Everyone has gone through an awkward phase in their life, whether it was in middle school, or if it never really seems to end. Most books that tackle the classic awkward period in youth either glorify it or over exaggerate it. When I found out this book centers around a girl who is obsessed (and I really do mean obsessed) with a fictional character, I was a little hesitant to pick this book up. I was afraid of how the book might handle this character (mostly that she wouldn’t be taken seriously and be treated like a caricature of a cosplayer at Comic Con). Taking a chance on this book is one of the best literary decisions I’ve made in a while – Fangirl has become one of my perennial favorites. I seem to keep coming back to this book every time I’m in a reading slump or I just want a book that feels like a tea and a warm blanket on a cold day.
Fangirl is about Cath’s first year of university. She’s a Simon Snow fanatic – she owns all the merch, she writes fanfiction, and she thinks about the books non-stop. Cath enters university just wanting to keep to herself and get through it, but her new roommate has other plans. As Cath’s first year progresses, she slowly comes out of her shell and realizes what the real world (as opposed to the world of Simon Snow) has to offer. I won’t go too much further into detail, but there’s young love, cute library scenes, and literary betrayal.
I love the characters in this book: the main character was well developed, the supporting characters were accurately flawed, and the villain was understandable. The whole ensemble worked together so well. Cath is a flawed main character – she is painfully introverted and shy, but it didn’t come off as satirical. I could believe that she would prefer to eat protein bars than go to the cafeteria where she would have to interact with other people. She spends most of the book resisting the changes in her life she’s facing: her mother reentering the picture, her sister not being as dependent on her as Cath is on her, not living at home anymore, and pressures of being in university. It was all handled gracefully, I saw pieces of me in Cath when I was in first year. I really can’t put into words how much I enjoyed reading about Cath.
Nick was a perfect villain for this story. He isn’t an outright villain – he’s a kid in college with no self awareness trying to get enough experience to land a job. That’s pretty damn relatable. He wasn’t intentionally malicious, but man was it easy to side against him. Reagan was the perfect roommate for Cath. She pushes Cath to move out of her comfort zone while still respecting her hard social boundaries. She’s a snarky, interesting best friend character (and I would love to read a spin off book about her). Levi was amazing. He’s not a perfect, insta-love YA male lead. He had interesting traits, wasn’t a walking stereotype, and was just a genuinely good character. The chemistry between Cath and Levi starts out subtle, but grows quietly in the background of the story. It’s this organic, not instant chemistry that keeps me coming back to read this book over and over again.
Fangirl is one of those books I seem to always go back to when I’m in a slump. I love the chemistry between the leading characters and I love how Rainbow Rowell developed all of the side characters well. This is an excellent example of how a YA book can push the boundaries of New Adult fiction without becoming the millennial equivalent of a Harlequin novel. I can easily say this is a 5/5 book for me.
29 Comments
Lovely review of a wonderful book. I had similar thoughts when I first heard about this book, and the book just blew away all my expectations 🙂 Such a heartwarming story and I can’t wait to find a time to reread it sometime.
Thank you so much! It’s really just a lovely, well written story. Would be perfect on a cold day with a cup of coffee.
I love Rainbow Rowell so much, and Fangirl has to be one of my favourites. I was also worried it would be too cringy, but she’s portrayed it really well. Great review!
Megan // https://pixieskiesblog.wordpress.com
Thank you so much! I am glad you liked this book too!
This is a really good indepth review, this book looks really good, I really need to stop adding things to my TBR list though or I’ll never get anything done! But this actually is right up my street x
Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did (don’t worry, my TBR is out of control too)
I remember reading Fangirl a few years ago and loving it, your review is amazing and you’ve made me want to go back and read it again!
Jess // foundationsandfairytales.wordpress.com
xx
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it as much as I did!
This sounds like a book that a lot of people can relate too and we all love main characters we feel a connection to! I will have to keep my eye out for this one! Thanks for bringing it to my attention!
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
I love this book but not as much as I love Carry On. Cath is such a relatable character.
I just got my copy of Carry On, I can’t wait to start reading it!
I love your review❤️
Thank you!
I keep seeing this book around but never picked it up. I’ll have to check it out!
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
This review makes me want to pick up the book even faster! I’m gonna definitely check it out soon!
Oh my gosh, I’m exactly the same! Either when I’m in a reading slump or just need a pick-me-up personally, this is my go-to book! Great review!
I am so glad to see that you loved this book so much. I also enjoyed it, even though it wasn’t a five stars read for me. Tbh, I skipped those fan fic parts.
I’ve heard soo much about this book but not read it yet! After reading your review and seeing how much you enjoyed it, it’s definitely made me want to give it a go. Your writing style is so enjoyable to read. Thanks for sharing!
– Rumaanah
https://rumsthereader.wordpress.com/
This is such a lovely review! I’m so glad you decided to read it!
Great review! I saw this book in Amazon before but was hesitant to put it in my wishlist. It didn’t look like something I’d want to read (i know you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover lol) but after reading your review i must give it a try! ♥
I love this post! I can see why you would be hesitant to pick up this book, but I’m glad it was worth it! Also, this is a bit random, but I really like the name of your blog! This is my first time being on it, and I got a kick out of the title 😀
Must give this one a read – great review and recommendation.
Aimée x
https://thedailyaimee.online
This sounds divine – I wants it