Talk to Me Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by one of my favourite blog I Swim For Oceans where we will discuss anything (and everything) literary-related in an open forum of honesty. If you are interesting in participating make sure to go I Swim For Oceans and link your post.This weeks discussion is: Do you prefer reading books with a male MC or a female MC, and why?
Both, I really can't pick between them! I find books with a female MC easier to relate with but at the same time I love getting inside a guy's head. The most important thing for me is connecting with the character and finding them likeable, realistic and unforgettable.
The best thing about reading a book with a female MC is that it is easier to understand their actions as you generally have been in many of the same situations. Some great female MCs:
Meg Carly
The only time I have a problem with a male MC is when it is written by a female author and it feels like what she thinks a male is thinking and not what a guy really thinks like. Luckily that rarely happens. My favourite part of a male POV is getting to see what they really think of us girls. Some of my favourite male MCs are:
Colt Dan
But what I love most is dual narration. When you get inside both character's minds. When you get to see what the girl is thinking about the guy and guy about the girl in the same situation. Some authors can really switch points of views seamlessly. Some of my favourite dual narrations are:
Ed and Lucy Alex and Brittany
So what about you - do you prefer female or male MC?
Thank you to Melissa at I Swim For Oceans for hosting this feature.
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15 comments:
Well said! I feel exactly the same way! I love both of them, but find it easier to relate to the females; however, I love hearing from the guys.
I'm with you on the dual narration, I love getting both perspectives as well. I just feel more fully informed, and I like to at least feel like I know everything when I'm reading. I tend to relate more to female characters (obviously), but they also tend to irritate me a lot quicker and more thoroughly than a male MC probably because I put myself in their shoes and get frustrated when they don't act the way I want them to:)
Perfect answer, Nic! I definitely agree! Dual narration is an incredible thing, and if the author does it well, then I love reading from both a male and female POV. Simone Elkeles is a prime example for me. I do find that a lot of female authors make their male MCs too feminine, while male authors make their male MCs too crass at times...I'm looking for that perfect balance because I really want to get inside the character's head :)
Thanks for participating, Nic!
All I see are the words Alex!! Lol my brain refused to process anything else :D
Dual narration can be great!
Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog
I have read very few books with male MC. I agree that female MC is more relatable - I am more comfortable with it.I have not read Perfect Chemistry or Graffiti Moon but I want to.
I love your thoughts on this.
I like both. I really liked what John marsden did with Ellie's POV ~ he writes a girl POV so well for a guy.
I love C K Kelly Martin's male POv, and Tom from Melina Marchetta.
I don;t like how some bloggers give points to an author just fro writing a male POV ~ like that makes the book better for making that decision. Some males POV's are nothing special ~ especially when I've read some really awesome male POV (Jarvis 24, swerve, Five Parts Dead, for eg).
I thought the male POv in Beautiful Creatures was kinda lame ~ but a lot of people loved it, haha. It didn;t feel male to me at all ~ more androgynous really...
I prefer a female MC for some reason. I rarey read books with male MCs so that might be the reason: I'm not used to them, lol!
Dual narration can be pretty fantastic, I agree. Also I was wondering what The Secret Year was like - glad to hear it has a fave male MC for you!
I agree with you whole heartedly. I really just need to get the character, understand why they are the way they are and why they think like they do. I also want them to be true to their sex. What's the point of a guy who acts like a girl, it's not as fun to get in his head. I think I gravitate towards female MC's only because there are so many. And even though I can relate more, I do enjoy both male and female MC's.
I'm definitely going to have to try Perfect Chemistry. It's been sitting on my Kindle for like 5 months and I really do enjoy dual narratives.
Jen
In the Closet With a Bibliophile
I generally prefer a girl POV, I guess it's just easier to relate. Although i do ADORE Tom in the Piper's Son, and I also love all John Green's books and Harry Potter and when His Dark Materials is from Will's POV - so I guess I've just disproved my opening statement :) Either POV works for me as long as the voice is great.
I find duel narratives quite hard to get in to. I generally want more of one character than the other. Two that really worked for me are SHIVER and SCRAMBLED EGGS AT MIDNIGHT though.
Great question though and great answer and I agree about Cole from THE SECRET YEAR Jennifer nailed his voice.
Sorry for the looonnnggg comment :)
Ugh, yes I agree with you about a female author writing a male MC with how she thinks guys feel but not how they actually do. They're really awkward to read.
I'm with you on the dual narration. When the author can pull it off, I love it.
I agree with you on when a female MC writes boy to think what she thinks instead of what he thinks. There is a huge difference.
I majorly heart Alex and Brittany. Their journey to connect with each other was not an easy one. Now I have to check out Ed and Lucy if you liked it.
I prefer female MC's more but this year one of my goals is to read more books with a male MC.
I like either. I prefer male MCs that make me laugh. Because guys have a different sense of humor than girls. As for the female MCs, I also like the ones who make me laugh. And I wish there was less of the "I'm not good enough..." females. I prefer the ones who at least try and don't make stupid decisions. ;p
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