A review by alequitos
I Was Born for This by Alice Oseman

funny inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 
"Angel Rahimi's life is all about The Ark, a teenage pop-rock band. Being a fan shapes her identity, friendships, dreams, and place in the world." 
This book taught me a lot. 
We often care so much about celebrities, TV shows, movie characters, and comics that they become part of who we are. But they don't define us. 
Angel is so caught up in The Ark that she forgets about her own life. She doesn't think about her mom, her friends, or herself. Her love for the band can't fill the empty space in her heart. This hits her at a concert. It's a powerful moment that moved me. 
My English isn't perfect, but I'll try my best to share how the band members impacted me. I felt a connection with Jimmy, who struggles with anxiety that often overpowers him, he always seems a bit off, he’s also obsessed in a way. Rowan's intense fanhood, his need for the band, I find Rowan fascinating as a character. Despite ending up as just friends with Bliss, from his viewpoint, their story is tragic. Like Lister, Rowan is also filled with pent-up anger specially towards his fans. 
Lister isn't my favourite character, but he's special to me. He's a sad guy who needs some love. I think a lot about his deep love for Jimmy but his refusal to consider the possibility of being loved back, and about his willingness to sacrifice for them. He loves Jimmy secretly and would do anything for them. Lister hides his feelings in parties, drinking, and smoking, and seeks approval from Rowan and others. He's as obsessed as Angel and Rowan. 
This book makes me think of bands like One Direction or BTS. It shows that any fandom can be harmful, like the explicit fanfiction that come up about actual living human beings 
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