Let's Talk is a new weekly feature here at i swim for oceans. I think it's important that we all have our say, and there's something to be said for raising our voices. Simply put, here on the little old blog, I like to host some of my very own discussion posts because, well, I like to converse with you all.

And so, Let's Talk will feature questions or prompts, which I will answer, too. Love it or hate it, weigh in or don't, it's my hope that Let's Talk will at least get you thinking...and maybe even get you discussing with the rest of us!

Question: If you could spend one day with one literary character, who would it be, and why?

I seriously kill myself with my own questions. I'm a cruel SOB. My apologies. But seriously...there are so many characters in the literary world that I would give an arm and a leg (maybe both) to spend a full day with. I could name five without even blinking. Naming one, however, was a tricky feat. So, I weighed the pros and cons and I decided upon...

That's right. I chose Albus Dumbledore. I was weighing my options, and I would have loved to spend a day with a character like Mara Dyer, because she's a tricky b*tch, or Martin the Warrior from Redwall because he's so brave, or even Anna from Anna Dressed in Blood because, hell, she's got some crazy sh*t going down.

When push came to shove though, I would want to spend a day with someone from whom I could actually learn something. I'd also want to spend time with someone who is willing to meet me on my level because, let's be honest, he never really talked down to Harry, did he? Most of all though, I think spending a day with Dumbledore would be like spending a really fun day with a grandparent who just so happens to be a friend, as well. Plus, I'd be hoping to learn some magic.

In all honesty though, there's a quiet wisdom in Dumbledore, and a genuine goodness that a lot of us find lacking at times. There's also an underlying kindness and goodness to him that makes him someone you'd just HAVE to know. I would ask him about the if I could have a Pensieve of my own, and I'd certainly see if I could dip into his memories, as well.

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because they are particularly fond of lists over at The Broke and the Bookish. They'd love to share their lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week they will post a new top ten list that one of our bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers.

Top Ten Rebels In Literature (characters or authors) -- Those people who stood up for what they believed in despite the cost of doing so:

1. Sirius Black from Harry Potter - I still cry like a baby when I think of how he loved Harry. 

2. Dumbledore from Harry Potter - This doesn't even need an explanation. Dumbledore. Always. Wins.

3. Caleb from Leaving Paradise - There's something about a bad boy with a cause.

4. Katniss from The Hunger Games - I have a love/hate with this character. Mostly love because she's a challenge.

5. Melinda from Speak - This is one of those characters that triumphs over incredible personal circumstances to find herself again - despite the cost.

6. Hagrid from Harry Potter - Where else will you find such a lovable giant? Seriously. Please tell me.

7. Rose from Vampire Academy - Snarky. Tough. Badass. Fighter. 'Nuff said.

8. Martin from Martin the Warrior - He's a warrior mouse with a mission to save Redwall and all its inhabitants. He has to be on this list. Obviously.

9. Kate from The Liar Society - So full of sass, so sure of the mystery and so hell-bent on solving it. Kate wins.

10. Cinna from The Hunger Games - Cinna is right up there with the rest of them. His rebellions are small, but crucial and I love his character to tiny pieces.