Be as careful of the books you read, as of the company you keep; for your habits and character will be as much influenced by the former as by the latter.
– Paxton Hood
Books: Favorite Characters
Catherine – Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman
Clever, cunning, and unquenchably rebellious, teenage Catherine is a hoot and a half. Whether she’s driving away an unappealing suitor or scheming to get out of her sewing duties, she’s never at a loss for a good idea — or for words, either. While other teenage heroines become dull in their mooning and moaning, even Catherine’s angstiest entries are entertaining and sympathetic.
Sherlock Holmes – The Sherlock Holmes stories by Arthur Conan Doyle
I’m ashamed to admit that for many years I bought into the popular misconception of Sherlock Holmes: a fey dandy in a dressing gown and deerstalker, holding a meerschaum pipe in a delicate white hand and turning up his beaky nose at women, wine, and other earthy pleasures. Once I actually read the stories, I realized how wrong I was; far from being an effeminate fop, Holmes is an active, powerful fellow who, despite his general temperance, does indeed fall prey to the occasional temptation. Despite the popular view of him as a stuffy old Victorian gentleman, the Holmes of the “canon” is youthful, unconventional, and possessed of a keen sense of humor (and he’s not above twitting his clients, as well as the long-suffering Dr. Watson). I often see my own nature reflected in him — bohemian, antisocial, and cynical to a fault, with a sardonic appreciation of the darker sides of life. If only I shared his brains, as well...
Amelia Peabody – The Amelia Peabody Mysteries by Elizabeth Peters
Is it the stiff upper lip? The uncorseted intellect? The witty quotes? The ubiquitous parasol? Yes, yes, yes, and yes. All these things, and more, make Amelia Peabody one of my all-time favorite fictional characters. Brandishing her parasol and dropping wry observations on life, love, and archaeology, Amelia plunges through mystery after mystery, simultaneously uncovering wicked criminals and priceless artifacts. I was lucky enough to discover Amelia when I was a mere second-grader — could a young girl hope for a better role model?
Margaret Schlegel – Howards End by E. M. Forster
The older, wiser, and more restrained half of the captivating Schlegel sisters, Margaret is not as beautiful as her sister Helen, but still exudes confidence, intelligence, and class. Despite her good sense, her fierce independence and occasional stubbornness can lead her into unwise actions — sometimes with perilous results. It’s painful to watch Margaret struggle for balance between domestic harmony and necessary honesty, but it’s inspiring, as well. I see a good deal of my own nature in her, and some traits I would do well to emulate.
Undine Spragg – The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton
There are some women in the world who are near-perfect creatures: selfless, humble, and generous to a fault. Undine Spragg, unfortunately, isn’t one of them. As shallow and selfish as she is beautiful, Undine marries and manipulates her way up through society, from her humble beginnings in a hick town to the very pinnacle of international society. Never bothering to count the victims she leaves in her wake, she defies convention and cultural mores to get everything she wants. One roots for her even as one longs to break her pretty little neck. She’s heartless and maneuvering, but she can’t really help it; she sees nothing wrong in her actions, and she almost convinces us that the end justifies the means. Almost.
