Hi dear friends,
Today in top 5 Tuesday hosted by Shanah @bionicbookworm we get to speak about or top 5 badass heroines.
I bet you expected Aelin, Feyre,Emma Carstairs and the likes!
Well if they do kick @sses I think being badass is more than killing and fighting physically.
Moral bravery is harder than physical violence.
I think every mom raising kids while working and sometimes facing illness from a beloved one, showing the path time and again to set an example are the real heroes!
So today I chose heroines who had to raise above either physical limitations or social barriers. Ladies who never seemed predestined to be saviors or leaders but ended up inspiring others.
My first choice is Harper from A Curse so Dark and Lonely by Brigit Kemmerer.
Harper was born with cerebral palsy but will fight every day not to be a burden. Once she’ll land in the magical kingdom her inner goodness will have her fight soldiers to protect a poor family. She will show the way to the King and will inspire all to rally and fight against evil.
Not bad for a handicaped girl right?
My second choice is Starr from The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas.
Because she had to make a choice that could threaten her life at school and in her neighnorhood. Because when you are a teen and the police or gang members put pressure on you finding your voice and telling the truth while you are afraid it is kickass!
My third choice is Kestrel from The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski. She may have been the general’s daughter she had no fighting skills at all. To her father’s utter disappointment. Worse she liked and helped slaves. A Lady never did these things. Seeing what was wrong, going against her own people because they oppressed others and renouncing her privilege is courageous. Add to this that Kestrel was so smart that she was the best weapon ever. Being kind was braver than being cruel.
Fourth choice: Shirin from A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi
Because every day she had to fight bullies. Go to school even when short sighted teenagers insulted her for being muslim. Because she was cool and practiced breakdance, the only girl in the crew smashing stereotypes in the process. Because she always walked chin high even with fear in her belly. She changed other’s vision of muslim girls and that’s badass!
Fifth choice of the day Michelle Obama.
I bet you didn’t expect that one! But she wrote her book and is a lady who slay!
I am listening to her audiobook ( my first ever) and anyone believing she is not badass is a fool!
Coming from a relatively poor family, black in a land of white supremacy she worked so hard that she became an extremely good lawyer. She knew when to punch (literally) and when to sacrifice. Because let’s face it when she decided to give Barack the green light to run for the presidency she put her husband and her girls before her dreams. I am not saying she regretted her choice because she was fully committed but that she put others above her. And that’s true moral stenght and love!
Sixth choice Shannon from Binding 13 and Keeping 13 by Chloe Walsh
I know many will see her as a damzel in distress needing Johnny’s protection.
But I dare you to survive in her life! I dare you to take the punches to protect your siblings. I dare you to get beaten to death and still bounce back again and again and again.
Telling would make it stop but telling would endanger your siblings. So you stay silent and you are courageous.
Jude from The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
This is maybe the only from my list who handles a sword and knives. But I chose her because she had to survive as human among cruel faeries. She was constantly afraid as a kid and worked hard to have a place and not feel constantly threatened. She went as far as poisoning herself every day to resist any poison! Being human she was at the bottom of the food chain but she rose above and …won!
Now do tell me about YOUR badass ladies!
Thanks for reading
Sophie
This is a great list, Sophie. Sorry I haven’t been around in a while. I am making it my mission to catch up on the blog today! =)
Mary
Fabulous choices Sophie, I love your title…so true!
You would know all about it Trisy!
Except for the Cruel Prince, I haven’t read any of the book from this list. I’ve heard great things about The WInner’s Trilogy! I’m planning to binge the whole trilogy this year. I can’t wait to read A Curse So Dark And Lonely!
I am convinced that you’ll love the Winner’s trilogy Raven!
You chose some good ones, Sophie!
Thank you Teri!
Sophie THIS LIST IS AMAZING!!!!!!! I mean, you’ve got Harper, so automatically I am loving it, but also Michelle Obama and Jude!! You’ve taken this in such a unique and beautiful way that I am blown away. LOVE THIS!!
THANK you so much Meeghan!
I really chose Feyre and Aelin but not just for their literal ass-kicking. They both have so much emotional strength and support people in a way I consider impressive. To me they are all around bad ass, that’s why I picked them.
Your picks are super awesome. I have to admit, I haven’t read any of those books yet. The Cruel Prince is on top of my reading list though. Hope to get started soon!
Yes I know Feyre and Aelin are more than fighting machines. They are morally strong and rose from ashes literally!
Ooh I like how you did this! Jude seems like a great choice- I’m looking forward to reading those Holly Black books soon! And michelle Obama is awesome.
Thank you Greg! And I really hope you’ll love the Cruel Prince and the Wicked King!
I need to read Michelle Obama’s book. Nonfiction isn’t my go to genre but I am interested to read hers. I very much agree with Shirin. She has a strong personality and she handles herself with class. Love your list, Sophie! 🙂
I don’t usually read non fiction either Bea but for this one I had to make an exception! And I so agree with Shirin! Total class …like Michelle 😉
Great post and I love that Michelle Obama made your list. Love her!
Thank you Suzanne!
Ooh, I have read these yet (except for Shirin’s story). Michelle Obama is on my shelf waiting to be enjoyed.
I hope you’ll love it Colline!
So much agree about Michelle Obama! Haven’t read her book yet but gosh i admire her.
Oh me too Hanna! And I miss her!
Great list! I’ve seen the Michelle Obama book everywhere so I think I need to read!
It is excellent Caro!
Jude is a total badass! It’s not that she has no fear and is never afraid… it’s that she doesn’t let it contain her. She carries on anyway. Now that’s badass. 🙂 I’ve been meaning to read The Winner’s Curse trilogy for sooo long and just haven’t got to it yet.
Oh Tanya Kestrel is just badass and that series is really unique!
I like that you picked females based on more than just their fighting skills! (tho I do love those characters too!) I am glad Jude made this list because it ended up being her cunning mind that won her a spot as a spy and then ultimately it was her plan that spared Oak! She is brilliant! I am about halfway through The Wicked King right now and am loving it <3
I also love the fighting ladies but I love when determination and brain outsmart evil or ordeals in life in general!
What a great list, Sophie and yes, so different. I love that you also chose Michelle Obama, what an amazing woman! 😀
Oh yes Alexandra. I miss her so much!
I love your unique take on this list. It’s so true. Women face so many struggles and being a badass isn’t always about being physically tough. I definitely agree about Michelle Obama – I’ve had Becoming on hold from the library for a while and I am so excited to read it 😀
Thank you Jennifer! And yes I think most of us are modern warrior!