A review by kyarabereading
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

emotional funny inspiring relaxing sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This is one of my favorite books of all time. I have read it at various stages of my life, and the older I get, the more I understand it and the more connected I feel with the characters in the world of Fangirl. Once upon a time, I was a girl who read and wrote fanfiction. Back then, I saw a piece of myself in Cath and I understood her connection to fictional worlds. Now, as a 21-year-old college student, I see myself in Fangirl in a very different way, in more ways than before. The book helped me reflect on the experiences in my own life - on the struggles of growing up, on my familial issues, etc. in a way I hadn't before. It is rare to find a book that makes characters that are so incredibly real and that experience life in a way that is so incredibly real, that I can see myself in it so well. Can real be boring sometimes? Yes, but not to me. Not really, at least. I mean, I am someone who also thoroughly enjoyed Ladybird, which is a movie largely regarded as boring...so...lololol

There is a lot to love about this book. I love the characters - their relationships and interactions with one another, their senses of humor, their distinct personalities, and, of course, how incredibly real they feel. I love that they feel like they have whole lives outside of Cath's. It really makes it feel like they are real, breathing (often imperfect) people. I love Rowell's writing style - simple but honest and clever and witty. I love those lines that made me go "how did she come up with that?" I love the little peeks we got into the world of Simon Snow, even if at times they felt a bit long. I love how they often connected to what was happening in the book itself and how it helped us understand something that is such an important part of Cath's life. I love, I love, I love. 

This book was a lot more reflective for me than I expected. It reminds me that experiences like the ones Cath went through (keeping it as vague as possible) can be universal. It reminds me that I am not alone. And that every experience - whether it is horrible or anxiety-inducing or traumatic - is survivable. It reminds me that life is full of lessons and opportunities to grow, as well as really great moments that make life worth living. I can't wait till my next reread - maybe I will reflect on something new next time... 
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