Second Wind Publishing discussion

Pat led a great discussion last week about books we read growing up, but now I'm curious about the characters that shaped us? For me it was Anne of Green Gables. I found out about Anne through the PBS mini-series on T.V., and eventually read the book. I connected on so many levels with Anne. I had red hair, for one, and I related to the way she approached life through a fantasy world of drama and romance and mystery, as if she'd rather be living in a book.

What characters helped you shape or define yourself growing up?

There were several. Harold, from "Harold and His Purple Crayon" helped teach me about imagination. Meg Murry from "A Wrinkle in Time" -- I mostly really connected with her. She was very much like me -- loner, smart, introverted. I'm still a lot like that :)

I think that Beverly Cleary's Otis Spofford is certainly a memorable addition to the list of characters that have populated literature for younger readers throughout the years. He's one of my personal favorites.

Bilbo Baggins from the Hobbit helped me understand that life happens, and all we get to do is respond. What a wonderful lesson.

Meg Murray, like Dawn. I loved her confusion about who and what she was.

Will Stanton from the Dark is Rising series taught me that we can only be what and who we are.

Great topic! :) Thanks for asking!

One of my favorite characters was Jo (Josephine) March in Little Women and other books by Louisa May Alcott. She was a tomboy and wanted to be a writer. I could always relate to her and her experiences even though her period in history was in the mid-1860's.

I like strong women characters who also have a soft side. They are examples of facing all things in life and realizing dreams and goals.

Meg from A Wrinkle in Time
Judy from Judy's Journey
Kit from Witch of Blackbird Pond
Nancy Drew - I still feel guilty going over the speed limit

Dawn wrote: "There were several. Harold, from "Harold and His Purple Crayon" helped teach me about imagination. Meg Murry from "A Wrinkle in Time" -- I mostly really connected with her. She was very much like..."

I didn't even get to the bottom of your message - I agree, although I'm not in any way, shape or form brilliant. Did you like the sequel, too?

Lisa wrote: "I didn't even get to the bottom of your message - I agree, although I'm not in any way, shape or form brilliant. Did you like the sequel, too? "

I've still got all four of the 'Time Quartet' books. Growing along with Meg Murry was an important part of my life.

Emily Byrd Starr from L.M. Montgomery's Emily series is the most influential character for me.

Jo Bettany from the Chalet School series was a big influence on me because my Mum loved the series too. There was something really delightful about sharing school stories as a kid.

The character that has had the biggest impact on me is Tathea from the novel "Tathea." She has incredible strength. Her search for the knowledge about why we are here is insatiable, and despite the heavy burdens she carried and what she went through to find the truth, her love of others and her divine virtue never failed.

Dianne wrote: "One of my favorite characters was Jo (Josephine) March in Little Women and other books by Louisa May Alcott. She was a tomboy and wanted to be a writer. I could always relate to her and her experie..."

Jo is an excellent answer, Dianne. I think I might go with her. I was going to say, Ramona, from the Beverly Cleary books, because I sort of grew up with her.

I love Meg Murry! She's a really good choice.