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A review by cateemma
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
THE NARRATIVE
Characters: 5/5
Honestly, five billion out of five. I can't even begin to explain how real and beautiful and flawed the characters in this book are. I just love them so much, and I want to hug Cath and have a long chat with Levi and judge people with Reagan - I love them all, and even the less loveable characters, like Wren, I ended up loving by the end. While I was reading I felt like I was in Cath's dorm, watching everything unfold between her and Levi, or in the cafeteria scrutinising the people in line with her and Reagan. Rainbow Rowell just has such a real way of writing. Her characters are so consistent and halfway through the book you realise you know them almost as well as your own best friends.
Plot: 4/5
I want to give this 5 stars but there isn't really a plot? The story revolves around the characters, which is what makes the book so special and wonderful to read.
Writing: 5/5
The writing flows so perfectly and the dialogue - the dialogue - is so hecking good. Witty and funny and unique to each and every character.
THE THEMES
Family: 5/5
I love love love reading YA books where there are actual present families that are supportive and flawed and communicate with each other. Cath's dad tries so hard and she cares about him so much, and the two of them and Wren are so complicated but so loving. Wren and Cath's relationship is hilarious and sad and I like that the twin thing isn't played up too much.
Mental Illness: 4.5/5
I'm so appreciative of all the recent mental illness rep in YA fiction, but sometimes I feel like every character with a mental illness is barely functioning, and inevitably ends up in a psych ward. And there are people whose experiences with mental illness are like that, but there are also those who are constantly affected by their illness but still live what looks like a normal life from the outside. Cath is one of those people, and I love her portrayal of mental illness - specifically social anxiety - in this book.
MY THOUGHTS
So. Can we just take note that when I first read this book I have it two stars. TWO STARS?!?! I don't know what I was thinking, because this is a five star read through and through. I love the characters, I love how easy it is to read, I love the snippets of Simon and Baz, and I even love the cover.
Characters: 5/5
Honestly, five billion out of five. I can't even begin to explain how real and beautiful and flawed the characters in this book are. I just love them so much, and I want to hug Cath and have a long chat with Levi and judge people with Reagan - I love them all, and even the less loveable characters, like Wren, I ended up loving by the end. While I was reading I felt like I was in Cath's dorm, watching everything unfold between her and Levi, or in the cafeteria scrutinising the people in line with her and Reagan. Rainbow Rowell just has such a real way of writing. Her characters are so consistent and halfway through the book you realise you know them almost as well as your own best friends.
Plot: 4/5
I want to give this 5 stars but there isn't really a plot? The story revolves around the characters, which is what makes the book so special and wonderful to read.
Writing: 5/5
The writing flows so perfectly and the dialogue - the dialogue - is so hecking good. Witty and funny and unique to each and every character.
THE THEMES
Family: 5/5
I love love love reading YA books where there are actual present families that are supportive and flawed and communicate with each other. Cath's dad tries so hard and she cares about him so much, and the two of them and Wren are so complicated but so loving. Wren and Cath's relationship is hilarious and sad and I like that the twin thing isn't played up too much.
Mental Illness: 4.5/5
I'm so appreciative of all the recent mental illness rep in YA fiction, but sometimes I feel like every character with a mental illness is barely functioning, and inevitably ends up in a psych ward. And there are people whose experiences with mental illness are like that, but there are also those who are constantly affected by their illness but still live what looks like a normal life from the outside. Cath is one of those people, and I love her portrayal of mental illness - specifically social anxiety - in this book.
MY THOUGHTS
So. Can we just take note that when I first read this book I have it two stars. TWO STARS?!?! I don't know what I was thinking, because this is a five star read through and through. I love the characters, I love how easy it is to read, I love the snippets of Simon and Baz, and I even love the cover.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Alcoholism, and Alcohol