Welcome to another edition of Top Ten Tuesday! Today’s topic is Top Ten most unique books we’ve read. Browsing through my reading lists, I’ve realized that apparently I have quite a fondness for unique books. (Most probably because I am such a unique creature myself) And then it hit me! Instead of making a list of the most unique books I’ve read, what about a list of the most unique characters I’ve encountered in literature? You know, those characters without an equal, the one of a kind. Those characters who just can’t be copied. Yes, there are 100’s of them floating out there, but these were my Top Ten Favorites:
With his patent leather shoes, his pince-nez reading glasses and his turnip pocket watch – Hercule Poirot knows how to put the little grey cells to good use. He has solved over 50 murders and rather than painstakingly examining crime scenes, he enquires into the nature of the victim or the psychology of the murderer. He predicates his actions in his underlying assumption that particular crimes are committed by particular types of people.
“The girl gave off an aura of distinct dottiness. Perhaps it was the fact that she had stuck her wand behind her left ear for safekeeping, or that she had chosen to wear a necklace of Butterbeer caps, or that she was reading a magazine upside down.” – Harry Potter’s description of Luna Lovegood.
Yes, I could have chosen any of the Harry Potter characters. They are all unique. But Luna is my favorite. She truly is delightful and “likely to believe 10 impossible things before breakfast”. For more reasons (7 to be precise) to love Luna Lovegood, please follow: 7 Reasons to love Luna Lovegood
What ho! Bertie Wooster is my ultimate go-to-for-a-great-laugh character. No comparison. I am however not so sure if that is a good or a bad thing….
One of my favorite Bertie come-backs: (Lady Glossip): “Mr Wooster, how would you support a wife?” (Bertie Wooster): “Well, I suppose it depends on whose wife it was, a little gentle pressure under the elbow while crossing a busy street usually fits the bill”
The most delightful little man who is in need of a sheep and in love with a rose. One of the unique quotes from the tale:
“I am looking for friends. What does that mean — tame?”
“It is an act too often neglected,” said the fox. “It means to establish ties.”
“To establish ties?”
“Just that,” said the fox. “To me, you are still nothing more than a little boy who is just like a hundred thousand other little boys. And I have no need of you. And you, on your part, have no need of me. To you I am nothing more than a fox like a hundred thousand other foxes. But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world….”
“It is an act too often neglected,” said the fox. “It means to establish ties.”
“To establish ties?”
“Just that,” said the fox. “To me, you are still nothing more than a little boy who is just like a hundred thousand other little boys. And I have no need of you. And you, on your part, have no need of me. To you I am nothing more than a fox like a hundred thousand other foxes. But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world….”
5. Anne Shirley
Yes, Anne teaches us about kindred spirits, but there is no-one quite like her. Even though she thinks there’s a whole lot of Anne’s: “There’s such a lot of different Anne’s in me. I sometimes think that’s why I’m such a troublesome person. If I was just the one Anne it would be ever so much more comfortable, but then it wouldn’t be half so interesting.”
I would like to think of myself as a good friend. I have a number of wonderful people in my life (some of them right here on the blogosphere) who call me friend. Everything I know about that concept, I’ve learned from Anne. I thank you from the bosom of my heart.
6. Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark is an ordinary girl living an exceedingly ordinary life—steady boyfriend, close family—who has never been farther afield than their tiny village. She takes a badly needed job working for ex-Master of the Universe Will Traynor, who is wheelchair-bound after an accident. Still doesn’t ring a bell? The crazy girl with the massive smile and quirky dress sense who went to a concert with a man in a red dress? The red dress reference doesn’t help? Okay – let’s try bumblebee tights? YES! That one. There’s a lot to be learned from Louisa. Mostly that a nice cup of tea can fix any and everything. And to always keep smiling.
7. Dorian Gray
Easily one of the uniquest characters to make this list. And my least favorite character of all time. Lots of things to be learned from him. Most importantly, DO NOT get your portrait done. Having your portrait done seems to have the same effect as turning into a vampire – it beautifies you to such an extent that you are utterly irresistible to man or woman. Unfortunately it also turns you into a self-centered, whining little shit. (Yes, I do believe taking to many selfies might have the same effect. Be ware!!)
Speaking about Vampires – the one, the only, the original and still the best vampire for all eternity. No further introductions would be necessary. I’m sure of that.
Again, I could have used a number of characters from Game of Thrones. That Cersei really is a piece of work, unique I’d say, yes. Not to mention her bastard off-spring. But neither of them are my favorite Lannister.
“Never forget what you are, for surely the world will not. Make it your strength. Then it can never be your weakness. Armour yourself in it, and it will never be used to hurt you.”
Last, but most definitely not the least. The most unique character in all the books I’ve ever read:
10. Enzo
Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul, he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master.
“To live every day as if it had been stolen from death, that is how I would like to live. To separate oneself from the burden, then angst, the anguish that we all encounter everyday. To say I am alive, I am wonderful, I am. I am. When I am a person, that is how I will live my life”
Note: The dog in the photo is not Enzo. It is my dog, Hercules. He is my own version of Enzo.
What unique characters would you add to this list?
Mareli
Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Remember to add you link and to link back to your hostess! And of course, please pay a visit to the other bloggers who share their Top Ten as well.
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عزيزى العميل هل تعانى من إنتشار أسراب الحمام والطيور فوق سطح المنزل الخاص بك ؟ هل تبحث عن شركة متخصصة و رائدة لمكافحة الطيور والحمام بالرياض ؟ شركة مكافحة الحمام والطيور بالرياض تقدم لك عميلنا الكريم الحل السريع و الامثل للتخلص من أسراب الحمام التي تنتشر فوق بيتك كما تتنوع خدمات شركة تركيب شبك حمام بالرياض والتى تشتمل على تركيب طارد للحمام فى الرياض فوق أسقف المبانى والمنشآت ، تركيب صناديق لحماية المكيفات من أسراب الحمام والطيور فى الرياض ، المكافحة المستمرة بالاساليب الحديثة ، تركيب شبك على الشبابيك شركة مكافحة حمام بالرياض تسعى دوما إلى توفير خدماتها المتميزة في مجال مكافحة الطيور والحمام فى الكثير من المناطق والمدن المجاورة للرياض .
شركة مكافحة حمام بالرياض
ارخص شركة صرف صحى بالدمام
ارخص شركة صرف صحى بالجبيل
ارخص شركة صرف صحى بالاحساء
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I love your list! Luna and Poirot are definitely unique and so is Anne! I haven't read Wilde's book about Dorian Gray yet, but it's on my TBR list….
Thanks for stopping by my blog!
What a fabulous article:). I fully agree with your choice of Luna Lovegood – I've also met the actress and she is a truly original person. I'd also agree with Hercule Poirot – but I far preferred Peter Ustinov, who I felt gave the defining performance which came closest to Agatha Christie's characterisation – though I'm really looking forward to seeing the film directed and starring Kenneth Brannagh as Poirot which is coming out in November!
Bertie Wooster! Gotta love Jeeves, too. 🙂
Lauren @ Always Me
Yess for Luna!! (And I adored the actress too!) And I still want to read Anne. Hm, I wonder what I would choose for these ten. Would be hard! Perhaps Jane Eyre for one? She's certainly not traditional, and so spunky. Also Juliette from Wool (a recent read), such a strong female character which was not your typical heroine, in my opinion.
Thank you! And thanks for the visit!
Love your take on this week's topic!
My TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2017/04/11/top-ten-tuesday-102/
Oh yes, unique characters. I love it! Luna, I love Luna so much. And Anne, that little drama queen, I love her too. Dorian Gray is also a great pick for this list. I will try to cut down on the selfies 😉
Wha ha ha!!! I am going to see if you are on instagram right this minute!
Thanks for stopping by Alicia!
شركة كشف تسربات المياه بالدمام
شركة عزل اسطح بالدمام
شركة تنظيف بالخبر
I love your take on this topic!! Hercule Poirot is definitely a unique character and you included Bertie Wooster! For that alone I can give you a pass for not liking Woman in White (it was a bit heavy and it took me FOREVER so I totally get why it didn't work for you). And Anne! I love Anne! Though to be honest I think I might love Gilbert just a little bit more.
Are you looking forward to the new adaptation? I used to have a HUGE crush on Gilbert when I was young. My best friend's little girl is a red head. GORGEOUS. I can't wait to "introduce" her to Anne.
Oh, I love your take on the topic! These are indeed some super unique characters! I love Luna, Tyrion, and Louisa Clark 🙂
Thanks Lindsey! Louisa Clark is my favorite, but I would have loved to have a friend like Luna…..
Ooh great list. Tyrios is awesome! And Poirot and Luna- nice! I;ve never read Christie but I still feel like I know Poirot's character a bit, must be from TV?
I think Poirot is one of those characters that you only have to see once and he will be stuck in your mind forever. David Suchett is amazing as Poirot and he really does make Poirot memorable!
Thanks for stopping by Greg!