Forget partisan politics. The U.S. came together last week and shared many a laugh with their brothers and sisters across the aisle over the never ending and ever delightful stream of Bernie Sanders memes. What’s not to love? His mittens, that pose, the manila envelope clutched beneath his arm … It’s comedy gold.
Why do we love that Bernie photo (and all it’s many iterations) so much? I’m convinced it’s because he is unapologetically himself — and through his “I don’t give two hoots” attitude, we can all see glimpses of our favorite uncle, aging father, goofy grandpa and even ourselves. To cast cultural expectations and social obligations aside, to fully live into who we are and how we feel, is something that I believe we all secretly long for. At least to some extent.
I absolutely adore quirky people in real life, and I love to read about them on the page too. That’s why this list of eccentric, offbeat and unexpected characters reflects a round-up of some of my all-time favorite books. Ready for an unconventional read? Eager to embrace your own inner idiosyncrasies? You’re going to love these quirky characters.
The Secret Ingredient of Wishes by Susan Bishop Crispell
When Rachel Monroe runs away from her hometown and winds up in Nowhere, NC, she’s just looking for a fresh start. What she doesn’t expect is a roommate who bakes secrets into pies, a handsome neighbor who makes her dream about her own happily ever after, or a town ripe with homey, Southern charm. As her new life becomes more and more complicated, Rachel finds herself struggling to hide her own big secret: she can make wishes come true. The Secret Ingredient of Wishes is perfect for fans of Sarah Addison Allen — and anyone who likes their stories to carry just a whiff of magic. (Read also Aimie Runyan’s review here.)
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Eleanor Oliphant has no problem speaking her mind — though she’s often oblivious to the sometimes disastrous results. Socially awkward and unsettled by human contact, she’s made a comfortable if lonely life for herself. Until she meets Raymond the IT guy. As they bumble their way through a fledgling relationship, Eleanor must come face to face with her own traumatic past if she hopes to live a life abundant. Perfect for readers of Maria Semple, Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine is a bighearted, hope-filled story that will make readers laugh and cry in turn.
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
What could be better than a book set in a bookstore? One with a pinch of mystery, a dollop of whimsy and a reluctant love story of course. A.J. Fikry is slowly becoming a hermit. After the death of his wife and the slow decline of his bookstore, all he really wants is to be left alone. But a persistent sales rep and an unexpected package change everything. A.J.’s curmudgeonly ways are in serious jeopardy as he tackles the unexpected with tenacity and grace. If you love books about books, The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry is for you. (Read also Ariel Lawhon’s review here.)
The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick
I Thought You Said This Would Work by Ann Garvin
Published in 2019, The Line Between explored the horror of a global pandemic long before COVID-19 burst onto the scene. It’s unapologetically a dystopian thriller, but Wynter Roth, the intrepid protagonist at the heart of the story, is as quirky as they come. A long-time member of an isolated doomsday cult, New Earth, Wynter is thrust into the real world in the midst of utter chaos. Drawing from years of experience as a reluctant cult member as well as her knowledge of the inner workings of New Earth, Wynter is caught in a race against time. Love dystopian fiction? You’ll absolutely love The Line Between.
When sixty-nine-year-old Arthur Pepper is cleaning out his late wife’s closet, he comes across a charm bracelet that he has never seen before. Shocked that Miriam had kept something so significant from him, he sets off on an adventure to uncover the story behind each unique charm. As the journey progresses and Arthur learns more and more about the time before they fell in love, he discovers even greater depths to his beloved wife — and himself. Perfect for fans of Fredrik Backman, The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper is certain to delight!
Okay, I Thought You Said This Would Work doesn’t release until May 1, but it definitely deserves to be on this quirky characters list. What do you get when you take two estranged former best friends, a completely crazy plan and a D-list celebrity? A cross-country trek in a VW camper to steal a dog of course! I’m counting the days until I can read Samantha and Holly’s zany story. Available for pre-order now, I Thought You Said This Would Work will appeal to fans of Amy Poeppel and Sophie Kinsella.
