Scan barcode
A review by aholguin98
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Non-spoiler summary: This is a YA, contemporary, coming-of-age novel about Cath, a fanfiction writer who is starting her freshman year of college alongside her twin sister Wren. This novel was highly relatable for me even though I graduated college recently. It really helped me with a big transition in my life and that's why I rate it so highly.
Spoilers from here on out! You have been warned!
<Spoiler>What I liked:
Cath was such a relatable character to me. I have anxiety and ADHD and can relate to her need to take care of her family and a fear of interacting with others. I love her internal monologue throughout the book and I loved to see her growth as a character throughout the book. She started out as highly introverted and recluse, then evolved into a writer knowing her direction in her new adult life.
Reagan: So funny and at times passive aggressive. She's firey and I love it. I like how she influences Cath to go out into the world and grow a sense of confidence.
Wren: At first she was somewhat annoying and a hot mess but she had her own character development and we got to see by reading between the lines why she partied and drank. We saw from an outside perspective Wren's struggles with alcohol addiction and unsuccessful relationships. I had many friends like Wren in college. I'm glad that Wren was able to see the light in her addiction and not continue down her unhealthy dangerous path. I'm glad that she was able to find happiness in her darkness. I'm glad that she was able to speak to her fun-time-only Mom and be okay with that. I definitely would have taken Cath's path and not speak to her if it were me.
Levi: A chivalrous sweetheart. From him came a healthy relationship with Cath and I love to see that in a YA novel. He doesn't push her into things she's not comfortable with. He bonds with her in his own way by having her read to him. That was so cute. I love that there was some representation for people who have trouble reading and prefer audiobooks or audio in general. I have trouble reading physical or ebooks due to my ADHD and I love that they were able to bond over reading and be okay with their differences. I really liked how their relationship was portrayed. Simple acts were very intimate without being graphic. She walked the line of YA romance well.
Fanfiction representation in a published book: I love that this book made it possible for people to find out about fanfiction and to encourage others to write fanfiction. When I first attempted this book in 2015, I was drawn to it by this premise alone.
What I disliked:
A lot of my dislikes came at the end of the book. (Possibly an unpopular opinion) I wish Cath took the deal with Nick to get their joint story published. It would have been nice to be seen for the hard work she put into it. I guess it worked out for Cath in the end but, I feel it would have been nice. I get why it was written the way it was. Nick pretty much betrayed Cath and this was a Karmic moment for him.
Towards the end of the book when Cath and Levi's physical relationship started to heat up I didn't really feel much chemistry. The descriptions and physicality of movements were unclear to read. I'm not saying I wanted more spicy scenes, I know this is a YA novel but there was less emotion from Cath. It was like the internal monologue of a Vulcan with anxiety.<spoiler/>
Spoilers from here on out! You have been warned!
<Spoiler>What I liked:
Cath was such a relatable character to me. I have anxiety and ADHD and can relate to her need to take care of her family and a fear of interacting with others. I love her internal monologue throughout the book and I loved to see her growth as a character throughout the book. She started out as highly introverted and recluse, then evolved into a writer knowing her direction in her new adult life.
Reagan: So funny and at times passive aggressive. She's firey and I love it. I like how she influences Cath to go out into the world and grow a sense of confidence.
Wren: At first she was somewhat annoying and a hot mess but she had her own character development and we got to see by reading between the lines why she partied and drank. We saw from an outside perspective Wren's struggles with alcohol addiction and unsuccessful relationships. I had many friends like Wren in college. I'm glad that Wren was able to see the light in her addiction and not continue down her unhealthy dangerous path. I'm glad that she was able to find happiness in her darkness. I'm glad that she was able to speak to her fun-time-only Mom and be okay with that. I definitely would have taken Cath's path and not speak to her if it were me.
Levi: A chivalrous sweetheart. From him came a healthy relationship with Cath and I love to see that in a YA novel. He doesn't push her into things she's not comfortable with. He bonds with her in his own way by having her read to him. That was so cute. I love that there was some representation for people who have trouble reading and prefer audiobooks or audio in general. I have trouble reading physical or ebooks due to my ADHD and I love that they were able to bond over reading and be okay with their differences. I really liked how their relationship was portrayed. Simple acts were very intimate without being graphic. She walked the line of YA romance well.
Fanfiction representation in a published book: I love that this book made it possible for people to find out about fanfiction and to encourage others to write fanfiction. When I first attempted this book in 2015, I was drawn to it by this premise alone.
What I disliked:
A lot of my dislikes came at the end of the book. (Possibly an unpopular opinion) I wish Cath took the deal with Nick to get their joint story published. It would have been nice to be seen for the hard work she put into it. I guess it worked out for Cath in the end but, I feel it would have been nice. I get why it was written the way it was. Nick pretty much betrayed Cath and this was a Karmic moment for him.
Towards the end of the book when Cath and Levi's physical relationship started to heat up I didn't really feel much chemistry. The descriptions and physicality of movements were unclear to read. I'm not saying I wanted more spicy scenes, I know this is a YA novel but there was less emotion from Cath. It was like the internal monologue of a Vulcan with anxiety.<spoiler/>
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Panic attacks/disorders, Vomit, Addiction, and Mental illness
Minor: Sexual harassment