This week’s topic was eye-opening for me! I realized just how rare it is for me to read a book with a male protagonist. This is not a conscious choice and is merely a coincidence, but it is odd all the same.
Ove from A Man Called Ove
This answer will surprise no one! I talk about how much I adore Ove all of the time. I love watching a character come out of their shell and open up to the people around them. I was completely charmed by him and his story.
Saturo from The Travelling Cat Chronicles
I instantly connected with Saturo because we both have such a deep love and appreciation of cats. Seeing how much he adored his cat, Nana, was so heartwarming. He is also just an amazing guy and cares deeply about the people in his life. It was interesting to see how much he affected those around him.
Peter Pan from Peter Darling
Do I talk about this book too much? I don’t see myself stopping any time soon! Peter Pan has never been my favourite character but I absolutely love Austin Chant’s version of him. This Peter Pan has a lot of depth and you come to understand his motivations and vulnerabilities. It is beautiful!
Ellis and Michael from Tin Man
I could not just pick one character from Tin Man because it is both Ellis and Michael that make this story so wonderful. Tin Man is ultimately the story of their friendship but also their deep feelings for one another. I love reading about their dynamics and following them from when they first met as children through their adulthood. Such a gorgeous and bittersweet novel, largely because of these two characters.
August from Wonder
Is there a sweeter character than August Pullman? I do not think so! His story is an important one and a great reminder of the importance of being kind to one another. I appreciate that at the end of the day August, even though he may look different on the outside, he is just like any other teenager, and that made it interesting to read from his perspective.
I would love some recommendations for books with male leads! I didn’t realize until now that this was a blindspot in my reading life.
I loved Ove! I ended up loaning out my copy of the book to a coworker and never got the book back after she got a new job and left, which makes me so sad because I would love to reread it!
I feel this! I want people to read my favourite books but I struggle to loan them out!
I one hundred percent need to get around to reading A Man Called Ove! August was absolutely lovely and by far one of my favourite male protagonists!
Yes you do! You will love Ove!
August is such an amazing character. Adore him!
Superb list!!
Thank you!
These are such interesting choices! Nd that Peter Pan book sounds divine, need to pick that up sometime!😍
Yay! I hope you love it!
Awww yeah Ove is a good one 🙂 I definitely need to revisit backman soon…
Same! I keep meaning to!
Haven’t read any of these but A Man called Ove and Wonder are definitely on the tbr <3
Both excellent books!
Most of the books I read are ones with the female being the standout with males in the background. Even when they’re two points of view. It always seems like the girl has more.
Same! I wonder why that is!
I’m not sure. I think I’m drawn to strong female characters. I also think there are so many more women writing YA than men.
I agree about August Pullman, he is definitely a great male protagonist. I feel like in the last 15 years there has been a rise in YA books led by a female protagonist, which is really cool. I like both but a protagonist has to be original and different to other books which happens a lot, like in Matched where Cassia is almost exactly the same as Katniss and Tris.
I completely agree! I feel like we are starting to move away from cookie cutter female characters- which is refreshing!
Adore Ove and brave Auggie! 👍😍
Me too!
One of my fav male protagonists is Inspector Gamache 👍😍
I need to read that series!
Ove was soo good. I was convinced i wouldn’t like it when we got it for our book club read. I managed to get a hardback copy of Wonder from my local charity shop for 50p, can’t wait to start one. I’ve seen the movie and loved it, so I can only imagine good the book is. 🙂
Ove is so special! You can not explain it unless you have read it.
Wonder is an amazing adaptation, but of course the book is better!
I’m going to have to look into these! I haven’t read any
They are all great!
Aahh I really need to read Peter Darling! I’ve heard so many great things about it and Peter Pan retellings are so much fun to read. And I read Wonder a long time ago and didn’t love it, but August was definitely a great character ❤
I am curious to see what you think of Peter Darling!
Ooh ove is such a fantastic choice! And I love August! I also really want to check out Peter darling 🙂
You need to read Peter Darling!