Book BFF: Mara Dyer

Book BFF was created by Larks Andrea, Paula, and Jen to showcase some of our favorite ladies & was originally inspired by Book Boyfriend. We'd love it if you'd join us featuring your favorite Book BFFs and leaving links so we can check out your posts. We will be alternating between Book Boyfriends and Book BFFs on Thursdays. 

This week my Book BFF is Mara Dyer from Michelle Hodkin's
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer and The Evolution of Mara Dyer


Mara's Appearance:

She stands there in dark jeans that would be indecent if she didn't wear them so casually, with a loose, faded black T-shirt that sets off her cream skin. Not from Florida, clearly new, and so beautiful I nearly laugh out loud. ~ As described by Noah's pov in the extra/out-take from The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer provided by Michelle Hodkin

I pushed my dark hair back to see the extent of it, but that was it.  Otherwise, I looked--normal.  Normal for me, and normal, period.  My gaze shifted to my mother.  We were so different.  I had none of her exquisite Indian features, not her perfect oval face or her lacquer-black hair.  Instead, my father's patrician nose and jaw were reflected in my own.  ~p. 9 The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer


Facts About Mara:

~ Mara survived a building collapse that claimed the life of her best friend Rachel, her boyfriend Jude and his sister Claire.  Mara escaped physically unscathed but has to deal with some serious psychological trauma.

~ She suffers from immeasurable guilt from being the only survivor.

~ Mara and her family were originally from Rhode Island but moved to Miami, Florida in hopes that a change of scenery would help Mara deal with her Post Traumatic Stress Disorder better and avoid further hospitalization and medication.

~ Mara knows she won the family lottery.  She has loving parents (her father is a lawyer and her mother is a psychologist--convenient, or not, depending on your point of view).  She has an older brother, Daniel, and a 12 year old younger brother, Joseph.

~ Her favourite book is Lolita. 

~ The first friend she makes at Croydon, her new high school in Miami, is Jamie.

~ Mara rescues a neglected emaciated dog chained inside a yard.

~ Her first meeting with Noah occurred while she was trying to get her stuck candy out of the vending machine at her new high school.

~ Mara inherited a cloth doll from her grandmother that proves to have some greater significance.

~ She has frequent and confusing (and sometimes terrifying) visions and black-outs.

 ~ It seems that her wishes often come true!

Quotes From/About Mara (all quotes from Goodreads unless otherwise noted):

“You're the girl who called me an asshole the first time we spoke. The girl who tried to pay for lunch even after you learned I have more money than God. You're the girl who risked her ass to save a dying dog, who makes my chest ache whether you're wearing green silk or ripped jeans. You're the girl that I--" Noah stopped, then took a step closer to me. "You are my girl.”  ~ Noah to Mara, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

~

“You smell good," he whispered into my neck. He was warm against me. Instinctively, I arched back into him and smiled.
"Really?"
"Mmm-hmm. Delicious. Like bacon.” ~ Noah to Mara, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

 ~

“Fix me," I commanded him. "This thing, what I've done - there's something wrong with me, Noah. Fix it."
Noah's expression broke my heart as he brushed my hair from my face, and skimmed the line of my neck. "I can't"
"Why not?" I asked, my voice threatening to crack.
"Because," he said, "You're not broken.”  ~ Noah to Mara, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

 ~

"And just like that, I made a friend.  I mentally patted myself on the back; Daniel would be proud.  Mom would be prouder.  I planned to offer this news to her like a cat presenting a dead mouse to its owner.  It might even be enough to help stave off therapy.  If, of course, I kept today's hallucinations to myself."  ~p. 43, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

 ~

“This was the boy I loved. A little bit messy. A little bit ruined. A beautiful disaster. Just like me.”  ~ The Evolution of Mara Dyer

 ~

“My brother cleared his throat. "I wish she knew that I think she is the most hilarious person on Earth. And that whenever she's not home, I feel like I'm missing my partner in crime."
My throat tightened. Do not cry. Do not cry.
"I wish she knew that she's really Mom's favorite--"
I shook my head here.
"--the princess she always wanted. That Mom used to dress her up like a little doll and parade her around like Mara was her greatest achievement. I wish Mara knew that I never minded, because she's my favorite too.” ~ Mara's brother Daniel on his sister, The Evolution of Mara Dyer

Why Is Mara My Book BFF:

Mara would be an amazing friend to have despite her not having many friends since the collapse.  She's real, caring and honest, even though she understandably hides some of her vulnerabilities.  She owns up to her mistakes even though the easier road is to not admit to them.  Mara admits she's selfish where Noah is concerned (and vice-versa).  She's fiercely protective of those she loves, putting herself in danger to protect them. She has a bleeding heart for all animals...including a spider, and not to mention "Mabel". 

Before her death, Rachel was her friend since they were little...I know Mara's friendship would be loyal and unwavering.  She has a snarky and charming personality that I admire.  I just know that Mara would be a good friend because she is a good person, even though she feels responsible for much of the misery surrounding her, Noah and her family.  We know, of course, she is not responsible.

Who Do I Picture As Mara:

I actually had a hard time picturing Mara so I had to do a little bit of research, and came across the name Kaya Scodelario as a popular choice and I have to agree, she would fit.