Top Ten Tuesday: Characters Who Inspire Me

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

This week's topic was pretty loose.  It was just characters that X, and we could choose whatever we wanted.  Well I've chosen characters who inspire me.  I wish I were more like most of these shining heroines

1. Miri from Princess Academy and Palace of Stone

I adore Miri.  She grows in so many ways, especially mentally and emotionally.  Her journey is amazing, and the choices she makes are great examples.

2. Tris from the Divergent trilogy

She taught me what it's like to find a balance between fearless, smart, and selfless.  And if you've read Allegiant, you'll understand what I mean when I say she made an inspiring sacrifice.  Everything she does throughout the books, although she makes some not-so-smart choices, proves that Divergent isn't a "stupid teen girl book." (Yes, I'm throwing shade there.)

3. Kestrel from The Winner's Curse

Kestrel is clever.  She strategizes and makes the decisions she feels best for the Valorians.  She also deeply cares about Jess, her best friend.

4. Cammie from the Gallagher Girls series

Cammie is just...amazing.  I love her journey throughout the series.  She's strong, smart, and flawed.

5. Scarlet from Scarlet and Lady Thief

Scarlet fights for what she wants, and she is wickedly awesome with a knife.  If she didn't have so many troubles, I'd want to be her.  But how she cares for others and her strength are definitely inspirational.

6. Elizabeth from Pride and Prejudice

What don't I love about Elizabeth Bennet?  She's tenacious, she's witty, she's not a push-over, and she wants love.

7. Cath from Fangirl

Cath is a lot like me: introverted, antisocial, and a writer.  She stays like that throughout the book, but she also grows and matures as a writer and as a person.  She showed me that it's okay to be introverted and not outgoing.

8. Cinder from The Lunar Chronicles

All of Marissa's heroines are inspiring, but I find Cinder to be especially so.  She steps up as a leader and fiercely protects her friends.

9. Elisa from the Fire and Thorns trilogy

Elisa is an awkward, inexperienced heroine when we meet her in book 1.  As the trilogy progresses, she grows into a graceful, strong, powerful young woman.  She comes to love who she is, and I think that's a strong message.

10. Mallory from Going Vintage

I love that Mallory stands up for herself and doesn't waver or give into her ex-boyfriend.  She loves her family, and when she falls for a new guy, it's largely based on his personality and the fact that he cares for her.