books-for-readers-who-like.html
The Book Thief has some of the best characters ever!
ReplyDeleteSome great choices for your list. Atonement is a really interesting one that I never thought of. The plot is definitely driven by the choices the characters make not the other way around. Great list!
ReplyDeleteCassi @ My Thoughts Literally
OOh nice list indeed! I have to say that I haven't read any of these but will take your word for it on the characters!
ReplyDeleteHere's my Tuesday Post
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower :)
This is really a great list! I have read quite a few of these, yay! I liked the silver linings, but i made the mistake of watching the film first and it made it a lot less enjoyable :( boo and it looks like the book thief is going to be my next read :P
ReplyDeleteAtonement is one of the few movies I've seen where I rush out to get the book immediately after seeing the movie. I enjoyed the book although it's been ages since I've read it.
ReplyDeleteTerri M.
Second Run Reviews