Hey y’all! Top Ten Tuesday is a bookish question idea that was originally created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, from way back in June 2010! Since January 2018, Top Ten Tuesday has been hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. Thanks for taking it over! The idea is to make a list of ten books or bookish things on different topics each week. Check out her site for details on how to join and what the upcoming prompts are. 😊 You can also see all the posts from other bloggers linked on each weekly post on their main site.
This week’s prompt is about characters or otherwise book-related people we want to meet in real life (if possible!) and to be honest that’s kind of a tough one for me. Usually the characters in books I read are extremely larger than life and intimidating (ie universe-ending magic users and shit) or otherwise are generally normal people but whom I might not particularly crave meeting. 🤷♀️
So I’ve got a mix of authors of nonfiction novels that I think it would be neat to talk with, and a few books with characters I’d be willing to meet I suppose.
The Books
The Reasons
Meet the authors
The Dalai Lama’s Cat by David Michie
I’d ask about: principles of Buddhism, his relationship to Buddhism, the process of narrating from a cat, how he determines what the Dalai Lama would do and say, the sources and/or accuracy of his depictions of the setting
The Puma Years by Laura Coleman
I’d ask about: if she’s had anything else grow inside of her like she did the jungle worm in her leg, what places she’d recommend for volunteering (if other than the one she was at), if this is still the most life-defining thing she’s done or if anything else has joined (or surpassed) the list
This Is How You Vagina by Nicole E Williams, MD
I’d ask about: vaginas, other common questions she thinks are lacking information (and the answers to them!), how she decided the structure and progression for this, how she pitches this book to different people (men, women, family, patients, media, teens, adults, etc)
Around the World in 80 Plants by Jonathan Drori
I’d ask about: how many of these places he’s traveled to, the most interesting discovery he made in researching this, what kinds of plants were not included in the final copy of this that he had researched
Belonging by Nora Krug
I’d ask about: reconciliation of difficult family history (beyond what she talks about in this), continued experiences with the family she reconnects with, how she has or would address this with children / younger generations
Smoke Gets In Your Eyes by Caitlin Doughty
I’d ask about: her satisfaction in her current role, what kind of feedback she’s received from people about her books, how to come to terms with others’ deaths, obligation around death and funerals
Meet a character
A Hundred Silent Ways by Mari Jojie
I’d meet Liam because: he has a great sense of humor, he’s incredibly true to himself, we could easily sit in comfortable silence together (har har but no for real, that’s a blessing)
When The Tiger Came Down The Mountain by Nghi Vo
I’d meet Chih because: they would have limitless incredibly stories, they seem incredibly calm and soothing, I’d love to ask more about their order and it’s beliefs and processes
Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola
I’d meet Kiki because: she’s way cooler than me and I’d have a great time hanging out with her and holding nothing back. I think she’d be a great partner for any kind of conversation, and would inspire me to be all that I can be while also probably giving me some beauty tips
Summertide by Charlotte E English
I’d meet literally any of the characters because: they are all raindrops of magic in ways that make my heart feel full and the world feel loving and okay, and if I were reincarnated into the world of a story, I would want it to be this one.
Anna K Away by Jenny Lee
I’d meet Anna because: she feels more approachable in this sequel to the first book, she doesn’t know it but she is a daughter of an incredible literary character, I bet we could hang out and have a ton of fun as well as deep talk
Pride, Prejudice, and Turkish Delight by KC McCormick Cifti
I’d meet Eliza because: we have a lot in common — teachers in places away from home debating their career — and I’d love to have a travel buddy, especially one who could bond over the trials of school life as an adult instead of a student. Plus, delicious food and a love of learning about new cultures and places!
So yes today’s list is 12 even though I said I have a hard time with this prompt. xD But once I started thinking about it, I didn’t want to exclude any of these ones I thought of because they capture a wide range. 🙂 Drop links to your own lists below!
My Book Joy 
Omg, meeting Chih would be amazing. I would listen to them tell me stories all day long! 😍 I would honestly love to visit this world that Vo has created.
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That was one of the first ones that came to mind as I tried making this list. Chih, definitely. ❤
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Yeah, there are plenty of characters that are fun to read about but might not be so much fun to spend a lot of time with in person. I hear you there. 🙂
My post: https://lydiaschoch.com/top-ten-tuesday-bookish-people-id-like-to-meet/
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Oh boy, SO many. I love a morally gray character, but maybe not in my real life xD
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I’m not really familiar with these authors, but I do love your title. Just okay, huh? That’s awesome and I would be intimidated too. Meeting authors (and probably characters) is intimidating!
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Lol yeah, I could tolerate it xD Most authors I’d pass with. Largely under the guide of “don’t meet your heroes” so I can just continue enjoying their art instead 😅
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Great list! I hadn’t thought about including nonfiction authors to ask about their stories but that’s a perfect idea for this prompt.
I went rogue this week with my TTT: https://bookwyrmknits.com/2023/03/07/top-ten-tuesday-one-liner-quotes/
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What I love most about the nonfiction ones is that it’s largely possible, since I could just try DMing them on social media or emailing their PR or something. It feels so plausible, if I really wanted to try.
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Good point! I don’t know about you, though, but I doubt I’d have the nerve to try. 😉
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Now the Dalai Lama’s Cat- THAT looks interesting!
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It’s a really good one! I’m so excited to read more in the series
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Love that you’ve thought about what you’d talk about with each author. This is such a fun list, and you’ve introduced me to many books I didn’t know!
My TTT: https://spinesinaline.wordpress.com/2023/03/07/top-ten-tuesday-eye-catching-cover-models/
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Thanks! Hopefully one of them is one you’ll enjoy as well if you give one a shot 🙂
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I haven’t read any of these books yet. I’m glad you loved them so much you’d want to meet a character from them. Too bad it’s not possible, isn’t it?
My TTT Post
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Yes, but also it means I can never be disappointed by the meeting — so I can just make up whatever I want in my imagination I guess! 🙂
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Great list! Also, so many of these books are so beautiful and bright. I have many on my TBR list too!
My Top Ten!
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Summertide’s story matches the vibe of it’s cover really well, so if yo’re drawn to that one it is exactly beautiful and bright ^.^
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That’s good to know!! I’ll check it out 😊
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I hope you get a chance to meet those authors someday.
My TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2023/03/07/top-ten-tuesday-410/
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That would be equally cool and also stressful for me lol 🤞
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🙂
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Great list, Jennifer. I like that you included authors who left you with questions after reading their books.
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Thank you! A lot of them inspired me to learn more about the topics, so it would be great to have them be the ones to answer some!
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Nice! I love how you explained why you’d love to meet all these people and what questions you’d ask. I’ve definitely read non-fiction books that left me with tons of questions I would love to ask the author/subject.
Happy TTT!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
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Thank you! Nonfiction opens up so many options ^.^
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