Sunday, February 13, 2011

Let's Get Sappy!

In honour of Valentine's Day, let's get a little sappy. Let's talk about our favourite couples in the books we've read. Here are a few of mine...

Favourite Classic Couple: Anne Shirley & Gilbert Blythe from Anne of Green Gables. These 2 are such fun. Anne is one of my favourite all-time characters. She's fun, feisty, gutsy, kind, and has such an imagination. Gilbert almost loses his chance for good by pulling her pigtails and calling her Carrot Top, but it all works out ... eventually!

Favourite Book-Turned-Movie Couple: Aragorn and Arwen from Lord of the Rings. I was so worried when they decided to make movies from these books. But, they did a great job. They kept the feel of the novels, the characters were all so well done! And who wouldn't want Aragorn to be happy? :)


Favourite Chick Lit Couple: Mattie & Kyle from Talli Roland's The Hating Game! This is such a fun story-line - filled with laugh out loud moments, "I can't believe she did that!" moments and, "Awwww," moments. If you haven't read Talli's book yet, check it out!


Favourite Romantic Suspense Couples: This is a favourite category of mine, so I'm including 3 authors! Eve Dallas & Roarke from JD Robb's In Death series. Frankie & Ryan from Terry O'Dell's When Danger Calls. Jules & Robin (& so many more!!) from Suzanne Brockmann's Troubleshooters series. Great stories all of them!


Favourite Couple That's Not a Couple: Alek & Deryn/Dylan from Scott Westerfeld's Leviathan are a wonderful pair! They are so very different and yet have much in common. They're both courageous and willing to learn and take risks. This is an awesome Steampunk read and I HAD to include it! :)

So, maybe not so sappy afterall!

So, tell me about one of your favourite literary couples of all time ... or, of the moment!

86 comments:

Karen Jones Gowen said...

Jayne Eyre and Mr. Rochester are my favorite by far. You just know they won't get together, but when they do it is too beautiful.

Buttercup said...

I love Anne and made a trip to PEI to see her house. I am also a big fan of "Little Women" and I am thinking of Laurie and Amy and then of course Lizzie and Mr. Darcy.

Beth Zimmerman said...

Hmmmm ... I'd agree with your first 2 choices. And then there is Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy. I mostly read Christian fiction so I don't know that you would know the characters from a lot of what I read. Awesome Valentines post!

Jemi Fraser said...

Karen - One of these days I'm going to have to pick up that book again. I couldn't finish it as a kid - think I was probably a bit young for it. So many people love it, I'll have to give it another shot!

Jemi Fraser said...

Buttercup - One of these days, I'll get to see Green Gables! In Little Women I was SO disappointed that Jo & Laurie didn't get together! Never quite got over that... :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Beth - thanks! I don't read a lot of that genre, so you're probably right! :) I'm glad to see Anne is popular - not just here in Canada!

Unknown said...

Edward Lewis & Vivian Ward from 'Pretty Woman'.

Loved that film :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Wendy - GREAT choice! That movie always, always makes me smile! She's got such a great laugh and presence. The snap of the jewelry box gets me every time! :)

RaShelle Workman said...

Hey Jemi - These all sound fun - great romantic couples. =D

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks RaShelle! I do love me some romance... and a happy ending :)

TerryLynnJohnson said...

well, that's a tough one since I tend to fall in love with the couple of the book/movie I've just read. I'll try to pick a few:

movie - I swooned over Last of the Mohican's love story. "I will find you". could just be DDL's long flowing hair behind him while he ran. and the loin cloth.

book characters - Bitten by Kelley Armstrong. Elana and Clay are so fiesty and passionate and animal. I guess that's what happens when you're a wolf - but really, these two sizzle even when they're fighting - which is most of the time.

Fun topic, Jemi!

Linda Leszczuk said...

I've got to ask - didn't you mean Eve Dallas and Roarke?

How about Peabody and Emmerson of Elizabeth Peters' Amelia Peabody series? I love their relationship.

Jemi Fraser said...

Terry - good choices!!! Daniel Day Lewis is always a good choice :)

I haven't read Bitten - but I've heard about it - sounds like a must read now!

Jemi Fraser said...

Linda - yes - thanks! I'll go change it - although I like Eve Duncan in Iris Johnasen's series as well! :)

Great choice!! Always good for a smile! :)

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Thanks for reminding me about Daniel Day Lewis in The Last of the Mohicans. I write while listening to that sound track sometimes.
In books, I love Richard Rahl and Kahlan in Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series.

Jemi Fraser said...

Susan - you're welcome - he's always good to remember :)

I've read a few of Goodkind's books - great choice!

Mason Canyon said...

Eve Dallas and Roarke is one of my favorite couples, but I have to agree with Terry Daniel Day Lewis does make your heart beat a little faster in Last of the Mohicans.

Mason
Thoughts in Progress

Jemi Fraser said...

Mason - I completely agree! DDL is amazing in that movie! :) Dallas & Roarke are such great characters too!

Michael Di Gesu said...

My all time favorite is Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara.

And in the fantasy world I do love Mr .and Mrs. Weasely from Harry Potter.


Michael

Stephanie Thornton said...

My absolute favorite is Scarlet O'Hara and Rhett Butler, but I also love Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy.

I also really love Queen Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley- the book Legacy did a great job with their characters.

Happy V-Day!

Patricia Stoltey said...

I just started reading Terry Odell's book yesterday and love the characters already.

My classic favorites are (of course) Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler.

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

TerryLynn! How did you know I just finished my Netflix second-screening of The Last of the Mohicans (which I'd seen years ago, too, of course) and I'm still in a swoon! Oh, yes, "I will find you." sigh. I'm afraid I can't think of anything else at the moment, Jemi. ;)

VR Barkowski said...

Dashiell Hammett's Nick and Nora Charles from The Thin Man. I believe they were based on a real couple, too.

SF said...

They just re-screened the Anne of Green Gables series on TV here recently - loved watching it again.

They are a great classic couple. And I supposed I have to be boring and add Lizzie Bennet and Darcy. It's just such a fantastic story!

Paula RC said...

Heathcliff and Katherine in Wuthering Heights.
Not forgetting Cleopatra & Marc Antony who were played by the two great on-screen lovers Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton

Heidi-"Heidi in Real Life" said...

Niles and Daphne on "Fraiser" followed closely by Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara. Fun to remember Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe!

Jessica Bell said...

Pip and Estella from Great Expectations! :o) Oh and, of course, Heathcliff and Catherine from Wuthering Heights :o)

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

You've picked some great ones, here! And I agree with Jessica about Heathcliff and Catherine (twisted, but quite a couple!) :)

Old Kitty said...

Heathcliff and Catherine!!! :-) Oooh I just saw Niles and Daphne!!! Yes, definitely Niles and Daphne!!! Yay!!

Awwww these are great choices, Jemi!! Happy Valentines! Take care
x

Lola Sharp said...

Mr. Darcy ad Lizzie Bennet! But I too LOVE Aragorn and Arwen. (I swoon over Viggo in this role...love him)

Jemi Fraser said...

Michael - great choices!! There really is something about the Weaselys isn't there? Rhett & Scarlet are such a classic couple too! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Stephanie - I'm not surprised that your favourite couples are historical! Awesome choices! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Pat - I know you'll love Terry's characters - I've read a few now and have loved them all!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Since I'm a big fan of Anne McCaffrey, I'd select Jaxom and Sharra from The White Dragon. As for movies - Harry and Sally! Because my husband and I were a Harry and Sally.

Jemi Fraser said...

Tricia - I can totally understand why you can't think of anything else at the moment! Daniel Day Lewis in Last of the Mohicans is a good thought! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

VR - I haven't read that one - but I know I've heard of it so many times. That's one I'll really have to get to!

Jemi Fraser said...

SF - I love watching Anne too - my favourite version is the Canadian show with Megan Follows :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Jarmara - terrific choices! My folks bought me a gorgeous hard cover embossed edition of Wuthering Heights when I was a kid - it's beautiful! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Heidi - Niles & Daphne! Fantastic choice!!! They were such a fun 'couple'!! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Jessica - I'm embarrassed to say I've never read Great Expectations! I've got a lovely copy of it that's been sitting on my shelf for years, but haven't read it yet. I'll have to fix that!

Jemi Fraser said...

Elizabeth - thanks! Heathcliff & Catherine really were quite the couple! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Old Kitty - thanks! :) There really are so many great couples out there - it's fun to try to choose favourites! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Lola - me too! Aragorn & Arwen have such a powerful story! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Diane - Anne McCaffrey has such great couples! I couldn't make a decision on which to choose - love Lessa as well! I just finished Todd M's Dragongirl last night - I'm looking forward to the next one :)

Laura Pauling said...

I love Anne and Gilbert! Watching that movie every couple years is a must!

Anonymous said...

Love your first and second choice! I still need to get to know your other couples, and plan to soon. Just recently, Dex and Em of One Day has taken the spotlight of favourite couples for me.

Shannon O'Donnell said...

Zara and Astley from Carrie Jones's ENTICE. I love ASTLEY!!!!! :-)

Lisa_Gibson said...

Hmm, favorite couples. I can't think of any off-hand. Not sure. You can tell I'm really into the whole Valentine's thing huh. ;)
Lisa ~ YA Literature Lover

Donea Lee said...

Ahh, Anne with an "E"!! I so love that you included Anne and Gilbert. This is also one of my favorite series - love the movies, it holds such a special memory for me. Awesome!

So many great couples in movies and books - recent favorites, Katsa and Po from Kristin Cashore's "Gracelings". From the movies... Maria and Capt. VonTrapp in Sound of Music. I could list a lot more... :) Btw - you won a prize over on my blog today. Congrats!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Can't think of any books, but the kid-couple in How To Train Your Dragon was cute.

Golden Eagle said...

If I can take off from what Alex said, one of my favorite kid-couples would be Haku and Chihiro from Spirited Away. :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Laura - you're right - Anne is a must watch whenever it's on! Such a great story :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Lynn - the first 2 are definitely pretty well known :) I think you'll enjoy the others - and thanks for the new one to add to my list :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Shannon -- I haven't read that one yet - sounds like it's going on my wish list as we speak! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Lisa - so funny! I tend to like the romance aspect of all stories, so I probably notice them more! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Donea - Thanks! I'll pop on over right away! :)

Anne with an E is always one of my faves! And Maria & the Captain!!! Can't believe I forgot them :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Alex - I still haven't seen that one yet - I really need to! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Golden Eagle - you most definitely can! I haven't seen that one either! I really need to find some more time for these great movies :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jemi -

Great list! I particularly like Anne and Gilbert. My latest favorite literary couple are Julie Lessman's Katie Rose and Luke from A Love Undaunted.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Arlee Bird said...

Gosh, have I read any romantic books? I know I must have but for the life of me I can think of anything right now. How about, Mr. Darcy and whats-her-name in Pride and Prejudice? I did read that one. I remember the story, but I forget the female leads name.

Lee
Tossing It Out

Jemi Fraser said...

Susan - I haven't read that one yet - I'll have to add it to my list! Thanks :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Arlee - you crack me up! I've never read Pride & Prejudice, but I'm believe what's-her-name is Elizabeth :)

Jennie Bailey said...

Aragon and Arwen are the fave probably all time. I do love the agony of the Katniss/Peeta love, though. It's worth it in the end. What a brilliant idea for a Valentine's Day blog post! This would make a GREAT blogfest!!

Anonymous said...

I'm still waiting for Shaggy and Velma to hook up. So much tension in the air. I just wish they'd get married and get it over with. Zoinks! Jinkies!

Jemi Fraser said...

Jennie - I love the Katniss/Peeta/Gale storyline in the Hunger Games trilogy too. So well done!

It probably would have been fun! Wish I'd thought of it - we'll have to put our brains together next time! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Stephen - now THAT would be a great get-together! I think everyone would be happy with that one! Scooby-dooby-doo!

Rosalind Adam said...

I can see that a lot of people have beaten me to it with Heathcliffe and Catherine. What is it about that love affair? We certainly wouldn't allow a man to treat us like that today and yet...

Jackee said...

Hmm... you already have two of my top three and then others here have mentioned my other fav: Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. They (along with Anne/Gilbert and Aragorn/Arwen) are good because they're timeless and what we all hope for in some way.

Great post, Jemi! I've missed you!

Jean said...

For some reason I always develop a crush on Cooper from the Meg Cabot books "Size 12 Isn't Fat." When the mc and Coopper FINALLY get together in the 3rd book it's like one giant "Awwwww" of satisfaction.

Jemi Fraser said...

Rosalind - you're right - there certainly is something about that couple! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Jackee - I think you're right - these couples really are timeless - I think they'll always be around :)

I've missed you too - it's been a weird and wacky month :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Jean - I do like those relationships that take forever - there's such a thrill when they finally get there! :)

WritingNut said...

Sigh.. Anne and Gilbert.. I absolutely loved them!

I also really loved Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy... :)

Unknown said...

I love that you chose Talli Roland's characters!!! I couldn't agree more!!!

I'd also like to add a Gracie Snow and Bobby Tom Denton from Heaven, Texas by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Swoon worthy for sure!

Jemi Fraser said...

Writing Nut - I do love Anne & Gilbert! I'm rereading it again right now and loving it :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Jen - I love Talli's books and characters!

I haven't read those ones yet - but I'll add them to my list! Thanks :)

Susan Fields said...

Maybe not very original, but I love Katniss and Peeta from The Hunger Games (and I was Team Gale right up until the end, but Peeta finally won me over!)

Jemi Fraser said...

Susan - I never did make a decision between Peeta & Gale! I just couldn't decide! Both such great choices :) Great choice!

Anonymous said...

One of my favorite couples is Heaven and Troy from V.C. Andrews' Dark Angel. I read that book several times because of the romance.

Lisa Gail Green said...

I did a similar post for Valentines day! See? Great minds think alike. I picked my favorite YA paranormal couples. Clary and Jace are one example.

Julie Musil said...

Hands down, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. I never get enough of those two. But I'm also a huge fan of Anne of Green Gables. Which reminds me, it's been too long since I've watched that movie.

Jemi Fraser said...

Medeia - there are some books that draw me over and over because of the romance as well - I haven't read that one yet though :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Lisa - great minds indeed! I haven't been able to get to your post yet! I'll get there tonight! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Julie - I haven't seen the movie in ages either - but I'm re-reading the book right now! :)

Kristin Rae said...

I love Gil!!!! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Kristen - Me too! thanks ;)