Swoony boys. Come on, almost all of us think about them. Almost all of us talk about them and possibly fight over them too. But let me admit. I’m not really one to think or talk about swoony boys, at least not by most definitions of what a swoony boy is.
Okay. So once in a while, I’ll see an author’s dream cast of one of their male characters. Yeah, they’re almost all attractive because let’s be real, in Hollywood/the film industry, you need to be attractive (or at the very least, good looking). It might make me swoon a bit, but is it the character or the dream casted actor? Yeah, it’s usually the latter. The truth is, I’ve always firmly believed that it’s more important to be beautiful/swoony on the inside than outside. Besides, for me, even if an author describes a guy as especially attractive, I don’t dwell too much on it. When I read, I tend to forget what characters look like. Except Harry Potter because he has his mother’s eyes and a lightning bolt scar. Moving on!
So, here’s what I perceive to be what (most) others consider swoony versus what I consider swoony in terms of book boys.
When other people talk about swoony boys in books, I tend to think (meaning I’m very possibly wrong; I’m often wrong, so don’t yell at me) that they’re talking about an attractive male (based on whatever the person finds physically attractive) that’s usually a bad boy that probably softens up a bit or has more problems than meets the eye, has nice abs, maybe has a nice smile or eyes, is loyal, etc. But honestly, I think a lot of people swoon over book boys because they’re supposedly physically attractive.* There’s nothing wrong with that! But as someone that thinks she looks like an average teen, I don’t think it’s fair to judge anyone for their looks, whether it makes you think more highly or negatively of them.
What then, you ask, makes a boy swoony to me?
Well, of course, physical looks are always a plus. But I’d prefer a quieter guy that isn’t afraid to be himself. You should be YOU, not what society tells you you should be based on your gender. If you’re a macho guy with a great personality, great! If you’re a shy, emotional guy with a great personality, great! I also prefer guys that are clever, logical, but can also be funny. It’s not a must, but it’s always a plus. Swoony boys are ones that are kind, that are patient, that care and listen, that are there when you need someone or when you need a hug. They’re supportive, respectful, believe in equality, etc. I’d especially love a guy that’s culturally inclined, loves reading, loves learning for the sake of learning, wants to become a better person, wants to make the world a better place, is willing to change for the better, etc. I know, it’s a lot, right? To get a better idea, here are some examples. They might not fit everything I listed, but that’s more like an ideal list. These are some book boys that make me swoon a bit:
- Levi from Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
- Finn from The Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderson
- Chaol AND Dorian from Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (don’t make me explain)
- Daniel from Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard
- Darcy from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
- Jesse from Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys
- Jacob from Bunheads by Sophie Flack
- Virgil from Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly
- Stephen from The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson (possibly; I don’t quite actually remember)
- Augustus from The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
I’m sure there’s more to say, and maybe I’ll have to re-think some of my points at a later time. Please excuse any assumptions I made. I’m sure PLENTY of you will agree with what I find swoony, but then again, I think that there’s sometimes a difference between what most of us bloggers would like as compared to others. But before I make an even bigger fool of myself, I shall finish this post.
Thank you, Kayla, for having me on the blog! It’s such a pleasure to be asked to write a post for the event.
*Again, this is based on what I’ve seen. I’m probably completely wrong, but that’s what you get when you assume things, I guess.
What make a book boy swoony to you? Am I in the majority or minority? :)
What did you guys think? I happen to agree with her on many points, and I'm totally with her on some of her swoony boys! Specifically Daniel and Dorian. Dorian especially, everyone seems to be Team Chaol but Dorian is my man! There's a couple books on her list I also need to read because several people have said the boys are swoony!
Thanks so much Jessica for stopping by and taking part! Means a lot! You're awesome to the extreme. Hugs!
If you guys haven't yet, go check out her blog! It's pretty awesome! http://flytofiction.blogspot.com/
There will be more awesome features this week so make sure to come back!
Don't forget to enter the giveaway! As the event is nearing to a close, so is the giveaway!
~Kayla~
Awww, hugs! Love ya, Kayla <3
ReplyDelete(PS I was totally Team Dorian for most of ToG, but now I'm also Team Chaol. I feel like they're different, but I feel a similar spark between Dorian and Celaena and Chaol and Celaena.)
(I should probably also point out that Stephen is one I swing between. Sometimes I like him (thanks to a friend), sometimes I'm still not a big fan. I guess I was in a good mood when I wrote this post. Hehe)
ReplyDelete