SOME OF THE RELATIONSHIPS IN BOOKS THAT MAKE US TURN PAGES
When it comes to the relationship or character interactions in books I don’t really remember specifics. Some would say this means I’m not a “real” reader or that I don’t know how to appreciate books. That’s ok. I know how much I enjoy a good book and I know when or what sort truly impacts me and that’s enough. But because I cannot recall all those details, any kind of list that asks us to feature favorite character relationships is sometimes a challenge. We’re going to look at this still, but in a kind of different way.
LIST | CELEBRATING SOME OF OUR FAVORITE GRANDPARENT FILM and TV CHARACTERS
📘📕📗SOME OF THE RELATIONSHIPS IN BOOKS THAT MAKE US TURN PAGES📗📕📘 Talking some character book relationships. #Sisters #BookCharacters #FictionalCharacters #Characters #BookNerd #Reader #Readers #Reading #Read #GoodBooks Share on XI think what we’ll end up with (mostly) is a list of general relationships (romance, neighbors, siblings) that I think will be interesting to read about. So while I haven’t necessarily read all of these books, they are all on my shelf (I’ll note if I have read them). I think being more general rather than specific to a relationship will be something helpful during the writing of this list, so let’s get started and see if I’m right.
FAVORITE CHARACTER RELATIONSHIPS
ADAM and JOLENE from EVERY OTHER WEEKEND, ABIGAIL JOHNSON
Seems like this would be a relationship that could be interesting. It’s about two teens who spend weekends with a divorced parent and the friendship that forms from that relationship. Goodreads
APRIL and JENN from SHE’S THE WORST, LAUREN SPIELLER
This one follows sisters. For some reason I always like that relationship and though it’s been on my shelf for a while, like Every Other Weekend, I haven’t read this one yet. Goodreads
ADRI and MAX from AFTER SHE FALLS*, CARMEN SCHOBER
These two have an interesting past and one I actually wish had a little more expansion. I’m also willing to admit my feeling this way is very possibly reader error since I started this book and came back to finish it weeks later. That said, even if I didn’t get the full effect, I still find their connection interesting and more so given this is a Christian fiction market novel. Goodreads
EMMA and MR. KNIGHTLEY from EMMA, JANE AUSTEN
I mean these two are just fun and frustrating together. I really do like them together, at least by cinematic standards, and appreciate that Knightley does challenge Emma in her (sometimes) reckless pursuits. Goodreads
JANE and EDWARD from JANE and EDWARD, MELODIE EDWARDS
Just preceding its release this novel was getting some hype on social media, and since I read another Jane Eyre re-telling several years ago that I did enjoy, I thought this one deserved a chance. Goodreads
JASON and RACHEL from TENDER VOW*, SHARLENE MACLAREN
I remember, at the time, reading this one and really liking it. But since it’s a romance between a brother and sister-in-law (the husband dies), I’m wondering, would I like it today? The relationship is certainly memorable. Goodreads
JEREMIAH and JUDE from MEMORY LANE*, BECKY WADE
I think this brother relationship is one that makes us turn pages, more so because Jeremiah cannot remember who he really is for the majority of the novel. Goodreads
THE LEAD CHARACTERS from THE MISTY RIVER SERIES*, BECKY WADE
Instead of siblings or some other usual connection, these characters are connected by an event from their young years when they find themselves trapped. It’s an interesting way to connect a series and one I find quite interesting and compelling to read about. Plus I do like the characters. Goodreads
NOAH and GRACE from HOW TO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR, SOPHIE SULLIVAN
I’ve been meaning to read a novel by Sophie for a while now and haven’t. Need to remedy this soon. This relationship seems interesting not just because it’s a hate-to-like, but also they are neighbors. Should up the annoyance between them! Goodreads
SAM and MR. KNIGHTLEY from DEAR MR. KIGHTLEY*, KATHERINE REAY
The fact that this relationship unfolds over letters is what gives this one its place here. Goodreads
*= These are the books I have read; those without an asterisk are titles I haven’t, but have relationships, based on their synopsis, that sound interesting.
How many of these books have you read? Would you read any? Did you like any of the relationships in the stories? What books did you feature? Do you remember the character relationship details? Let’s meet in the comments.
Thank you for visiting; please come back soon
Linking up with That Artsy Reader Girl September 12: Favorite Character Relationships (These can be platonic or not. Romantic relationships, parent/child, siblings, family bonds, friendships, found families, pet/human, etc.)
An interesting list. I like Jane Eyre so I will have to add that retelling to my Goodreads list!
Have a great week!
Emily @ Budget Tales Book Blog
My post:
https://budgettalesblog.wordpress.com/2023/09/12/top-ten-tuesday-favourite-character-relationships/
I haven’t read Jane Eyre but this one made the social media rounds and so I picked it up since I read another re-telling I thought was good. :)
I also have How to Love Your Neighbor on my TBR.
Pam @ Read! Bake! Create!
https://readbakecreate.com/favorite-platonic-relationships-recent-reads/
Here’s hoping we both enjoy, Pam!! :)
I tend to forget this sort of stuff for a lot of books too. You’re not alone.
Here is my Top Ten Tuesday post.
Selfishly I’m glad not to be alone. Looking at enthusiastic Twitter conversations about books often makes me feel like I’m missing out by not remembering ALL the details. ;)
I haven’t heard of any of these.
My TTT: https://laurieisreading.com/2023/09/12/top-ten-tuesday-did-i-read-my-summer-2023-tbr/
Thanks so much for visiting, Laurie! I appreciate this.
I have a similar issue to you in not being able to remember specifics about certain things from books, but I don’t think that has anything to do with not being a real reader or being able to appreciate what you read. I ended up doing a search within my own blog with a few different keywords to help fill my list for today and would definitely have forgotten some great friendships if I hadn’t done so. Some of us just retain things differently than others. Nice list!
That’s a great idea (searching your website/blog), Kristi! I do this with movies sometimes if I cannot remember if I’ve seen it. If I have a review, I always have my answer. ;) I usually search my literal bookshelf when putting these together and while I try to be a bit more varied, usually I’m not. And I agree re: specifies. Sometimes I just feel like the only reader who doesn’t remember ALL the details. ;)
You’re definitely not. I even have a notebook in which I write down things I want to remember for the review while reading the book, that’s how bad my memory is on details.
I haven’t ever tried a notebook. I really should but then I sometimes wonder if that would make reading feel like “work” rather than fun. Either way, it is something on my mental list to try when reading. Sounds like it’d be helpful! :)
If it helps any, it did feel like work when I had convinced myself at one time that I had to write something down for every book. But really, it’s just meant to be a tool when I have an observation I want to make sure to remember, not homework. Of course, when I read an e-book, I’ll often just highlight text and make a note on it.
That IS a nice feature for e-readers. I don’t have one anymore (mine quit a long time ago and I never replaced it) and I really don’t love e-readers anyway. But some of the features, like highlighting, are nice! And that’s all great to know, Kristi. I’ll have to give notes a try next time I read a book. :)
Becky Wade creates great relationships in her books whether it’s between friends, families, or couples.
So true, Deanna. And it’s just one of the reasons why I enjoy her novels. :)
You made a great list, despite what you might remember or not! Have a great rest of your week!
Thanks, Cindy. You too.
I agree with your assessment of Emma and Mr. Knightly! Here is our Top Ten Tuesday. Thank you!
They are interesting characters… and I do love them. :)
I loved the Misty Rivers series and Memory Lane by Becky Wade. So, so good. I loved all the character interactions. She’s so good at creating great characters!
She sure is, Nicole! So good. :)
I’m TOTALLY with you on this. I skip most prompts that have to do with details about characters. I read so many books that unless they’re REALLY stand out characters, I just don’t remember them. And the ones I do remember are the same ones everyone else does, which leads to a boring list so, yeah…
The only book I’ve read from your list is EMMA and it’s been a long time. I know I liked the book, but — shockingly — I don’t remember much about it. Ha ha.
Happy TTT!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
I know this feeling ALL too well, Susan. Most times I just remember really liking a book, not all the details. Sometimes I wonder if I’d still like the book reading it today, but then, I’m usually too “scared” to ruin how I remember a book. ;) Thanks for visiting!
How to Love Your Neighbor is in my tbr since pub :p sounds cute and funny
It does indeed sound cute and fun! Hoping I enjoy it. :)
*publication day
I always love sister bonds in books! And I don’t think not being able to recall relationships in books doesn’t make you a “real reader,” I think it just means everyone’s brain is wired differently – just like I can never remember any quotes.
Sometimes I hear or see a quote I really like, Leah and think “I’m storing that for a Pinterest graphic.” Then by the time I sit down to make new graphics, it’s MIA from my brain. ;)
Yes, my terrible memory is one of the reasons I ended up doing a different topic, but I really like how you handled your list. Going the more general route worked well! I’ve only read Emma, but I do love the relationship between Emma and Mr. Knightly. I love how they challenge each other. Happy reading!
Same. I love the banter/relationship between Knightley and Emma, and that it grows into something even better. :)