This book scared me.
There were so many quotes in it that seemed copy-pasted from my own life, like this was some sort of fan-fiction about myself. I saw myself in this girl even though we do different things, make bad decisions but in totally different scenarios.. really, it’s scary. Because you see, I still think that this girl is boring, and now I can’t shake this feeling that, in a way, I might be boring too.
I was never a big fan of fan-fiction. I lose interest so quickly and I don’t trust other people with my favorite characters – maybe I’d read for a bit, let myself be entertained for a while, but then I would get to the point when I would think: [insert character’s name here] would never say that, or do this; this wouldn’t possibly happen in this world.
So this me, not a fan-fiction fan.. I’ve never been, at this point it’s quite impossible for me to ever become one. And I can’t write, so there’s not even the chance of me to use those character in my own way.
But, back to the book because we already figured that I am quite boring (rambling include):
What I liked the most about FANGIRL is the dynamics between the characters: Cath’s relationship with Nick, with Raegan (her roommate), with Levi (which might or might not be one of Raegan’s boyfriends, and whom might or might not like her back), with Wren (her sister who used to share her passion for Simon stories), with her mother (that one day decided that she was too young to have kids), her father (with whom she had a lovely relationship), with her teacher (that saw the talent in her and wanted to expand her horizons).. is there any relationship in this book left aside, or not having some over-the-roof importance?
The dialogue was hilarious, believable, and it never made me cringe (which might not say much, but when it comes to YA stories it’s such a big plus), the writing was beautiful and clever and I also found some tiny little pieces of me hidden between the lines. To be honest it won a full star simply for that.
On the other side there was this big minus: Cath did nothing to help herself through her misery. If it weren’t for other people that tried to talk to her, to spend time with her, to make her smile.. well, her life would have been so dam sad.
I got angry at her, I wanted to scream at her: get out, live your life! Do what you have to do, that silly story is not the only thing important in life, you know?!
But she never, ever listened! Damn, stubborn girl!
Then again, what was that fan-fiction about? It felt like a combination between “Harry Potter” and “Twilight” (or was that only my imagination?) – anyways, not a hit on my side. But near the ending I found myself attached even to those awkward characters, so much for keeping away from fan-fiction.
I won’t speak about the story itself, as sometimes it is better to go blindly into a book, but another thing that was quite cute is the romance. I liked both characters, their shyness and the friendship, the confusion, the awkwardness.. everything. It doesn’t take a whole lot of paper space (at least up until some point), but.. yeah, so sweet!
And another thing that I liked to pieces: the relationship with the father. There was this easy-come-easy-go feeling that made me ache a bit for a relationship as open as theirs. I can’t put the finger on the exact thing that made me like their connection, but it was there and it made me like this story even more.
All in one a great story. Let me know your thoughts and.. Happy midnight reading!
Favorite quotes:
“Working on this client is like making my brain dig its own grave”
“It’s just … everything. There are too many people. And I don’t fit in. I don’t know how to be. Nothing that I’m good at is the sort of thing that matters there. Being smart doesn’t matter—and being good with words. And when those things do matter, it’s only because people want something from me. Not because they want me.”
“Just … isn’t giving up allowed sometimes? Isn’t it okay to say ‘This really hurts, so I’m going to stop trying’?”
“It sets a dangerous precedent.”
“For avoiding pain?”
“For avoiding life.”
“You’re never going to find a guy who’s exactly like you—first of all, because that guy never leaves his dorm room.…”
Did you draw these? They are so so so spectacular.
You pinpoint so many of the reasons I enjoyed this book myself. The dialogue is so real but still very funny and moving. And you are right. Cath is a frustrating character because she doesn’t want to help herself, even when people are trying to push her to get out. I tend to be a “fixer” in life and that gets hard when the other person is obviously upset or down and wanting to do something else, and just afraid to do it. Even with advice and some motivation, that person may not change things for the better. I was glad to see Cath have some growth in this way. It was nice to grow WITH her too. Awesome review! I need to buy myself a final copy!!!!
No, I posted the links to the original artworks, but you are right – they are so beautiful!
As for Cath, yes, she is a strange girl but when you get to know her better you have no other choice but to like her, even with her flaws 😉 I did understand her, I just wanted her to have more fun and enjoy her first college year better.
Thanks for stopping by!
I’m actually scared to read this book too, but mostly because EVERYONE seems to love it, and to love the author–the pressure is pretty intense! I’m glad to see your high rating, though–I have the feeling I need to just get over this block and READ. 🙂
Wendy @ The Midnight Garden
The pacing was a bit slow. There were times I didn’t know what to make of the story, but by the ending the characters seemed to live an impression on me and I got to like it quite a lot. I tried reading her other novel too, but left it hanging midway. Maybe I’ll continue reading it one of these days.
I felt like this book was telling me what my college experience will be like next year.
Fangirl was the perfect Christmas read!
Let’s just hope I find a Levi for myself, too. XD
Here’s the full review on my blog: http://geekie-chic.blogspot.in/2013/12/fangirl-by-rainbow-rowell-book-review.html
It really was a cute story. I am glad that you liked it too! 😉
I really like the way this book was made. It touched my heart. For me, she’s like the kindest character in a young adult novel i have ever read so far and i so appreciate how she takes care of her family–her father in particular. It even made me cry. Haha. I love the author and I can’t stop adoring her works. =))
I loved her connection with her father too – in fact I like to see great family relationships in books (as usually they suck big time). Their interactions were so sweet and full of emotions; I love my father, but in a parallel universe I would also want one like this, LOL