" If a girl looks swell when she meets you, who gives a damn if she's late? Nobody." -Holden Caulfield

I think it's been pretty well established that I tend to get attached to fictional characters.One of my very favorite blog posts is that time I wrote about all the book characters I'd like to marry. I started out my Fictional Girl Crush List at 10, but it kind of...expanded.

 

1. Jo March 

There is a very distinct possibility that I will name one of my daughters after Josephine March. She's the perfect example of womanhood, from her daring flights of fancy to her intense affection for her sisters and parents. Above all, she knew how to refuse love when it wasn't right. And then she raised a whole litter of boys at Plumfield. Girl crush central right here, folks.

2. Rory Gilmore 

Rory taught me that one could be a bookworm and also be stylish at the same time. She didn't always make the right choices, but she always fixed her mistakes. (Jess + Rory for-evah!)

3. Kara Thrace, callsign Starbuck

At first she comes off as abrasive and rough'n'tumble and impulsive, which she is. She's one of the most loyal and memorble characters in the history of television and I just really love her a lot. (See also: The entire frakking cast of BSG women.)

4. Hermione Granger

People in middle school would call me Hermione (that's what you get for being awkward and quiet and ALWAYS RIGHT), so it's only natural that I feel a kinship to her. Can you imagine Harry Potter without her? Yikes, I don't even want to think about it. Not only did she have knowledge, but she also had immense courage.

5. Zoe Alleyne

I'm probably more like Kaylee, but Zoe is the epitome of strength. I could definitely see her, Starbuck, and Bones all being best friends.

6. Celia Garth

Okay, this one's a tad more obscure. My mom lent me her copy of Celia Garth by Gwen Bristow when I was younger and I've re-read it many times since. Celia is a dressmaker who becomes a spy for the American Revolution, which is totally kick-awesome. Also, she has not one,  but TWO rogue boyfriends.

7. Buffy Summers

Pretty much a given, am I right? She's not the most book-smart, however, she's got street-smarts to spare. In addition to being the Slayer, she's also extremely kind-hearted and knows how to rock the knee-length boots.

8. Angua von Überwald

It was not easy to decide between her and Susan Sto Helit, but this heiress from Terry Prachett's Discworld Universe is a crime-fighting werewolf. WIN.

9. Veronia Mars

There is a reason I want this chick by my side when the zombies come. She knows just about everything and what she doesn't know, she knows someone who does. Nobody does snark better.

10. Molly McIntire

Yeah, this is the American Girl Doll Molly. She's the doll that I own because I was so impressed with her bravery and sacrifice during a time of war. Remember when she shared her birthday with Emily, the English girl? Loved that!

11. Trillian 

Mathematician, astrophysicist, adventurer. I love her quirky humor and love for life in space and how she lets nothing stop her. 

12. Karigan G'ladheon and Aerin and Alanna

These three lovely ladies are my trifecta of perfect fantasY heroines. Karigan comes from Green Rider, Aerin from The Hero and the Crown, and Alanna from Tamora Pierce's quartet of the same name. Teenage-me soaked up their stories and learned how to stand up for what was right.

13. Jaye Tyler

Jaye absolutely cracks me up. She takes things at her own pace and she talks to inanimate objects. She'd be totes fun at a sleepover. If I ever get three wishes, I will spend one of those wishes on a second season of Wonderfalls.

14. Scout Finch

Posessing more wisdom than most people will in their lifetimes, Scout amazes me each time I read To Kill A Mockingbird. Plus, I'm totally hot for her dad. (Does anyone else hope that Scout and Dill end up getting married?)

15. Willow Rosenberg

Evn though she has question taste in sweaters, the geeky, girl-lovin' Willow is as integral to the Buffy storyline as Buffy herself. For a witch, she's surprisingly (and endearingly) naive, but she knows how to hold her own.

16. Diana Prince/Wonder Woman

There aren't nearly enough superhero women, but I'll take what we can get. Amazonian and smoking hot, Wonder Woman opened up a world of possibilities in the comic book realm.

17. Temperance "Bones" Brennan

Bones is stunningly brilliant and gorgeous and a best-selling author. She's not the best with social situations (holla!)--that's why she has Booth.

18. Princess Leia

Leia is the best kind of princess: diplomatic, sarcastic, and rebellious-in-a-good-way. No wonder Han loves her.

19. Lindsey Weir

If I could re-do my teenage years, I'd like to be more like Lindsey. She's more concerned with doing her own thing than worrying about what everyone else thinks and as the quote from yesterday said, that's one of the true marks of a feminist.

20. Elizabeth Bennet

The movies are about Darcy, but the book is all about Elizabeth. I don't think there's ever been a character as perfect as Ms. Bennet. My favorite quality among many is that she had a razor-sharp wit and knew when to use it. Her story and struggles and actions are timeless. 

Who are some of your fictional girl crushes that have inspired you through the years?