Hello everybody!
So about a month ago, I decided to jump on the bandwagon and read the book everyone else seemed to be reading:
Fangirl. Riv told me about this book last year, but I never got around to reading it until now.
ISBN: 978-1-2500-3095-5
Amazon:
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Barnes and Noble:
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Summary:
Cath is a Simon Snow fan.
Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan...
But for Cath, being a fan is her life—and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving.
Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.
Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to.
Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words... And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone.
For Cath, the question is: Can she do this?
Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories?
And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?
Review:
What I liked the most: The characters
Okay, I'll have to admit, I didn't really like the book at first. I thought it was semi-boring and plotless. I only kept reading for Cath, Levi, and Reagan.
I will fangirl about them in the characters section.
What I liked the least: The plot
As I mentioned before, I felt like this book lacked some sort of major plot. As the story progressed, there were more smaller sub plots. I didn't exactly know what I was looking forward to. The book didn't immediately grab my attention. This is a coming of age story, so it's centered around Cath adjusting to college, so I guess that's the main story line?
The Characters: *warning: major fangirling*
Cath is the main character and I can relate to her so much. She is used to doing everything her twin sister did. They were basically the same person, but Wren would be in the spotlight. In the beginning, Cath didn't know what she'd do without her sister. She didn't want to let go while Wren wanted to be her own person. Cath was totally fine with being the same people (person?) Cath is scared of change. But let's be real... who isn't? I know I'm terrified of change. But change is sometimes a good thing. If Cath was still living in Wren's shadows she wouldn't have met Levi *heart eyes*
Cath has commitment issues, mainly because of her mom, who left when Cath was 8. She isn't ready to forgive her mom yet. She's afraid that if she lets herself open up and fully be with someone, he won't like what she has to offer (or doesn't offer) and leave, leaving her heartbroken and disappointed, like her mom.
Okay, love interest: I was confused in the beginning because I couldn't decide if Cath should be with Nick or Levi. She was cute with both of them.. I mean Levi definitely, walking her home every day *squeal* She worked so well with Nick, I was like, yes, chemistry!! Then Nick... smh... sigh. I don't blame Cath for being mad (but she's not really mad??)
Cath and Levi... omg I can't get over them. So freaking cute omg. Literally sitting here fangirling. But seriously.... AAHHHH. Can I have a relationship like theirs?? Except.. I'm not reading a whole book aloud to him... no wayyyy. Get the freaking audio book, jeez... Even if it is The Outsiders (which I loveee). Their relationships is so cute, I can't even! Stealing her food... walking her home...dancing to Kanye with her (was it Kanye? I can't remember... maybe I'm making it up)... listening to her read her fanfic.... *scream*
Can we talk about Reagan and Cath's relationship for a sec? Hilarious! Reagan practically insults Cath all the time, yet they're still friends. Do you have a friend like that? I do. I insult her right back. I swear, she's made me such a meaner person...
Cath is a fanfiction writer and she writes about Simon Snow, who is basically Harry Potter. I applaud Rainbow Rowell for creating a new story while writing a fanfic all in one book. I know a lot of people fangirl about Simon and Baz's relationship, but I don't think it's that big of a deal... I don't know why everyone talks about them so much. To each his own, I guess?
Cath undergoes major development. She gained a lot confidence and independence.
Overall:
I really enjoyed reading this book, especially once Cath's relationship with Levi and Reagan picked up. I could totally relate to Cath's fears and awkwardness. I give Rainbow Rowell major props for creating amazing characters and relationships.
Cath's first few months in college will be me in a year. I'll be that girl who stays in her dorm all day and doesn't know what the dining hall is.
Rating: 4 / 5
I've said this about a million times before, I LOVE the characters! It loses some points for lack of attention grabbing in the beginning, but it's still good.
Recommend? YES
Read it! You won't regret it!!!
In case you didn't notice, I added a new section to my reviews: Recommend? (Yes/No)
I hope you enjoyed my first Wednesday post of the summer! I actually have a lot of books I've read and want to review... so you can expect a lot of book reviews this summer. I'll try to throw in some makeup reviews and maybe even fashion trend reviews? Who knows?
Thanks so much for reading. I'll see you soon!
~Claudia
(Wow, the bottom looks so empty without a Song on Repeat!)
