The Rory Gilmore Book Club discussion
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Where are characters like Rory in modern fiction???
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Alison, I did think so, too, at the beginning of Twilight.. But didn't you think that she changed just awfully in the course of the first book and even more in the sequels?
I mean, I loved her just as much as I love Rory during the first half of Twilight, but pretty much as soon as she really starts going out with Edward, she becomes more superficial. This increases in the other books, she seems to loose every interest she had before and her life solely revolves around Edward. That's when I stopped liking her.
(But I also did not like the other books of the series much.. I loved the first half of Twilight, found the second half ok and almost hated the other books.)
I mean, I loved her just as much as I love Rory during the first half of Twilight, but pretty much as soon as she really starts going out with Edward, she becomes more superficial. This increases in the other books, she seems to loose every interest she had before and her life solely revolves around Edward. That's when I stopped liking her.
(But I also did not like the other books of the series much.. I loved the first half of Twilight, found the second half ok and almost hated the other books.)
GREAT question Kathryn!! I'm so looking forward to everyone's answers, too!!:DI can't really think of any books like that at present... I'm sure there must be some though... I would hope!
(oh - and I LOVE that scene!!!!: I should put this in favorite lines:
Dean: oh, and when the pepperoni starts talking to the mushroom,
Luke: Yeah?
Dean: don't laugh, just make sure the mushroom answers the pepperoni
:D
I totally have to agree with you, Marion. Especially in the second book, Bella gets REALLY whiny. She's all, "I hate my life, it's sooo horrible. Edward has left me, and now I shall die, because I am pathetic and think I can't live without him." It gets reeeeally obnoxious. But, come to think of it, no characters come to mind in that category. If I find any, I'll report here.
Thanks for the insights into TWILIGHT etc. -- I've avoided them so far, despite a few friends really enjoying them, because I'd heard of the rather unsavory progress of her dependent relationship with Edward. Yes, please keep on posting if you think of any books!!! It's really sad there aren't more Rory-like characters out there.
When I read this question my immediate answer was Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird. I could see that being a younger Rory, not because of the story but because of the intelligence factor I guess. Something about this character makes me think of Rory.
Hmm, Scout, that's interesting. I see why you think so, Nicole, but somehow I thought she was too different from Rory. It's hard to explain but I don't think they are very much alike apart from the itnelligence factor.
I'm not saying this just to sell books, but I have a story in Just Like A Girl: A Manifesta! and I feel my character, Ren, and her best friend are somewhat Rory-like. I've expanded the story since that publication, and there are recurring/related characters in my story that is in Women in Judaism:https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index...
You can look up GirlChild Press here:
http://www.girlchildpress.com/product...
Take care, All,
Shaindel
Congratulations on your book Shaindel!!:D Do you mind my asking how you went about finding the audience for your book? It seems like there's such a market for the "Rory" type books, but I seldom see any published, so I wondered how you went about marketing yours? Again, congrats! That's got to be a great feeling to see your book in print! :D
Thought I'd revive this for those new to our group since September. Despite these great suggestions, I'm still looking for more Rorys in literature! ;->
That's right, Erin, during the first book, I also imagined Bella to be like Rory.
Okay, probably not *modern* fiction, but I think Jo from Little Women is a bit like Rory.
I'm amazed by how many Twilight-haters are here. I was resisting the reading of a teenage love story best seller, but when I got my hands on it I read the four books all at once - though that's probably due to Stephanie Meyer's writing, she's goood. I didn't see Rory in Bella at all. I don't really like Bella because she doesn't try to do ANYTHING. I think Rory is much more determinate, she knows what she wants, even when she gets lost, she's not nearly as lost as Bella. Bella is weak, Bella is foolishly inlove, which is - in lack of words here - lovely, but she should have something ELSE in her life. That's why I really loved New Moon and Jacob. And that's why she suffered the way she did. Of course it was an utter exaggeration, her broken heart like that - but you have to admit it was pretty poetic. I have never read a better description of lost. It was also the most bearable love story I read, though I haven't read that many. It didn't feel shallow, and that's a bit dangerous. Maybe she's the modern Werther. Anyway, just to defend a bit of the Twilight Saga and wonder if there is such thing as a Rory in any book.
What a great question. Now that I think about it I haven't encountered any characters that remind of me of Rory but I'll be on the lookout. As far as the Twilight reference I didn't find Bella to be like Rory. Yes she may enjoy reading and Meyer put in a million references to Wuthering Heights but I didn't see many similarities. I know that people are very passionate about their feelings towards the series and I understand both sides. At first I got so wrapped up in the story that I immediately went out and bought the second book. After reading the whole series and taking a step back to examine my thoughts post obsession I was disappointed. I found Bella to be constantly annoying and pathetic. The story doesn't advocate a healthy relationship and I don't think that anyone should get married at 18, no matter what the circumstances. The series may be escapism at its finest but it goes against all my feminists ideals.
*Season 7 spoiler*
When Rory decided not to marry Logan I think it was a true sign of her character. Yes she loved him but she wasn't ready to put her career aside or take on that kind of commitment. I think this illustrates a key difference between Rory and Bella.
When I was reading Cybele's Secret by Juliet Marillier, I kept picturing Rory in the place of the lead, Paula. Paula is intellectual, witty and wonderful, but she is also scared of her real feelings sometimes and has moments of meekness (which Rory definitely goes through especially in her younger years).Also--there is a little Rory in Jo from Little Women.
![Breathe Me [Songbird] (BreatheMeSongbird) | 5 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1243072082p1/2346868.jpg)
Personally, I see a lot of Rory in Pride & Prejudice's protagonist Lizzy Bennet. But really, Rory is truly one of a kind. I haven't stumbled upon any other character that has her kind of unique smart, wit, humor, beauty, and metabolism to die for. : )
I like the Lizzy Bennet and Rory comparison. I did not think of it when I first read it, but I definitely see the concept now. I loved both characters. I think I agree with the other half of this discussion on Bella. I don't see many similarities to her and Rory, especially because after she met Edward, she didn't want to go to college. She just wanted to be with him. Which, can be a really romantic point of view. But at the same time, it's different from Rory, who wanted to be loved for who she was. And who she was was always going.
Hi all! I'm brand new to this club and love this thread. A mix of Gilmore and literature! The Lizzy Bennet comparison is quite good for Rory in my opinion. She was strong, stood up for her ideals, yet was open to love when the right person came along. And, ultimately, she recognized and admitted her faults.Like others, my viewpoint of Bella changed so much after the first Twilight book that I could not compare her to Rory. In fact, I grew to despise Bella, though found some redemption in the final installment.
Here's embarrassing -- I started to think about Sisterhood (Brashares) characters that we could compare to Rory before I remembered Alexis was in the movie. No wonder my mind went there! Though I did find her character to have some similaries in the book/movie to her Rory in Gilmore Girls. Strong personality, experienced love but did not ignore who she was for that love, strong family ties, etc.
Mod
Kathryn: I am glad you started this thread! I would also like to find Rory-like characters in literature. If anyone has found Rory-like characters in books (other than Twilight, which has already been mentioned) please post!
OK, so I maybe only read the first part of Twilight with no intentions of reading the next three (or how many there are, I don't know), but Bella is nothing like Rory. I found her shallow and whinny and feeled Stephenie Meyer only added the love for books so she could be at least somehow interesting - she displays no intelligence whatsoever in the first book, and according to your thoughts, not in those which follow either.On other characters ... I strongly think modern literature lacks great female characters, like Elizabeth or Rory, for that matter. I do very much like the character of Arya in A Song of Ice and Fire series - on the first thought, she is nothing like Rory but still she is a very strong, very independent female character and one of my all-time favourites. Hermione is maybe a little bit like Rory as well?
I agree that Hermione in her later years (as a teen) can definitely relate to Rory on several aspects.
I agree with Zala that Bella Swan is complete opposite to Rory. I just went through Twilight series and I have to say that Bella is totally egoistic. She is weak and constantly dependent on Edward and his family. Rory is strong and independent. I think that's why she didn't agree to marry Logan Hunzberger. Her friends and Lorelai are helping and supporting her, not doing everything for her.
Hermione in last three parts of Harry Potter series is really more indepedent and not so annoying.
I am currently reading "Love Walked In" by Marisa de los Santos and I think Cornelia is a lot like Rory. Cornelia is older, 31 but has many of the same qualities and has a bit of Lorelei in her as well!I haven' read Harry Potter or any of the Twilight series so I can't comment on the characters from those
books.
I think the problem with finding characters that remind me of Rory is that Rory is definitely the quintessential "good girl". She is quiet, except with close friends and family, studious, eager to please. Most of the smart, educated heroines I see in literature tend to be adventurous, defiant, and pig-headed. I wouldn't use any of those adjectives to define Rory.Also, it seems like so often well-read, educated characters seem to look down on pop culture instead of embracing it (I find some actual people like this too).
So glad to see the discussion continuing and I appreciate all the comments and suggestions. Keep 'em comin'! ;->
I agree with this: I am currently reading "Love Walked In" by Marisa de los Santos and I think Cornelia is a lot like Rory. Cornelia is older, 31 but has many of the same qualities and has a bit of Lorelei in her as well!
Mod
Many of you will know I've always related to Lorelai more, but that's not at all why I say this... I think that she (Lorelai) is a far better character comparison to great women characters of literature. She is strong, witty, imperfect, takes the trials she is presented with and either tackles them, takes them in stride, or turns them entirely upsidedown, making them something to treasure and appreciate... and so much more. And frankly, I'd far rather read about that type - those who break free from something to embrace something else, those who, come what may, are true to themselves (even when they aren't sure exactly how to do that) while still being responsible and caring of others.
I think Rory without Lorelai would be insipid... just as I think the foil of Emily had to be there to balance Lorelai (like Lydia and Kitty are to Elizabeth in P&P).
In saying all this, I must qualify: I LOVE Rory... I just don't see her fitting in as a lead lady in literature.
A great question,Kathryn! I myself am looking for books with characters like Rory! I think I have encountered two heroines that remind me of her. First and foremost, it's Emily Byrd Starr from Emily series by L.M. Montgomery (you, probably, have read it). She is a girl with a rich internal world, very imaginative and sensitive, serious, not very talkative though not shy. Like Rory, she could spend hours browsing dictionaries and learning new words or reading novels, or writing...She is rather ambitious (has high expectations for her writing) and studious (one of the best among her peers). She follows her mind and has a moral compass that guides her. They are even similar in that they both were proposed marriage and refused(for different reasons). Still, they differ- Emily is sometimes fatalistic, letting things happen and not resisting, at other times- feistier and more stubborn. Anyway, I love her as a character!
Another character I'd like to mention is Judy Abbott from "Daddy-Long-Legs" by Jean Webster. All the things I said above apply to her but I'd say she is just more open, humorous and fun-loving. The book,unlike some classics,is an easy and pleasant read.
It would be great to hear everybody else's opinions and continue this discussion...
I think that Francie from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is quite a bit like Rory, especially in her high school years. Francie was really quiet and reserved. She loved to read. She did well in school. She made sacrifices to go to the better school. And the way she handled herself at the end of the novel was pretty Rory-ish too.
Thanks for carrying on with the discussion and ideas! I'm so happy to see this post revived :-) I agree that the Lorelai type is usually the more interesting to read about... I suppose that, being a bit more of a Rory myself, I just want to see her star sometimes ;-)
As for your suggestions, Marianne, I have actually read both books and LOVE them! Emily Starr is actually one of my favorite literary characters EVER. I just love her (and pretty much anything else LMM has written but the Emily books are my favorite). I also really liked "Daddy Long Legs" :->
I haven't read "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" yet but it's on my list and this inspires me even more to pick it up.
Thanks!
Lori wrote: "I think that Francie from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is quite a bit like Rory, especially in her high school years. Francie was really quiet and reserved. She loved to read. She did w..."I just finished reading 'A tree grows in Brooklyn' and found Francie to be this ideal daughter, someone who puts her family's needs before hers, ensuring her brother, her mom and Laurie esp, wont have to undergo struggles like she did! Its so evident from so many thoughts she keeps on going on about! Although, i think Rory has had a much privileged upbringing than Francie coz, Rory's grandparents supported her while francie had none, just her papa for uplifting her spirits and her mama for encouraging her to go on with school! Its a different time period as well, 1900's and exactly 100 years later! A great change so, im not exactly sure of the comparison between Rory and Francie...though i would agree, both are extremely adorable characters!!
Im so glad for this topic! On a lookout for Rory like characters too!!
Sharayu wrote: "Lori wrote: "I think that Francie from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is quite a bit like Rory, especially in her high school years. Francie was really quiet and reserved. She loved to rea..."I meant that they both loved to read as much as possible and education meant a lot to them. Rory didn't exactly make a lot of sacrifices but Francie did (***SPOILER***In that she had a long walk to and from school and did so by choice***SPOILER***). I just thought that there were similarities in their reading habits and the importance they themselves placed on their education.
But, I agree, that it was kind of a hard comparison to say they were exactly alike because Rory was more privileged. I don't think that Rory's early life when they lived in the shed on the Inn's property was as volatile as Francie's life.
Lori wrote: "Sharayu wrote: "Lori wrote: "I think that Francie from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is quite a bit like Rory, especially in her high school years. Francie was really quiet and reserved. ..."Totally agree with you! Love for Reading and Education is common to both of them!!
I was just reading through this thread and thought of Jane Eyre? I haven't read the book but I want to and was reading about the character the other day and the description sounded quite relevant to this discussion. What do you think?
Have any of you all read A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly? I'm reading it now and the main character Mattie loves reading and writing. Her dream is to go to a college in NYC and become a writer; not such an easy feat for a girl in the early 1900's who lives in a very rural area.It's a very quick read. I'm really enjoying it.
That is one of my favorite books. Her new one, Revolution is also very good.
I completely agree. I've watched Gilmore Girls religiously since it started,and I continue to watch re-runs everyday. As far as fictional characters go, Rory Gilmore is my inspiration. She is smart, funny, and loves to read,and doesn't apologize for it! But you are correct when it comes to characters in modern fiction that resemble Rory Gilmore. I have yet to find a good read that includes a "Rory-esque" character! I will most definitley let you know when I come across such a novel.Sincerly,
Montana K
Montana wrote: "I will most definitley let you know when I come across such a novel."I hope we will find one soon!
I actually don't have any answers - I just read this thread to get titles to read! Hahaha. Only because I adore the character of Rory so much!Though I must say that Lena from the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (Ann Brashares) reminds me of her - the passion she has for art and how she went for her dreams parallels Rory's passion for writing and pursuing her dream of following in Christiane Amanpour's footsteps. I read the Sisterhood series way before the movie came out so I wasn't influenced by the fact that Alexis Bledel played both characters - though I must say that it reflects something about both characters, that they must have had something in common for the directors to cast them in the two characters. They are both shy socially but fiercely determined in her passions.
That's a great point, Estelle! And how funny you came to that conclusion before Bledel was even cast in the movie. Neat! :-)
I may be beating a dead bush, but the above book is really good. It's about a high school girl who travels across the country with her mysterious father, and who indulges in books, every chapter references a book. I loved this book.
KarlyBug (VivoFine)&hearts wrote: "I totally have to agree with you, Marion. Especially in the second book, Bella gets REALLY whiny. She's all, "I hate my life, it's sooo horrible. Edward has left me, and now I shall die, because I ..."Definitely.
I know that this topic is not active nowadays, but I think, in my humble opinion, that a character who reminded me of Rory was "Anastasia Steele" from Fifty Shades of Grey, don't laugh at me but, she is intelligent, shy, she loves to read, she is innocent, funny, etc... I really think that her character was Rory-esque. Before judging it because is an erotic novel give it a try ;)
I have just finished reading 50 Shades and your post could have been mine - word for word. I felt it so strongly that when I was reading it, Ana was ROry in my mind! I even told my husband she was Rory Gilmore when I was trying to describe Anastasia Steele to him!!!!!.
I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one thinking that! :)
Personally I would love to find another character like Rory. I find her attitude a real inspiration. I tend not to really have role models, but if I ever need a bit of a boost to get going I think of Rory and her passion and determination. I find that in literature and film and TV too, that women are never portrayed as determined without also being cold, selfish, bitchy, etc.
The Rory Gilmore Book Club
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While I am a huge fan of some modern YA offerings (Harry Potter for one!) usually I chose ones that are more old-fashioned in tone, or are fantasy/fairytale. (Otherwise, I resort to old favorites like LM Montgomery or LM Alcott--or Jane Austen!--to find solid heroines.) I think because so many of the present-day-setting books seem to feature shallow teens, or those with multitudes of horrible problems--not that there isn't a place for this in literature, but I wonder WHERE IS RORY!?!?!?
I guess I'm just wondering why, if Rory is such a beloved character, we don't find more characters like her in modern books? If people enjoyed watching a "good girl" (who did have some problems but mostly enjoyed a happy and productive life; who didn't party it up or sleep around or hate her mother; who loved deep conversations and classic literature but would also make the pepperoni talk to the mushroom while watching extremely wacky movies with her mom!) then wouldn't we enjoy reading about such a character???
But this is more than a rant (haha!) If any of you have encountered someone Rory-like in literature, please let me know!!!! :-) Maybe I'm just not looking in the right places.