433 pages
Published: September 10th, 2013
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
"A coming-of-age tale of fan fiction, family and first love."
Twins Cath and Wren are starting college. Even though they look exactly alike, Cath is an introvert while Wren is definitely not. Cath, convinced that her sister was going to be by her side like she has always been, is shocked when Wren decides to branch out and not room with her. Wren doesn't even want to continue writing Simon Snow fanfiction with Cath. So what do you do when the person closest to you leaves you all alone? Write more fanfiction, of course! This is the story of change, life, love, and most importantly, finding yourself in this big old world.
Rainbow Rowell has done it again. Eleanor & Park and Attachments are two of my all time favorite books so I had high expectations for this new novel. It didn't disappoint. Trust me when I tell you, once you pick it up you won't be able to put it down. So, plan accordingly. Like her two previous novels, this story is so realistic and emotionally charged. You'll fall in love with the characters immediately. Cath, Levi, Reagan...they are all so different but they have one thing in common: depth. They are charming without being fake, likable without being boring, interesting without being predictable. The list goes on and on.
The romance aspect of this book is AMAZING. It isn't "instant love" and it doesn't feel forced. It is organic and beautiful. It is relatable because it doesn't cut any corners. It takes you on a journey of all of the terrifying emotions that come with falling in love for the first time. There are other kinds of relationships and love depicted in this novel that makes it one of the best books of the year. Cath's attachment to her father, her connection to her twin sister, and even the incredible relationship she was with her (sometimes bitchy) roommate makes sure this novel touches every single part of your soul.
Now, the cover. Isn't beautiful? I feel Rowell's books are known for their minimalist covers. This one is a little bit brighter, girlier, and definitely more colorful than the rest. I know that you're not supposed to judge a book by its cover and blahblahblah but look at it! It demands to be read. All I'm saying is that if I die and I have the option to come back as a book cover, I'll choose this one.
Even though I love all of her novels, Fangirl is my favorite of the bunch because I can relate to Cath in so many different ways. She's just a girl who is scared of growing up and is not ready to let go of her childhood. She's insecure but learns to accept herself along the way and discovers the beauty in trusting others and letting go. Most of us can see a little bit of ourselves in her and ALL of you will fall in love with her journey. I guarantee it.
