For the first time all year I’m actually doing the prompt right! I AM. No twisting the prompt to my own devious devices! YAY. I’m so proud of me. (I’ll totally be evil next week to balance this.)
Communication is a fun thing that YA books are usually devoid of. And usually it’s okay, because it makes a fascinating story, but I felt like highlighting some of the worst communicators in my favourite books! (I absolutely love all these books, by the way.)
OH! And spoiler warning!! There WILL be spoilers for The Fault in Our Stars. There’s a few microscopic spoilers for City of Bones and Percy and Annabeth’s relationship status (but if you’re an internetling, the last two won’t surprise you at. all.) Ye have been warned.
This Week’s Prompt: Top Ten Books Which Feature Characters Who ___
\\ Click on the covers to go to Goodreads //
1. CELAENA AND CHAOL
Without spoilers, let me just say, that if Dorian locked Celaena and Chaol in a room for 10 minutes at the end of Crown of Midnight and said, “Communicate and listen to both sides of each other’s stories, or I will slap you both simultaneously in the face with cake platter.” The ENTIRE of the series would be different.
For instance, my Chalaena ship would still be floating.
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2. FOUR AND TRIS
They’re adorable. They are. And I think their relationship bumps and burns made complete sense with their emotionally catastrophic situation. Many argue that they’re not a good couple — but I ship them! I DO. But, is it just me, or was communication a bit of a problem in Allegiant?
Tris: *does something without telling Four*
Four: We need to trust each other! We have to communicate if we’re going to stay alive!
Tris: Yeah, you’re right. Okay.
Four: *does something without telling Tris*
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3. ANNA AND ETIENNE
Are they a couple? Are they not? Are they friends? Are they more? If ever two people needed to define their relationship status: IT IS THESE TWO. I still believe Etienne lead Anna on a lot when he still had a girlfriend. I ship them, oh, I do! But they had some SERIOUS communication issues.
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4
. NEWT AND MINHO AND THOMAS
When a new Greenie enters The Maze and Newt and Minho are here to give the introduction, what do they do? VIRTUALLY NOTHING.
It’s basically, “Hey, Tommie, look, this Maze is bad news (stahp asking questions can’t say why yet) and don’t go outside the walls (shh, we’ll explain in about 5 days) and don’t panic (duh) and stop freaking about your memory (we don’t have time to explain that we all don’t have memories) and also here are #39805 weird slang words we use, please understand them all with no explanation by morning.”
Peoples, I love this book, I truly do. BUT WHY DID THEY HAVE TO TAKE THEIR SWEET PEACHY TIME TO EXPLAIN EVERYTHING TO THOMAS?
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5. KATNISS AND THE REST OF THE WORLD
No one tells Katniss anything. NO ONE. Even her friends kept important things from her, aka Peeta casually dropping the “Oh, I love Katniss” bombshell and then afterwards being defenestrated. They were lying to her right through Mockingjay for goodness sakes. And let’s not Plutarch and Haymitch and District 13’s nefarious plots, centring on Katniss Freaking Everdeen…without her knowing she was the spark of their rebellion.
Oh my gosh. Communicate, please. Poor Katniss.
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6. PERCY JACKSO
N AND ANNABETH
I’m only basing this off the first series because I haven’t read the second series yet (but The Lost Hero is waiting for me to pick up at the library! HUZZAH). But is it just me or would life have been simpler for Annabeth if she’d said, outright: “Percy, I like you, and it makes me jealous when you deludedly flirt on accident with other girls.” Instead of, you know, punching him in the face and not talking to him for 200-pages, so Percy thinks, “Annabeth really does hate me.”
I DON’T EVEN KNOW, PEOPLES. Just a hunch.
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7. GUS AND HAZEL
Gus: Maybe I should tell Hazel I’m dying.
Gus: But that’d ruin our trip to Amsterdam.
Gus: I won’t tell her.
Gus: Nope.
Gus: Unless, omg, why don’t I tell her in Amsterdam!?
Gus: That’ll soften the blow!
Gus: Or, ya know, ruin the trip completely AS WELL. So yeah, I should’ve just told her before.
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8. RONAN AND EVE
RYONE
Ronan has a huge communication problem, down to the point where one day he pulls a bird out of his dreams in a kind of, “oh and by the way look what I can do” nonchalant way. I don’t think Ronan would tell anyone if he was dying of terminal brain cancer. HE’D JUST DIE ALONE. This guy. Seriously. He is so infuriating, but yet I love him the most of all the Raven Boys.
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9. CLARY AND HER MOTHER
If you a) have an evil husband, and b) have a daughter with said evil husband, and c) decide to go on the run from evil husband, and d) and not tell daughter of her nefarious background….then, yes, you might have issues down the road. I GET IT: protect the children! So noble. So lame. Isn’t it better to train your kid for survival?! Isn’t it better to equip them in case something goes wrong like said evil husband catching up?! OH MY GOSH. Jocelyn Frey is the worst parent ever.
All it would take is, “Yer a shadowhunter, Clary” and 80% of book 1’s plot could’ve been cancelled.
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10. BASICALLY EVERYONE IN THE SKULDUGGERY PLEASANT BOOKS
There is not even one guiltless character her. NOT ONE. Of course, Skulduggery himself has a doozy of a secret (that’s revealed in book 6 and completely freaked me out) and then Valkyrie spends a lot of time prancing around keeping secrets that nearly get her gutted and killed. Do they learn from their mistakes?
OH HA HA HA. Of course not. Don’t be ridiculous.
Haha, these were great :). I’m not sure if you’ve read the Selection, but America in that last book… she should have listened to E VERYONE EVER. I’ve read most of these books and they are SO TRUE. Especially percabeth. Also, in the Winners Crime which I finished yesterday (TALK TO EACH OTHER KESTREL AND ARIN ALREADY FOR GOODNESS SAKE) it would have diminished the plot though….
Shanti recently posted…A Question of Fiction: America Singer
OMG I SHOULD'VE PUT KESTREL ADN ARIN ON HERE. They are the world's worst culprits. -_- They spent every. waking. hour wishing they could be together and thinking the other one hated them. EPIC DYSFUNCTION. Gah, yes to America Singer too.
OH MY GOSH YA IS SO BAD AT THIS IT’S AWFUL. Like so many relationships could be resolved if they just TALKED and realised that, okay, the girl that was with the guy is a sister or whatever. I mean, seriously, teenagers aren’t that dramatic, are we?? I’m rereading The Hunger Games right now and yepppp, that poor girl.
Emily @ Loony Literate recently posted…Top Ten Characters Who Need a Hug
I'm going to reread the Hunger Games before the last Mockingjay movie. *cries all over the place* JUST GETTING UP THE COURAGE.
ACCURATE. Also, you used the word “defenestrated” which is one of my favourite words :’)
Etienne and Anna were simply ridiculous, and I agree with you that Etienne was a bit of an asswipe about it a lot of the time. Dude, I know you’ve got issues, but FIGURE IT OUT.
And Katniss, POOR Katniss. While I was frustrated with her a lot of the time, her anger also TOTALLY made sense.
Also Gus. Poor guy. Poor Hazel. POOR EVERYONE.
Anne @ booksbakingandblogging recently posted…Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
ISN'T IT THE BEST?! It needs to be subtly slipped into everyday conversation. I petition!I think Etienne was adorable and his wit and humour were THE BEST. But, oh. my. gosh. He was a jerk. I was so freaking furious when he stayed over at night with Anna and totally just brushed it off as “Just friends”. JUST FRIENDS do not share a bed. -_-
YES, OMG. Imagine how many things could have been solved quickly and painlessly if, you know, characters actually communicated. This post has also reminded me that I am in a dire need to read the SKULDUGGERY PLEASANT series. I think maybe I started it years ago but never finished??? I used to be one of those “oh hey let’s read the first chapter then send it back to the library because I’m bored” sort of readers, but now I think I could really like them.
Then again… if characters communicated better, what fun would that be for us readers!?
Kara @ Diary of a Teen Writer recently posted…The Darkest Part of the Forest || Folk, Fairytales, and Beautiful Writing
You are in dire need. Seriously. Words do not describe the direness of your need to Skulduggery. JUST READ IT. It's glorious. I'm up to book 7 and crying because I don't want the emotional trauma. But seriously, the first 3 books aren't astounding, so you have to keep with it. xD*whispers* We probably would have no books if they learnt to communicate. XD
Haha, this was a great list. I loved especially the Fault in Our Stars commentary 😀
I’m not sure whether this duo really fits into this topic, but Harry and Snape…. because think how much the whole series would chance if Harry knew everything. That would take the fun (and the heartache) away though as well.
Milka@ReadReadRead recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday (#26) – Top Ten Books Which Feature Characters Who Are Struggling With Grief
OH YES. That totally fits!!
BEAUTIFUL POST IS BEAUTIFUL. First off, Chaol seriously should’ve told Celaena about the Nehemia thing. And now I don’t ship Celaena with anyone. Somehow, Chaol and Celaena don’t ship well in my head after she almost killed him. :’)
Also, what’s with people not telling the protagonist anything? Like Katniss or Thomas??? This is why Katniss had trust issues!
Anyway, loved this post, it made my night. 🙂
Jo recently posted…books and reading tag
Tbh, I'm mad at CELANEA not Chaol for that. I can't understand why it went in that direction. 0_0 I htink they both needed to do some maturing, buuuut. OH MY GOSH IT WAS NOT CHAOL'S FAULT. I probably won't forgive Celaena for breaking is adorable poor little heart. >.>
This was too funny!!! For real I was laughing. Totally agree with Tris and Four, Katniss and the world but especially Hazel and Gus. Love the list!
Grace @ Rebel Mommy Book Blog recently posted…Top Ten Characters Who . . .
YAY! THANK YOU!. *dances around like a pleased pineapple frond*
Absolutely fantastic list! Gave me a giggle 🙂
Cora @ Tea Party Princess
Cora @ Tea Party Princess recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday #31
WELL. That is good news. XD
Hahaha, I love your topic this week, and I definitely agree with you about poor Katniss. No one tells that girl anything, and then they all get annoyed when she’s angry with them. Poor girl. And you’re right about the characters in Skulduggery Pleasant, though I quite like that not a single one of them is guiltless. 😉
Jess @ Curiouser and Curiouser recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday | Characters Who Deserved Better
She has RIGHTS to be angry!! Omg, she's one of the most manipulated YA characters ever. *cries for Skulduggery* He and Valkyrie are notorious for bad decisions.
Ahem. Basically, I think all of Twilight. XD
Also, Arobynn and Sam in The Assassin’s Blade. ALSO CHAOL! Also I don’t like Chaol. Also Sam 4eva. Also, okay I’m gunna shut up about TOG right now.
Will and Jem in The Infernal Devices, yes that needed to be a thing. COMMUNICATE! TELL TESSA OR YOU MIGHT ACTUALLY DIE!
Also Magnus Bane and Everyone with a capital E.
Oooh and basically any romance novel ever.
And also The Hobbit. TELL BILBO THE THINGS!!!! OTHERWISE THINGS WILL GO DOWN!!!!!
And I’m sure there are plenty more, just…COMMUNICATE YOU CHARACTERS YOU!!!!
Thanks for sharing Cait! xoxo
Renee Bookboyfriends recently posted…sarosenna:
Y’know what’s sad? We can protect Adam with our lives but Maggie still has the final…
I only read the first Twlight SO I CAN'T COMMENT. >_< And zomg, stahhhp I NEED TO READ THE INFERNAL DEVICES. I'm literally going to see if I can snag the first one at the library tomorrow because so. much. longing. HEHEMagnus = yes. He's awful for communication. SO IS ALEC. Gah. So is, um, everyone in TMI?!! I mean, even Luke is awful at it. xD
Hahaha this is probably the most accurate topic ever. Communicating characters is not exactly YA’s strong suit. So many story lines would be so much shorter and clean cut if characters actually talked to each other. Your commentary on The Maze Runner was my favorite! The Gladers are so shocked that he asks so many questions, but really who wouldn’t in that scenario! I’m more concerned about why the other boys didn’t ask questions and just went along with the days and days of only getting little pieces of information.
Steph @ Scarlet Nerded recently posted…Top Ten Books With Characters Who Would Win A Fight
I guess we would have no books if they learnt to communicate?!! HAHA. Sorry. xD BUT YES. YA characters are rather notorious for misunderstands and miscommunication. AGH. Would it kill them to tell Thomas stuff instead of, you know, just say “Hey there, welcome! Shut up now!” POOR THOMAS.
Love your post! The way you write is actually quite refreshing, I love it! OMG you were totally right about Tris and Four lol. I think they’re both hypocrites and if she told him everything and visa versa maybe it would have had a different ending? What do you think? I adored the Divergent trilogy!! Some of the other books sound interesting too like the City of Bones book. I’ve seen it about but not really paid much attention to it.
Thank you! 😀
Amy recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books Which Feature Characters Who Use Magic!
Aw, thank you, Amy!! ^-^ Being interesting = life goal. hehe. WHO KNOWS ABOUT DIVERGENT. Gah. I don't regret the Allegiant goal, but I wish Four/Tris had been a bit more trusting of each other. Tbh, they just needed to mature a lot BUT STILL MY HEART IS BROKEN INTO TINY PIECES.
Oh man, the Skulduggery one, IT KILLED ME BECAUSE IT’S TRUE! Oh man, if people would speak, boat load of issues would be solved, but where’s the fun eh? YOU LIKE THE REVEAL OF SKULLY? Oh damn, it was so heartbreaking so – put down the book worthy right? Book 6, you’ve still got 3 to go, oh you little.. it gets so much more painful, remembering hurts.
Amanda @ Beautiful Bookish Butterflies recently posted…Book Review – Sweet Reckoning
I HATE SKULDUGGERY. BUT I ALSO LOVE IT. SO YEAH. Omg, the secret of who-Skulduggery-really-is actually had me in such an emotional stew I had to put the book down for a while. I mean, YES, he's not who he was but OMG SERIOUSLY?!! WHY WOULD YOU DROP THIS BOMBSHELL ON ME, DEREK LANDY?? I THOUGHT WE WERE FRIENDS. ***cries for a long time**
This is the biggest peeve I have when it comes to plot devices. If the whole story moves along because two characters don’t communicate, i get a little ragey! The Hunger Games drove me crazy! If I was Katniss, I would have beat them all up. Jerks.
Anne @ Lovely Literature recently posted…TTT: Top ten characters whose skills we envy
TOO TRUE. I think I would've been swinging punches. -_-
Hahaha I LOVE your choice of topic this week! So true! Particularly agree with the Chaol & Celaena one!x
Rhoda K recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday #12: Characters I’d Want On My Side
I will FOREVER cry that they haven't fixed that misunderstanding up yet.
LOL! I LOVE this!!! Lack of communication between characters drives me insane! A small amount, or the “right” amount of it can work wonders, but when its sole purpose is to cause the chaos/drama only for it to be resolved again 400 pages later? It drives me insane!!!
Chaolaena IS still floating. It’s just got lost at sea. It’s buoyant though, it’ll return.
I definitely laughed out loud at #2 and #9 – though in The Mortal instruments, I’m more frustrated by Clary and Jace not talking to each other for most of the books!! R x
Rachel recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday – Male Characters Who Have My Heart
It's such a popular plot device AND PROBABLY THE MOST FRUSTRATING. **tears hair out slowly** erggh. XD But to be truthful, we'd probably have 50-pge books if these characters learnt to communicate, right?!I'M GOING TO PRAY AND HOPE AND BEG THAT CHAOLENA FLOATS. But I SJM mentioend something about Celanea's love-life in an interview that made me think it was going to not end up as Chaolena. I will die. It's my ONLY ship in that book.
Great topic! I like this week’s more open-ended prompt because I am loving seeing all of the creative routes different book bloggers took with it. The world is your oyster this week! Check my take out at http://insearchoftheendofthesidewalk.com/2015/04/…
I love it when they're super open like this, too!! XD I'm glad you like my seafoodish post. 😉
Hahaha…..GREAT post Cait! Witty and brilliantly put together, well done you! It’s true though, so many of the character from YA books would have much simpler and safe lives if they were just able to communicate properly!
My TTT – Thea @ Gizzimomo’s Book Shelf
Thea Wilson recently posted…TOP TEN TUESDAY – Top Ten Mentors
But the YA books would probably be 50-pages long if they learnt to communicate, amirite?!! HAHHA.
Haha,I love your take on the list Cait!
As much as I love Chaol and Celaena,I often want to hit them in their heads with Rapunzel’s frying pan.Why don’t they actually tell each other what they’re thinking?What happened in their past?Instead,they just break all the poor fans’ hearts who ship these couple so hard as if their lives depend on it!
And Ronan!I love that guy a lot.He is my favourite of the raven boys as well,and I love his weird little relationship with Adam-is it just me,or do they really have something going on?
Mishma @ Chasing Faerytales recently posted…Why do we need more diverse books?
I will cry forever from my Chaolena ship. THEY BELONG TOGETHER THEY DO AND IF THEY DON'T END UP TOGETHER I DON'T EVEN KNOW IF I'M GOING TO LIKE THE SERIES' ENDING. >.>They totally have something going on. XD Did you read Blue Lily?!! There's totally a scene with the shopping cart and Ronan and Adam being wild and ZOMG. They have a thing.
Wow,really?I didn’t read past The Raven Boys,but even from the first book,I just sensed something fishy between them:)
Mishma @ Chasing Faerytales recently posted…Why do we need more diverse books?
Oh my goodness YES about Tris and Four. It drove me nuts in Insurgent and Allegiant, because they were both banging on about trust but then both doing things behind the other’s back. It was so frustrating.
WHY CAN NO ONE COMMUNICATE IN YA?
I agree with Milka@ReadReadRead, if Snape and Harry had communicated perhaps the series would have turned out differently. Of course, it wouldn’t have been as entertaining because we wouldn’t spend half the series wondering whether or not we liked Snape.
Rosie recently posted…Yes Please – Amy Poehler
It was totally annoying. >.> I mean, I LOVE Allegiant, but it bugged me that the second they finished roasting each other about trust, they'd TOTALLY IGNORE IT. **hyperventilates with anger**I'm guessing if they DID communicate in YA we would have teeny tiny books?!! XD
Fantastic list! You have a great writing style. I totally snort-chuckled out loud when I read that line “or I will slap you both simultaneously with a cake platter.” Thanks for stopping by my TTT!
Marie recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday
AWK! THANK YOU. This comment = the best.
I’ll give you one to add to your list-Dumbledore and Harry Potter!
Seriously, WHY didn’t anyone just tell Harry why it was so important not to think about the door to the Department of Mysteries??? Had they just EXPLAINED that there was a prophecy and Voldemort wanted to lure Harry there to pick it up, the fake vision would not have tricked Harry. I got so angry that Dumbledore wouldn’t tell him all the important stuff until it was too bloody late to help anyone! Grrr. Why didn’t he tell Harry about the horcruxes earlier as well???
chucklesthescot recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Amusing Sidekicks!
There was like this GIANT CONSPIRACY at Hogwarts for no one to tell Harry anything. EVER. -_-
Oh my gosh, YEES that is so true about the Mazerunner! Lol, i kinda stopped reading that book for now…maybe I’ll finish it over the summer.
I would add Cinder and Kai to your list. Cinder has communication problems with everyone in the series, but these two…i’m very glad they had a talk at the end of Cress. It was long over-due.
Oh, and Kestrel and Arin! They had some communication issues. 😛
I do so love them all but I'm a minority. heeh. I mean the miscommunication totally bugged me BUT THOMAS AND NEWT AND MINHO MA BABIES. :')omg, yes. They belong on this list. Cinder has seriously problems with talking, and Kai can get quite closed off and stubborn himself. **ships them aggressively**
GAH I was expecting to see Kestrel and Arin from The Winner’s Curse/Crime on here, because IF EVER TWO CHARACTERS NEED TO SIT DOWN AND HAVE AN HONEST DISCUSSION — *YANKS OUT HAIR*
Very good idea for a list, and there are probably about a bajillion books whose inner conflicts could’ve run a LOT smoother if everyone was honest with each other and spoke out once in a while. (But then, I suppose that wouldn’t make for quite as interesting of a book … but still!)
Christina @ Christina Writes recently posted…ten characters I would totally share a library with
I AM SO ANNOYED WITH MYSELF FOR FORGETTING THEM. They win the award. They do. I mean, HELLO THAT LAST SCENE IN THE WINNER'S CRIME. When Arin is blathering on and on and on in the piano room and Kestrel isn't sure if her dad is listening. I DIED. I DID. *has minor meltdown* I will never forgive that book for that cliffhanger.
Ha ha this is a classic idea… and so true. Especially Hazel & Gus and Katniss & everyone else. You nailed them!
I haven’t read the Dream Thieves – must get it. 🙂
Sue Holmes recently posted…Book Characters Who Fell For a Faerie
The Dream Thieves is AMAZING. Although I think book 3 is my favourite so far. 😉
I love your topic. I’d add Bella and Edward to the list. Also, I totally agree with TFIOS. I love that book, but the lack of communication irritated me.
Aj @ Read All The Things! recently posted…Review: Doubt: A Parable – John Patrick Shanley
I only read the first Twilight so I wasn't sure if I could add them or not yet. i think their real miscommunication starts in book 2?? I'M NOT EVEN SURE. One day! I'll read it! I WILL.
I agree with the Ronan thing. He tells no one anything. Oh, hey, I’ve known you for years and you believe in magical stuff, but why don’t I not tell you I can pull stuff from my dreams.
Aine recently posted…Chelovek Pseudonimas and Stolen Paintings (and Hale)
Because that would be a NICE and FRIENDLY thing to do. *growls at Ronan* I love him, but he's an idiot.
Oh my word the one about Celeana and Chaol made me laugh so hard… BUT YES OH MY WORD I’M STILL SORTA MAD ABOUT ALL THAT BECAUSE
UGH WHY CAN’T THEY JUST TALK A FEW WORDS INSTEAD OF TRYING TO KILL//HIDE FROM EACH OTHER AND AWKWARD WHEN THEY’RE ACTUALLY TOGETHER FOR FIVE MINUTES
PLEASE
Lisa Canfield recently posted…So you’re the guy who saved my life?
I SHIP THEM SO HARD SOMETIMES IT MAKES ME CRY AND I'M NOT SURE IF I CAN DO QUEEN OF SHADOWS, TBH. If that ship burns, i. will. cry.
There’s a lot of thought in this list, wow! I totally agree about Four and Tris, especially in Allegiant, as well as everyone keeping secrets from Katniss. It’s very annoying, but then I stop and tell myself that it’s needed for the story to move on in the way the author intends.
Thanks for visiting my blog!
Elizabeth recently posted…Ten Quirky Characters
It's totally true! XD These books wouldn't have floated without the miscommunication. haha!
HAHAHA. That Gus dialogue! And omg Rachel Elizabeth Dare! (But, seriously, you SHOULD get on with The Lost Hero! Like NOW.) I also agree with Tris and Four. I mean, that’ll probably be a good replacement for the synopsis of Allegiant.
And oh. It’s my first time to do TTT! But you, my friend, gets to take home the cake. BECAUSE YOU FOLLOW THE RULE LIKE A GOOD LITTLE CAT.
Shelumiel recently posted…Top Ten Books Which Feature Characters Who have Depression and/or Mental Illness
I just got Lost Hero from the library TODAY. But omg. why didn't anyone tell me it was the size of a small planet?!! I'M FREAKING OUT. hehe. I'll be okay. I'm tossing up whether to start it or Graceling first. 0-0*flails because is a rule follower* I don't know but I might have to break the rules on principle tomorrow.
I think I’m in love with this post.
ANNA gets me every time I read it. Like, of course I love Anna and Etienne, both together and apart, but SO MUCH OF THE BOOK IS UNNECESSARY DRAMA JUST BECAUSE THEY CAN’T COMMUNICATE RIGHT. Obviously, drama is necessary in a book. But not like that. Not dragging out the same small and easily fixed problem for hundreds of pages. And definitely agree about Ronan! He could totally just be like “Oh, I’m gonna die tomorrow. Let’s not tell anyone.” I also think that Blue’s family has a bit of a communication problem. I feel like there’s so much out there that they haven’t really fully explained to her.
Zoey @ Uncreatively Zoey recently posted…ARC Review: Rook
AHHHHHH. JUST GOT TO FLAIL FOR A SECOND. BE RIGHT BACK. Hehe, but really, yesss, ermagerd, Anna and Etienne had ISSUES. The drama was…it was tough. I'm usually zombie kind of reader, but omg, they were cute though. I LOVE THEIR CUTENESS.
Might I point out that you may only be following the “rules” this time simply because today’s topic was very open and let you practically choose what the topic should be? So perhaps this isn’t such a unique post after all. You are still the rebel you always were. 😛
As to what I would add to this list – practically every single Jane Austen character. Mostly the ones from Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion, and Mansfield Park. Their problems would all be solved if they would just agree to be a little blunt once in a while, and not expect that blushes and witty metaphors are understood by the opposite party. (Note that I adore Jane Austen, so this is not really a criticism. Just friendly teasing.)
And hahaha the TFIOS one was so good. Seriously, Gus.
Sophia recently posted…Am I a Good Parent to my Book Babies?
SHUSH, SOPHIA. DON'T RUIN THIS FOR ME. And here I thought I was being awesome and law abiding. I'M JUST GONNA STOP TRYING AND BE A REBEL FROM NOW ON. *stamps foot*My sister is reading Emma right now and wants to strangle some characters, so yes, I can definitely see what you mean. 😉 I HAVEN'T READ ANY AUSTEN. I feel kind of bad. But also I'm a lazy reader and i like easy books. x)
This is so funny! I always find that miscommunication is the biggest drama-creator in contemporary YA. If I’m reading a book and a couple finally got together halfway through the book, I know there will be some secret exposed or miscommunication that breaks them up for a period of time, until they end up together at the end. It’s kind of an annoying trope at times but, like you, I still can enjoy the books after all 😉
Lauren @ Bookmark Lit recently posted…Top Ten Tuesdays #38: Characters
I actually find it a SERIOUSLY annoying trope. Especially when it's the “omg you weren't honest that one time so now we can no longer be friends/relatives/lovers”. -_- Especially if hte miscommunication is only tiny too. GAH. SORT IT OUT, BOK CHARACTERS.
EVERYONE with Grace in All Fall Down. I mean, I know it would’ve been traumatic for her, but surely it would’ve been better for her family to break the plot twist to her instead of waiting for her to inevitably find out on her own. I agree with Ronan though (that boy can even keep secrets from himself!) and Percy and Annabeth… well, boys in fiction always seem to be oblivious. You’ve got The Lost Hero waiting on hold? I loved that one. Seriously, I devoured it in a day and then had to wait a whole year for the next one (bad planning 🙁 ). Not that I’m jealous that you can read them all back to back if you want to… 😉
YES AND YES. I mean, it totally would've messed her up, but the truth came out in the end anyway, right?!! i'VE GOT THE LOST HERO IN MY HANDS. How come no one told me it was the size of a lasagna?!! It'S HUGE.
I hate to say it but I have still not added the Skullduggery series to my TBR list yet. Soooo, guess what I’m about to go do? Add that series to my shelf, yes I am. 😉 I agree too that Tris and Four DEFINITELY should have communicated more. (I’m also biting my nails nervously for the last movie because, hoo boy, don’t want to see that ending. And with Hunger Games, OF COURSE, Katniss had to be the one to be left in the bark during like EVERYTHING! It was such a shame, but tis her life.
Keionda @Keionda Hearts Books recently posted…My Review Reckless Longing By: Gina Robinson
I APPROVE.!!! *showers you with approval confetti* And it's the middle ones that are so. so. good. the first 3 are more MG-ish. But then they get dark and scary and perfect. :')
Oh yes, this is gold. xD The Gus one, though. *cackles* WHY MUST YA CHARACTERS BE SO DREADFULLY BAD AT TALKING ABOUT THINGS. Honest to god, they keep all this *stuff* to themselves and expect to be able to handle it on their own. HA HA HA, how about no?
Jocelyn . . . *headdesks* I have so many issues with her parenting. Yes, let’s keep Clary safe, but also leave her on her own and let her do whatever she wants. That’ll work. I’d hate to see what would happen if she and John Winchester raised a kid.
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AND ALL THE SECRET STUFF AAAALWAYS COMES OUT, RIGHT?! SO WHYYYY BOTHER HIDING IT?! Also the Winchester brothers win for this.
The whole secrecy thing in the Maze Runner was SO infuriating! Like, why not tell him and have everyone on equal footing? I think it would have bettered their chances of getting out of there, but NOOOO. I agree with you on all the one’s I’ve read, but particularly that one. It was a good book, though.
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It was pretty darn irritating, BUT I STILL LOVE THOSE BOOKS.
Oh my goodness! Yes, Katniss and the rest of the world! What was their problem? It makes me think of Sherlock and John. “He knew too?! How many other people knew?” “Oh, just a few more. . . like fifty other people. . .” “What?” “I couldn’t tell you because you would’ve given it away, I needed you to really mourn.” *punches Sherlock in face* (similar to Katniss attacking Haymitch with a syringe, he was asking for it, just saying). If everybody treated me the way they treated Katniss, I don’t know what I would do. I would probably hate everybody and trust no one. . . and probably end up captured by the Capitol as some consequence to wandering off on my own.
Wait, wait. There are people who don’t like Four and Tris together? Like do NOT like them as a couple? What is the world coming too? (Whoever these people are, they must just be jealous. Because they don’t have a Four or a Tris.) I love the dynamics of their relationship. . . you know, except for the lack of communication thing. Throughout the whole series! Four in the first book: I’ll kiss you tonight but in the morning I’m going to insult in front of everyone! Oh, wait, no let’s not tell her, let’s just do it! Tris in the second book: I’ll just lie straight to his face and then leave while he’s asleep. This is a great way to build a relationship while saving the world. You summed up the third book to perfection. But, hey, this is the first time for both of them to actually try to be good communicators (I mean they’re not that great with their friends either, so. . .) I guess they had a lot too learn. But no time to do so. *sobs*
I didn’t read Percy and Annabeth’s. I just started the Lightning Thief, but I can already tell, they’re not the best at telling each other things. Nobody is in that whole book! Percy’s mom. Chiron. The Oracle. You can’t get any straight answers around the Greek gods, can you?
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Omg. Sherlock was THE WORST HUMAN IN EXISTENCE in that episode. I would've punched him too. -_-Didn't you know that?!!! There are SO MANY angry hordes of fans that hate Fourtris. I usually see people shipping Tris with EVERYONE but Four. 0-0 I get that they have problems, but I felt it made them realistic. *shrugs* Plus they were still adorable. FOREVER WILL CRY OVER THAT ONE.
That made me laugh. Great topic you chose there and you’re absolutely right. I can’t even remember how many times I found myself screaming at book characters to finally get it together and talk to each other. Your picks are on point!
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Hehe, yaaay, thankyou Jen!!
Cait you make me laugh so much,. That was the one thing that drove me crazy about the ‘Maze Runner’ there was no logical reason why they couldn’t tell him. I am reading the ‘Titian’s Curse’ right now, and Percy and Annabeth just need to own up to their feelings. The drama the miscommunication gets old. I love Ronan, I’ve only read the first one, but finding out that Chainsaw came out of his dream was just like, Whaaat! “Yer a Shadow hunter Clary,’ I lost it. My choice, would have to be Amy and Nox from, ‘Dorthy Must Die,’ I love how nobody clued her in on the plan. It was all like ‘Kill Dorthy’ but were are not going to tell you anything, so there is a big possibility you will accidentally screw the whole thing up and get people killed, and maybe you won’t kill Dorthy. Just wow.
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OKAY, SO THIS COMMENT COMPLETELY MADE MY DAY. THAT IS ALL. YOU ARE THE BEST. Except, also, yuuuus to Ronan. I was so gobsmacked at that page, I had to reread it like 9 millions times. -_- NOX WAS ANNOYING TOO. Also Pete, but he kind of wasn't fully in control of that situation so yes, I'll give him that. >.>
OMGosh yes. I particularly liked the Celaena and Chaol: “Communicate and listen to both sides of each other’s stories, or I will slap you both simultaneously in the face with cake platter.” You’re right — it really WOULD have changed the entire rest of the series. And the boiled down thoughts for Gus were brilliant 😉
Have you ever read the Heros series, by Moira J. Moore? It’s an absolutely amazing series. In the first book the two main characters can’t communicate with each other AT ALL. And by the end of the series (6 books, if I remember correctly) they practically over-communicate. It’s kind of cool to watch that development though, since bad communication in books is one thing that drives me ABSOLUTELY UP THE BLOODY WALL.
Similarly with the Georgina Kincaid series by Richelle Mead.
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*flails and dances* I'm so glad you enjoyed it. xD I haven't read the Heroes series! (I hadn't actually even heard of it till now so off I go to investigate!! HUZZAH. Bad communication kills me. It just goes from interesting-plot-device to downright-irritating really fast.
I love your topic so much I can’t even! Maze Runner is #1 in this regard, I was SO FREAKING ANNOYED by the lack of communication in that book! Good point about TFioS as well. Sheesh. And Clary and her mom! Wow, okay. So there really is a problem in YA books where people don’t communicate. Think they’re trying to tell us something?
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I DON'T EVEN KNOW. Can I think of a book without seriously horrific miscommunication right now? Nope…OH, wait.Nope. Still can't.
Yeah, I agree about Katniss. And all that secret-keeping kind of hobbled her as a character. How can you kick ass and do what you need to do when nobody lets you know what’s going on?! Argh.
La Coccinelle @ The Ladybug Reads… recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday – Top Ten Books Which Feature Characters Who Are (or Have Been) Dead
And then they get mad at said-hero for failing! WELL MAYBE IF YOU TOLD SAID HERO WHAT WAS GOING ON, THEY WOULDN'T HAVE FAILED?!! -_-
I love this! I think that’s why I hated Mockingjay so much because Katniss was so in the dark. and OMG want to strangle Tris and Four both!
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I did adore Mockingjay, but just about everyone was seriously unfair to poor Katniss. SHE DIDN'T ASK TO BE THE MOCKINGJAY. *cries*
You are so right about all of these, especially the Maze Runner. I know it adds suspense for the reader, but COME ON. His LIFE is at stake because you are withholding essential information. Gah!
Emily Seals recently posted…in which I daydream about our honeymoon, July 2014.
I guess it's so we keep turning pages?!! but I was so MAD turning pages because how hard is it to spit out the basic info straight up?! PUH-LEASE?
Communication issues between characters infuriate me so much, especially in romance books or when something goes wrong because of miscommunication. Or they keep a big secret behind and it comes back to bite them later on.
I recently actually read a romance book were the characters did communicate, so refreshing. Great topic for a ten list! I only have read the Hunger Games and Insurgent from this list, so Idon’t know about the other books, but from what you describe these characters have some serious communication issues.
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It's very very obvious wants going to happen when a book starts off with bad communication, right? Ergh. Predictability isn't my favourite. OMG WHAT WAS THAT BOOK?!! I can't even think of a book with good communication. -_-
YES YES YES.
I would add about Anna and the French Kiss that not only did Etienne need to communicate more with Anna, but he also needed to communicate more with his GIRLFRIEND and HIMSELF. I actually struggle with that book, because Etienne is basically emotionally cheating on his girlfriend the entire time, and I’m never okay with cheating plot lines.
Lack of communication really is a common thread in books. Fangirl? (I love that book and wouldn’t change a thing, but COME ON, GUYS.) I’m scrolling through my Goodreads shelf, and I would list my additions, but then we’d be here all day. I think it comes up in almost every book.
ETIENNE HAD ISSUES. He really was the most immature guy I'd read for a long time, so good thing was so adorable and witty or I think I would've smacked him with that cake platter too. -_-It totally is every YA book. I couldn't think of one…
This is such a fun topic!! I love it haha I was agreeing with everything you said, except for the ToG one because I’m [mostly] a Dorian/Celaena shipper (actually I don’t mind her with anyone else but just not Chaol — whoops sorry lol). I feel your pain though because my ship was sunk at the end of ToG haha I have bleak hope though. Very bleak lol. But anyway, I agree that there was still a miscommunication. I laughed so much when Anna and Etienne came up. These two got me so frustrated when I was reading Anna and the French Kiss. Really great choices!
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AHHH HOW COULD YOU?!! lol I'm juuuust kidding. I actually do approve that there are options. I wouldn't die if it was Dorian/Calaena, but but but I really want Chaoleana. I DO. I CANNOT CHANGE THIS. x)
Haha xD thanks for making me laugh, I LOVED this! I had my sister read it too and we both were laughing, I mean you sure do bring up some great points! This is my favorite Top Ten Tuesday so far XD LOVE IT!
Angelina @ Otkautwins Reviews recently posted…A Magic Dark and Bright Review
YOU WERE BOTH LAUGHING?!! My job here = complete.
That nonchalant “yer a Shadowhunter, Clary” line actually made me laugh out loud. BUT IT’S SO TRUE!
Lack of or miscommunication in books is probably one of my biggest pet peeves. YOU HAVE WORDS PEOPLE! USE THEM!
AHHHH THIS MAKES ME PLEASED THAT YOU LIKED IT. *fails like an overexcited penguin*
I agree with poor Katniss! I just rewatched Catching Fire and Mockingjay a couple weekends ago and was so sad that everyone kept everything from her!
acps927 recently posted…The Top Ten Books Which Feature Characters Who Have More Brains than Brawn
No wonder she was snapping at the end, amirite?!!
Your prompt could apply to EVERY ROMANCE NOVEL EVER! There would be way shorter books and way more happy endings quicker. Seriously.
Sarah M recently posted…Review: The Beautiful Daughters
Basically every book ever too. xD I was trying to think of a YA book that didn't belong on this list but…nope?!! I guess it's humanities biggest downfall. xD
OMG THE KATNISS ONE. How is that poor girl supposed to lead the rebellion if she doesn’t know what the heck is going on. Can you imagine if they’re like “we’re planning an attack on [this date]” and Katniss gets the wrong date because no one tells her anything.
The TFIOS one was kind of understandable because he didn’t want to ruin her experience but it’s a horrible thing to NOT tell her while she thinks she’s the one who’s going to make everyone upset.
Nova @ Out of Time recently posted…Get Rec’d: Fave Feminist Anthems
EXACTLY. NO ONE TELLS KATNISS ANYTHING EVER. POOR WEE LAMB. No wonder she had a mental breakdown.
HAHAH! Yes! This is a fantastic topic! I think I would add Kestrel and Arin in The Winner’s Crime… gah that nearly killed me!
Amanda P. recently posted…Top Ten Female Characters Who Take No Shit in YAL
I'm so annoyed I forgot them! THEY WIN THE AWARD FOR THIS. >_<
Seriously! What is with these people!? You are SO RIGHT. And that communication bit in Allegiant is one of the things I hated most about the story. And I hated a lot of things about it, but that was infuriating. JUST STOP IT. And with Katniss, it’s like, you want her to TRUST YOU and your stupid rebellion, but then you tell her exactly ZERO things!? Good plan, guys. And Gus. What a BOY. That is something a boy would do and think is fine. Clary’s mother… ::Grumbles to self:: I do not like her. AT ALL. I mean, I didn’t LOVE Clary, but ugh, her mother was annoying.
I am now nervous about starting Crown of Midnight. VERY NERVOUS. That is all.
Shannon @ It Starts At Midnight recently posted…Review: Material Girls by Elaine Dimopoulos
PLEASE, SOMEONE TELL KATNISS SOMETHING. NOOOOW. *cries for Katniss* No wonder she lost it at the end, too. I didn't like Jocelyn either. I mean, it took me 94 times to spell her freaking name right, so that didn't improve our (non existent) relationship. **sigh** LUKE WAS THE PERFECT PARENT.
Awesome list! And a fantastic idea! I agree with you on a lot of these, especially Clary and her mother, and Thomas, Minho and Newt! Fantastic!
Madeline @ Imaginary Worlds recently posted…BOOK HAUL: April 2015
Clary's mum KILLED ME with her logic. -_- Luke,though?! Best parent ever.
You are right on. The books I’ve read on your list are all good examples of people who don’t communicate thier feelings well.
Anne recently posted…The Woman in White—update, the third
It's a very popular plot device, right?!
Love this topic! I completely agree with you about Maze Runner. That is part of the reason why I didn’t like the first book of that series. The first half of the book is everyone telling Thomas not to worry about the fact that he doesn’t know anything. Annoying
Cynthia recently posted…Top Ten Tuesdays – Top Ten Books With Strong Female Characters!
How the heck can he NOT worry about stuff?! I MEAN COME ON GUYS. Sheesh. This is why dudes should not live without girls to beat sense into them. HAHA. Sorry. But seriously…. >.>
HAHAHA, that imaginary Gus narrative was hilarious. And seriously, Celaena would have avoided so many misunderstandings and other things if she only decided to talk rather than snarl! But then again, she wouldn’t be the Celaena we know, would she? 😉 But seriously speaking, I hate it when characters don’t communicate or tell vital information to their friends without a valid reason. “It must be my imagination” “It would protect her” “She doesn’t have to know” are just reaaaally lame excuses!
Faye M. recently posted…Release Day Review: Black Iris by Leah Raeder
Celanea and Chaol NEEEEEED to talk or I'm gonna explode. Seriously. They were perfect for each other. *cries forever*
What a brilliant post Cait! Gah, the miscommunication thing is a common plot device in YA novels, and it’s so frustrating! If they only communicated, then there wouldn’t be a story, so…hahah Four and Tris, so hilarious. And I loved the TFIOS discussion with Gus.
Jeann @ Happy Indulgence recently posted…Dissonance by Erica O’Rourke Review: Confusing Alternate Realities
It is totally popular plot device, right?! And I guess it's not baaaad, but it's probably my least favourite. >_<
The first people to pop into my head when I read your blog title were Four and Tris… and they were the second couple on your list. I’m so happy to not be the only person who constantly wanted to slap some sense into them (and yet still really liked them as a couple)! Also, Katniss and the rest of the world. Yes. (Except, might I point out that by including “the rest of the world” you launched your number of characters in this list far above 10…)
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SAME! I loved them as a couple and yet, ergh, so frustrating. xD I just wished they'd trusted each other more…the Allegiant movie is gonna KILL ME. *cries forever*SHHHH. I was pretending to do the prompt properly here. PRETENDING.
YES THANK YOU. This is probably my biggest book pet peeve. I feel like so much confusion and delay could be prevented if people just TALKED to each other. I can’t even tell you how many times iv’e screamed “JUST TALK TO THEM. EXPLAIN. USE WORDS” at a book before. I feel you with the Chaoleana thing because YES. IT STILL HURTS. Four and Tris are probably the best example of non-communication in a couple and it’s so frustrating. PERCABETH. The longest build up to a romantic relationship EVER. The Heroes of Olympus series is great – glad you’ll be able to read it soon. Overall, amazing topic, Cait and I agree with everything you said.
Olivia @ Fluttering Pages recently posted…Waiting On Wednesday #3
“USE YOUR WORDS, YOU SILLY LITTLE IDIOT CHARACTERS” <-- That is me like 98% of the time. Omg. It's a very popular plot device?
Haha! XD I haven’t read all of these, but I totally agree with the Hunger Games, The Maze Runner, Divergent, and Percy Jackson. It’s one thing I like better in the Maze Runner movie is that they communicated better.
storitorigrace.blogspot.com
That is true!! They did a LOT better in the movie. (Plus they were all so adorable…zomg.)
I agree with all these choices Cait (except Percy & Annabeth, ‘cuz Percabeth is flawless).
I think the main reason that I was a bit annoyed with Allegiant was because Tris and Tobias didn’t communicate, and they kept trying to solve their problems by making out. *sighs* And same with Chaol & Celaena. Like you said, I think if Dorian just made them all talk out their problems the series would have gone in a completely different direction.
Thanks for sharing, and wonderful post!
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Ah I SEE HOW IT IS THEN. You’re a Percabeth is Flawless shipper. 😉 Um, YES. I would agree with that analysis of Four/Tris in Allegiant. I mean, I LOVED them, and I always will, but I ain’t denying their huge problems.
Four and Tris–YES! This drove me BONKERS while I was reading the trilogy. I liked them as a couple when they first got together, and by the end they were that annoying couple you wish you didn’t have to get brunch with, but you already promised and now you have to sit through their petty arguments while you eat your omelet.
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I’m just so in awe of that picture you just painted that, omg. WELL SAID, MY OMELET FRIEND.
Baaahahaha!! I love your topic!! Come on, Anna, decide already!! Lol
Lisa @ Lost in Literature recently posted…A Special Announcement from Cora Carmack
And Etienne: GROW UP AND MATURE A BIT. XD But omg I still love them.
I am so behind on commenting on your posts… How do you have SO MANY great posts? 🙂
Uh, yes, these choices are perfect. I just finished Allegiant and I wanted to slap both of them (but mainly Tobias) and lock them in a room so they’d start talking like normal people.
And the non-communication situation in Mockingjay pretty much ruined that book for me. I really liked The Hunger Games but the conclusion was just bad 🙁
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BECAUSE I’M FABULOUS. *hair toss* Hahaha, just kidding. Omg, you are too nice to me. ;-))
Ah, yes, Tobias and Tris needed…help. LOTS AND LOTS OF COMMUNICATION HELP.
Dumbledore in the 5th Harry Potter book – it’s like, TELL HIM SOMETHING, GODDAMMIT!
I only read the ones I had read myself because well, I didn’t want any spoilers. But some of these had me laughing. Especially the TFiOS one. :3 But I didn’t really like the HG but I see where you are going with Katniss never being fully in the link. And the Four and Tris relationship is hilarious because it is just SO TRUE. xD I think that the Annabeth one mayyy just be Annabeth being her (I still need to start the second series too. Been like over a year since I finished the first lot. I’m worried the seconds won’t be as good.) I had more to say but well, let’s leave it there ^.^
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