Characters Don’t Have to Be Nice
Posted by annastan on March 31st, 2010. Filed under: A Closer Look, Books, Craft.I just finished reading Before I Fall last night and this morning it’s still swirling around in my head. It’s about a girl named Sam who has to relive the day she died over and over until she gets things right (kind of like Groundhog Day but a little more morbid). There were so many interesting elements to this book, and I had to keep reading to see how it would all turn out.
One of the things that stood out to me was the main character, Sam. She wasn’t the most sympathetic girl, but I cared about her anyway because she felt so real. This brought me back to something we often talk about in my writing classes: characters don’t necessarily have to be likable, but they have to be interesting.
Sam definitely falls into the interesting category. From the beginning of the book, she’s not necessarily a person you’d want to be friends with. She’s a popular girl who spends a lot of her time gossiping and focusing on superficial problems. But what makes her story interesting is that on page one, we find out she’s dead. Setting up this tension makes us want to know more.
In an interview I read last week (which I can’t find now) Lauren Oliver talked about being concerned that people wouldn’t like her main character. But in the context of the book, I don’t think it matters whether or not we like Sam. What makes her compelling is that she seems like a real person, someone you could actually meet on the street. That’s why it’s interesting to see her thrown into an extreme situation that makes her question everything in her life.
It was an intense reading experience and a very well-crafted book. In fact, it was one of those books that I didn’t want to end, but at the same time, I had to keep reading to find out how it all wrapped up. I’ll definitely be recommending this one to everyone I know!
March 31st, 2010 at 7:04 am
Thanks for the recommendation. I have been hearing about this book. And everyone says they cant put it down. Sounds interesting.
March 31st, 2010 at 7:51 am
I just requested this book through interlibary loan. Can’t wait to read it. I love books like this.
March 31st, 2010 at 8:25 am
I thought you would like this book.
Yes, Sam is not a character that I connected to when first reading the book, but since I already knew that she was dead and that she would live this day several times, I expected her to change based on what she learned over the course of those days — and I was right.
Plus, I think the author did a good job of making her friends — who are also sort of not likable at first — become layered and find some redemption as well.
What fascinated me was how the choices Sam made each day really made her realize the life she had been leading and how previous way of thinking.
Readers will come away with this book with a LOT to think about. So for me, this is what makes it a recommended read.
March 31st, 2010 at 9:09 am
Anna, Karen, you’ve got me intrigued–I want to read this.
March 31st, 2010 at 9:17 am
I’ve read so many positive reviews of this book. I will definitely be reading it … soon!
March 31st, 2010 at 9:31 am
Tina, it’s definitely a page-turner! I zipped through it in a couple of days after months of not being able to finish a book.
Laura, you’ll have to report back after you read it. I’ll be interested to hear your thoughts.
Hi Book Twin! Of course you’ve already read this one.
I completely agree with everything you said about it. I’ll be interested to reread it at some point to see how she weaves everything in.
Andrea, sorry to add another book to your reading pile! But this one was definitely worth it.
MG, you’ll have to report back after you’ve read it. It can be like a blog book club.
March 31st, 2010 at 1:54 pm
I’ve been on the fence about reading this, but now I can’t wait!
March 31st, 2010 at 2:03 pm
I’ve heard mixed reviews about this too but I appreciate the post. Thanks!
March 31st, 2010 at 4:39 pm
PJ, let me know what you think once you read it! I’m curious to hear other people’s thoughts.
Lydia, I can see how the book might not appeal to everyone, but I really enjoyed it. Something about it really struck a chord with me.
March 31st, 2010 at 8:36 pm
I like your point that characters don’t have to be likable, but they do need to be interesting. Also, thanks for following my blog.
April 1st, 2010 at 8:41 am
I really want to read this book! My tbr list is way too long. BTW stop by my blog when you get a chance, I have a surprise for you! He he he…
April 1st, 2010 at 10:20 am
I keep seeing this book all over the web. This is the first review that’s made me want to read it! thanks!
I’ve finished Magic Under Glass and it also whirled around in my head for days after.
April 1st, 2010 at 10:21 am
Oh wow! Very interesting about a not-too-likeable mc. Makes me want to read the book!
April 2nd, 2010 at 9:04 am
Thanks, Beverley!
Lisa, sorry to add to your TBR list! And thanks so much for the award!
Terry, MAGIC is on my reading list. Now I’m even more curious to read it. I love books that swirl.
Julie, it was an interesting experience. I don’t usually enjoy reading about popular girls, but this time it didn’t bother me at all.
April 4th, 2010 at 8:58 am
I’ve been thinking about this topic recently, trying to figure out why I want to keep watching characters such as Tony Soprano and Dexter, yet can’t stand another minute of Don Draper. Good post!
April 5th, 2010 at 4:29 am
Thanks, Jeanne! Dexter is a perfect example of this kind of character. Another one is Dr. House – he’s almost never nice but he never stops being interesting!