Title: Fangirl
Author: Rainbow Rowell
First published September 10, 2013
483 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.97
Overview
A heartwarming story about fandom, family, and finding oneself. Meet Cath, a die-hard Simon Snow fan who has devoted her life to the magical world of Simon and Baz.
She and her twin sister, Wren, used to be inseparable as they navigated the world of fanfiction and cosplay, but now that they’re off to college, Wren wants to go their separate ways. Cath is left to fend for herself in a strange new world where she’s forced to confront her fears, make new friends, and deal with a surly roommate and her charming boyfriend.
Meanwhile, her dad is struggling to cope with life on his own. Can Cath find the strength to live her life on her own terms, even if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?
Join her on a journey of self-discovery, first love, and the power of fandom to bring people together.
About the Author
Rainbow Rowell is a versatile writer who covers a wide range of topics in her work. Her writing encompasses both adult themes, as seen in her works ATTACHMENTS and LANDLINE, as well as teenage experiences, as depicted in ELEANOR & PARK and FANGIRL.
However, she also frequently indulges in fantasy themes, featuring lovesick vampires and characters with dragon wings in her popular THE SIMON SNOW TRILOGY.
Lately, Rainbow has expanded her repertoire by venturing into comics. Her first graphic novel, PUMPKINHEADS, has garnered critical acclaim, and she currently writes the SHE-HULK comic for Marvel on a monthly basis.
Rainbow’s home base is in Omaha, Nebraska, and you can find more information about her and her writing at rainbowrowell.com.
Editoral Review
Rainbow Rowell’s “Fangirl” is a touching coming-of-age novel that explores themes of identity, family, love, and creativity. Rowell is a renowned young adult author who has written several bestselling novels, including “Eleanor & Park” and “Carry On.” “Fangirl” was first published on September 10, 2013, and has since become a fan favorite in the genre.
The novel follows the story of Cath, a shy and introverted college freshman who is struggling to adjust to her new life away from home. Cath is a talented writer of fanfiction, and her online persona as a popular fanfiction writer is the only thing keeping her grounded in the midst of her new and unfamiliar environment.
With the help of her twin sister Wren, her roommate Reagan, and her love interest Levi, Cath must navigate the complexities of college life while also trying to find her voice as a writer and a person.
Rowell’s writing style is both engaging and relatable, and she has a talent for creating characters that feel authentic and fully fleshed out. Cath, in particular, is a character that readers will root for and empathize with, as she struggles to balance her love for writing with the pressures of college and the expectations of her family.
The novel is set in the early 2010s, and it captures the zeitgeist of that time, with references to popular culture and technology that will resonate with young adult readers.
One of the strengths of “Fangirl” is its portrayal of the fanfiction community, which is often misrepresented or misunderstood in mainstream media. Rowell’s novel celebrates the creativity and passion of fanfiction writers, while also acknowledging the challenges they face in a world that often dismisses their work as illegitimate or even shameful.
The novel also explores themes of mental health and family dynamics, which add depth and complexity to the story.
However, the novel does have some weaknesses. The pacing can be slow at times, and the plot can feel predictable at certain points.
Additionally, some readers may find the romantic subplot between Cath and Levi to be overly saccharine or clichéd. Nonetheless, these flaws do not detract significantly from the overall quality of the novel.
Overall, “Fangirl” is a charming and heartfelt novel that will appeal to fans of young adult literature, particularly those with an interest in fanfiction and online communities. Rowell’s writing is both accessible and moving, and her characters are memorable and relatable.
The novel’s themes of identity, creativity, and family are timeless and universal, making it a valuable addition to the young adult canon.
Rating: 4/5 stars.
