This list would have been much, much easier to compile if it had been, instead, a list of books Hermione would like. I can think of title after title for that. But she is a specific type of Gryffindor - and I wanted to be a little more general in my selections, books that might be good picks for Gryffindors as a whole, or at least a larger swath of them than just the Hermione types.
Another problem I faced was how recent or relevant to make the list. Do I want to stick to more recent, popular books people would have heard of? Or should I really dig deep and get a perfect Gryffindor book, even if it's obscure? And should I stick with books I've read, or any book that fits even if it isn't one I've personally had experience with? As you might have guessed from my wonderings, I'm not really a Gryffindor (whatever Pottermore might say !!! They're wrong, I tell you) - I'm more of a Ravenclaw, so my list might reflect those sensibilities a bit.
So what makes a Gryffindor? They're brave, bold, courageous. And they can be idealistic - they see the world as it should be, rather than how it is. They're warm and can be people oriented, but many Gryffindors are also very independent. They have to do what they think is right, regardless of rules or what other people might think. They're passionate and fierce, especially about their interests and things they care about. They can be stubborn, even competitive. But they can also be playful and funny. Because of all this, I mainly chose adventure stories. Many of these are for children, as well, not because a Gryffindor is childish, but because that's the age when things can seem the most exciting, when you're discovering new things and exploring the world. That's also a time when idealism can be at its strongest, before cynicism gets beaten into you. It's also a time when we're discovering who we are - and the literature often reflects this, telling stories of young people finding themselves and affirming their identity. Gryffindors can be very in your face about "This is who I am!" so I think those stories of identity will resonate.
1. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
L'Engle's Time Quintet is one of my favorite series (though I haven't read the last book, An Acceptable Time), and it was incredibly important to me growing up. A Wrinkle in Time is the first book, and it's probably tied with A Swiftly Tilting Planet for my favorite in the series (though, to be fair, Planet may edge it out just a little). This book follows Meg Murray, her brother Charles Wallace, and her classmate Calvin as they travel through time and space to rescue Mr. Murray, Meg and Charles Wallace's father, who's been missing. It's fantastical and science-y and inventive and full of heart and I absolutely recommend it.
Synopsis:
It was a dark and stormy night; Meg Murry, her small brother Charles Wallace, and her mother had come down to the kitchen for a midnight snack when they were upset by the arrival of a most disturbing stranger.Gryffindors Might Enjoy Because:
"Wild nights are my glory," the unearthly stranger told them. "I just got caught in a downdraft and blown off course. Let me sit down for a moment, and then I'll be on my way. Speaking of ways, by the way, there is such a thing as a tesseract."
A tesseract (in case the reader doesn't know) is a wrinkle in time. To tell more would rob the reader of the enjoyment of Miss L'Engle's unusual book. A Wrinkle in Time, winner of the Newbery Medal in 1963, is the story of the adventures in space and time of Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin O'Keefe (athlete, student, and one of the most popular boys in high school). They are in search of Meg's father, a scientist who disappeared while engaged in secret work for the government on the tesseract problem.
A Wrinkle in Time is the winner of the 1963 Newbery Medal.
The adventure! This is such an imaginative story, following the kids to all these other exciting worlds.
2. Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson
Okay, so do I think Gryffindors will like this? Yes. Do I also have a vested interest in recommending this because it was a much beloved staple of my childhood? ALSO YES. Calvin and Hobbes is such a wonderful, wonderful series that really you should stop reading what I'm saying and go pick up a book and discover it for yourself.
Synopsis:
(This comes specifically from this collection) Calvin and Hobbes is unquestionably one of the most popular comic strips of all time. The imaginative world of a boy and his real-only-to-him tiger was first syndicated in 1985 and appeared in more than 2,400 newspapers when Bill Watterson retired on January 1, 1996. The entire body of Calvin and Hobbes cartoons published in a truly noteworthy tribute to this singular cartoon in The Complete Calvin and Hobbes.Gryffindors Might Enjoy Because:
You could make an argument that Calvin is a Gryffindor, for one thing. He's rambunctious, bold, adventurous, and he interacts with the world on his own terms. He sees the world on his own terms, in his own way. And the comic is genuinely smart and very funny. It offers readers some philosophy without being preachy, and there are unique perspectives: from Calvin, Hobbes, Calvin's father. It captures the magic of childhood so well. I think you can love this comic as a child, definitely, but my recommendation for the ~ideal~ time to read (and please keep in mind this is a very subjective suggestion) is as a teenager, right when you're on the line between childhood and adulthood. You're still a kid, but you're starting to feel more and more like an adult. That way, you can still remember and feel the magic associated with childhood, while still appreciating the light philosophy and more "adult" themes. Don't get me wrong, you can definitely appreciate it as a grown-up, especially relating to Calvin's dad. But when I read the series now, I feel a nostalgia for how much I loved it when I was younger. More than nostalgia, I feel an ache - almost a physical ache - and a longing to have some of that magic back. Okay, this series is good for all houses and for just everyone in general - I'm not crying it's just raining on my face.
3. The Martian by Andy Weir
Synopsis:
Six days ago, astronaut Mark Watney became one of the first people to walk on Mars.Gryffindors Might Enjoy Because:
Now, he's sure he'll be the first person to die there.
After a dust storm nearly kills him and forces his crew to evacuate while thinking him dead, Mark finds himself stranded and completely alone with no way to even signal Earth that he’s alive—and even if he could get word out, his supplies would be gone long before a rescue could arrive.
Chances are, though, he won't have time to starve to death. The damaged machinery, unforgiving environment, or plain-old "human error" are much more likely to kill him first.
But Mark isn't ready to give up yet. Drawing on his ingenuity, his engineering skills—and a relentless, dogged refusal to quit—he steadfastly confronts one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after the next. Will his resourcefulness be enough to overcome the impossible odds against him?
This is a tale of science, smarts, and ingenuity - and it has a "happy" ending. In my own personal headcanon, I think Gryffindors especially might want a happy ending, though one that has been earned. And this definitely fits the bill - Mark Watney has to work hard to survive. But he never gives up and he fights against all the perils of Mars tooth and tail to keep himself alive. It's a pretty riveting read, exciting enough to keep you interested, but it's got a lot of really interesting science, too. Just seeing what Watney had to do to stay alive is interesting, and you really start to admire him for how hard he works and how well he deals with setback after setback. Definitely will speak to the fierce, fighting spirit of Gryffindor as well as the sense of excitement and exploration.
4. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
So I definitely think fantasy is a Gryffindor genre, but while LoTR is definitely a staple, I don't think it would appeal to everyone. The Hobbit gives a taste of that world, while also being more accessible. It's written for children, yes, but it's not condescending at all.
Synopsis:
Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely traveling any farther than his pantry or cellar. But his contentment is disturbed when the wizard Gandalf and a company of dwarves arrive on his doorstep one day to whisk him away on an adventure. They have launched a plot to raid the treasure hoard guarded by Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon. Bilbo reluctantly joins their quest, unaware that on his journey to the Lonely Mountain he will encounter both a magic ring and a frightening creature known as Gollum.Gryffindors Might Enjoy Because:
This is a classic. If you haven't read it and you enjoy fantasy type stories, go read it. Go! It's a gateway to other Tolkien, yes, but it's also a great story in its own right. Bilbo is extremely reluctant and it's quite entertaining to see him bombarded by dwarves and then forced to go on an adventure. It's pretty episodic, too, with bigger, memorable scenes. I still remember my dad reading this to me - seeing the trolls, the spiders of Murkwood, the riddle contest, the dragon Smaug! It's an easy, fun read full of adventure.
5. To Be or Not To Be by Ryan North
My other picks were pretty safe, so I'm going more out on a limb for this one. This is: Choose Your Own Adventure Hamlet.
Synopsis:
When Shakespeare wrote Hamlet he gave the world just one possible storyline, drawn from a constellation of billions of alternate narratives. And now you can correct that horrible mistake! Play as Hamlet and avenge your father's death—with ruthless efficiency this time. Play as Ophelia and change the world with your scientific brilliance. Play as Hamlet's father and die on the first page, then investigate your own murder… as a ghost! Featuring over 100 different endings, each illustrated by today's greatest artists, incredible side quests, fun puzzles, and a book-within-a-book instead of a play-within-a-play, To Be or Not To Be offers up new surprises and secrets every time you read it.Gryffindors Might Enjoy Because:
You decide this all sounds extremely excellent, and that you will definitely purchase this book right away. Because as the Bard said: “to be or not to be… that is the adventure.”
...You're almost certain that's how it goes.
So if you're like Hermione - but a muggle - then of course you've read Shakespeare. But if you're like Fred and George, you may have resented having to read Shakespeare. Well here we have something for both types of people - a chance to reimagine Hamlet on your own terms. You control your own destiny! Following a familiar story through to the conclusion (which you could do, actually) is a thing of the past! Let's blaze new trails. This is a really fun, entertaining take on Hamlet. It's funny, and gives you options to take the story in some interesting directions.
