My Legends

• Anne Frank because she believed in the good of humanity even as her world was falling apart. She also kept a great diary writing about things most fourteen year olds would find relatable like her growing body and her feelings for boys. If you have a chance do NOT read the play. It comes nowhere near capturing the zest and magic of her own words.

• Marilyn Monroe because in addition to being a sex symbol she was a kind person and she extended that kindness to her fans and everyone around her. She was dealing with some serious problems (some people think she may have had borderline personality disorder which I was originally diagnosed with) but she spent her life trying to make others happy.

• Sylvia Plath because she is like a 20th century version of me. I've read her letters and her journals (which are quite extensive) and she talks about her ambitions as a writer, her dates and her social life. It's like looking in the mirror (except hopefully without the early death).

• Bethany Hamilton because she literally lost an arm but that didn't stop her from getting back on the surfboard. Also she's the only person on this list who didn't die tragically young.