Book Review: Fangirl

Last year I was at Barnes & Noble and came across the 10th Anniversary Edition of Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell. I was immediately drawn to the cover. And then my friend who I was with told me she read Fangirl years ago and loved it. So naturally, I had to get it.

The novel follows Cath Avery, a college freshman. Cath doesn’t love change and is an introvert. Her twin sister, Wren, on the other hand is much more outgoing and social. So when the two sisters start college away from home and Wren doesn’t want to be roommates with Cath, it takes a while for Cath to adjust. Thrust into an unfamiliar world, a roommate she’s not sure likes her or not, and her twin sister out all the time and partying, Cath relies on the one constant in her life – her fan fiction writing. When they were growing up Cath and Wren were huge fans of the (fictional) book series about Simon Snow – a kid who goes to a magical school and has powers (very Harry Potter-esque). They began writing fan fiction and became extremely popular online with their stories. While Wren has grown out of that, Cath has been still going strong and is more popular than ever. Will Cath continue to hide out in her dorm room and living in her fan fiction world or will she begin opening herself up to new experiences and living life?

I loved this book so much. Honestly, it started out a bit slow and I wondered whether I would end up liking the book or not. But then something happened and before I knew it I was completely invested and loved Cath, Levi, and even her roommate Reagan, so much. Now I get why it’s got such a cult following! I loved watching Cath’s transformation from complete introvert to a young woman who is more willing to step out of her comfort zone and make friends. There’s also a big mental health representation in this book and I really loved how realistic and relatable the book was. I could relate to Cath and her want to help her loved ones even when it feels like it’s not appreciated or even acknowledged. Cath is always doing things for her sister and dad so for her to meet someone like Levi who wants to take care of her? Swoon.

This is a book that will stick with me for a long time!

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