Cath and her twin sister, Wren, are both excited about heading to
college together. After their mother left them at a young age, the Simon Snow
series is what got them past their childhood. They are both huge fangirls of
Simon Snow, though Cath is the one that writes hit fan fictions online. Before
college, Wren decides she does not want to room with her twin sister. Cath and
Wren were never separated. Always being close best friends, Cath is unfamiliar
with the change. Now in college, she must go through new experiences without
her twin.
The book Fangirl, by Rainbow Rowell, was a very good novel to read. I
really enjoyed reading this book because it exposed some challenges of going
college. It was interesting and fun to read because I have only known college
of being a fun place where you spend the best time of your life. I liked the
main character Cath because she is a shy girl who loves to read and write,
similar to myself. I would recommend this book to people who like a quick but
fun read.
Reviewed by R.P., Grade 9
Montrose Library
2 comments:
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell is a teen novel that follows Cath, a freshman at the University of Nebraska-Lincolm. Her social butterfly twin sister Wren also attends the same school. Unlike Wren, Cath is having more of an issue fitting in because of her social anxiety. She spends most of her free time writing a fan fiction online based on a book series about a magician Simon Snow. Cath is very popular in the fan fiction community and has thousands of followers. Cath meets Levi, her roommate's friend, and that's when the drama ensues.
I think this book is very good at tackling real life issues that a lot of teenagers face like social anxiety and romances. It mixes in the culture of fan fiction that isn't really talked about which is really cool and interesting and not done before. It's also very refreshing to have a narrator who isn't good at everything and can admit her faults.
Fangirl is a really good book and I think all teenagers, specifically girls, would enjoy it immensely. Rainbow Rowell has a knack for pacing stories so perfectly so you're always on the edge and waiting for what's next.
Reviewed by Melody, Grade 10
Montrose Library
Cath has never been without her twin sister, Wren. Unlike Wren, Cath is an introverted, shy, reclusive person whose main hobby is writing her Simon Snow fan fiction, Carry On. However, when both Cath and Wren start college, this is the very first time either of them have been away from each other, and Cath is terrified.
In a heartwarming coming-of-age story, follow Cath as she finds her identity outside of Wren, where she finds new friends and romance, continues to write Carry On, and tries to stay true to her values.
I enjoyed Fangirl for what it is: a coming-of-age story that isn't supposed to be about a tragic, serious topic. The simple nature of Fangirl is what captivated me as a reader, and had semblance to Sally Rooney's Normal People. Instead of fantastical creatures or elements of magic, Fangirl is about a normal girl who is going through college, and struggling with experiences such as homesickness, as well as reflects the emotions we go through when we are unsure of our personal identity and nervousness in navigating new relationships.
I think people who are looking for a lighthearted, easy read will enjoy Fangirl immensely. If you are also a Rainbow Rowell fan, you may enjoy the Carry On mentions, and for those who enjoy this book and want more of Rowell's work, she wrote Carry On (so you can read Cath's Simon Snow fan fiction for yourself!)
Overall, I enjoyed how raw and personable the book got. Yes, it wasn't necessarily about the most serious of topics, but Rowell is able to make each character complex in their own ways, and showcases their flaws in a way that humanizes them immensely. The romance is also to die for, and I catch myself enjoying them even after about a hundred rereads of Fangirl.
Reviewed by M.L., Grade 12
Montrose Library
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