The twelfth book of Christmas is The Heroine’s Bookshelf: Life Lessons, from Jane Austen to Laura Ingalls Wilder by Erin Blakemore. This book is the second heroine-centric book on our 12 Days list, following up Day Three’s account of How to Be a Heroine. 
If I had my way, I would swap the titles of these two books. While both provide in-depth analysis of classic literary heroines, Blakemore’s volume takes a more direct approach to examining the characteristics these heroines display in the light of helping her reader decide what kind of heroine she is going to be. For we are, according to Blakemore, “the protagonists of our own personal novels.”
Consequently, each chapter of The Heroine’s Bookshelf is dedicated to a defining characteristic and that characteristic is examined through the lens of the literary lady that Blakemore feels exhibits it the best. For example, the concept of “self” takes the spotlight in Chapter One, and is represented by the well-known Lizzy Bennet of Pride and Prejudice. Beginning with a bit of biography on Jane Austen, Blakemore provides some insight into the things that shaped the author and consequently, the character. From there she delves into the character herself, analyzing how Lizzy’s story is defined and shaped by her spunky and independent sense of self.
Each chapter follows the same general pattern, first introducing the author and providing us with just enough background to understand the figure she created, and then illustrating how that figure represents and teaches us about heroic qualities. Capping off each chapter are two small supplementary sections that provide a lovely compliment to the thoughtfulness that is inherit in Blakemore’s writing. The first provides a few possible scenarios and/or situations for when to read this novel, and the second lists three of the featured lady’s “literary sisters” by way of additional book recommends with similar heroines.
Blakemore’s chapters cover a range of topics from basic values like faith and family ties, to more recondite areas such as indulgence and magic. But to each of her chapters, she brings the same thoughtful and reverent tone that considers her topics with much care. Blakemore has a delicate way of addressing the heart behind each addressed characteristic, at times stunning me with the simple beauty in her words. But over and above her way of putting things, I was most impressed with the guiding approach she takes in her work. Rather than simply presenting her personal findings, Blakemore addresses these ideas as topics to consider, strongly impressing on her readers the importance of exploring and deciding for themselves.
There are many incredible titles discussed in the pages of this book, and even more recommended that I am eager to go pick up. If her mission through this book was to inspire people to read and to examine our heroines in new light, then she has accomplished that with at least me. I hope you will give her the chance to inspire you as well.
Live, Love, Learn
Elise and The Write Teacher(s)