If Insta-love is when two book characters fall in love at first sight, what’s it called when a real person falls in love with a book character at first read? Introducing the brilliant and sometimes annoying yet irresistible Digby from Trouble is a Friend of Mine. But by the last page, you’ll realize that he snuck into your heart without you even realizing, and here’s why:
1. He dresses for the occasion.
![image](https://dhjhkxawhe8q4.cloudfront.net/penguinteen-wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/17094134/tumblr_mk6axlgMsr1s4xdz1o1_500.gif)
Digby drags his neighbor Zoe Webster through a series of OUTRAGEOUS scenarios, but he’s always wearing the same thing – a suit. And ok, it doesn’t really fit him, but who can resist that dedication?
2. He has a [questionable] job.
![image](https://dhjhkxawhe8q4.cloudfront.net/penguinteen-wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/17094136/tumblr_n1217fcOdU1tpmvnwo1_500.gif)
You’ll find him at the mall in a teddy bear costume for what is essentially Build-A-Bear. Hey, gotta make ends meet.
3. He loves sharing meals together.
![image](https://dhjhkxawhe8q4.cloudfront.net/penguinteen-wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/17094139/tumblr_np9oc85t5A1r7eta3o1_500.gif)
Ok yes, he might make you pay for them 99% of the time, but he’ll always appreciate the feel of a full belly.
4. He’ll bring you around when he’s hanging with his best friend.
![image](https://dhjhkxawhe8q4.cloudfront.net/penguinteen-wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/17094141/tumblr_n0c68qJKiM1sn8ujwo1_500.gif)
And even though you’ll wonder how he even has ONE friend, you can kinda see why they work.
5. He knows the importance of family.
![image](https://dhjhkxawhe8q4.cloudfront.net/penguinteen-wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/17094144/tumblr_naj49mvkuV1rvhqlvo1_500.gif)
Even if that means obsessively working to find out what happened to his missing sister 9 years ago.
6. His persistence is unmatched.
![image](https://dhjhkxawhe8q4.cloudfront.net/penguinteen-wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/17094147/tumblr_moipjiDkvw1ro3593o1_400.gif)
Breaking into a gynecologist’s office, getting shot at, tracking down a cult, evading drug lords, winter dances, and explosions are but pebbles in the road to his goal.
7. Underneath it all, his heart may be made of golden kittens & rainbows.
![image](https://dhjhkxawhe8q4.cloudfront.net/penguinteen-wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/17094149/tumblr_mo56mi1CIf1suvanxo1_500.gif)
At the end of the day, the insanity that he’ll put you through can’t hide the fact that everything he does is for a reason that will melt your heart.
Ready to be officially introduced? Start reading Trouble is a Friend of Mine here!