Fangirl

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***** (5 out of 5)

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

This book was awesome.  I loved it.

I don’t normally do synopsis’s but I want to write one for this book.  In my own words, here is a brief description:

Twins Wren and Cather (pronounced Cath) are going off to college.  Until now they have always been inseparable, but Wren wants to meet new people and experience college life.  They don’t room together and Cath is thrust into a scary new world.  As Wren goes out partying, Cath struggles with crippling anxiety.  One of her coping mechanisms is to write fanfic.  Unlike in her real life, online, Cath is wildly popular.  Her fanfic has won awards and has tons of followers.  Cath finds new friends in unexpected places, as she learns a lot about herself.  This coming of age story follows Cath through the twists and turns of going to college.

Cath and Wren go to University of Nebraska which is home to my BF’s favorite college football team.  I have actually been to a couple games there so that was cool.  Another random awesome thing was that there was a Suite Life of Zach and Cody reference.  I loved that show as a kid so its always fun to see it referenced.

I loved Cath so much.  I could totally relate to her.  Her anxiety is a lot worse than mine, but its so realistic.  You don’t read a lot of books where the main character has anxiety like that.  She is strong in her own way and its awesome.  She is also awkward around boys and I was super awkward my freshman year.

My favorite part of the whole story was her first kiss with <boy’s name> (I’m not gonna spoil who it is!).  It was so awkward and cute and the way it described was absolutely perfect.  When reading romance novels the first kiss is always so strong, but not so realistic.  First kisses with someone new are always a little different, you are still learning how to work together.  First kisses are special.  I don’t know how to describe it but there is something wonderfully innocent in an actual first kiss.  I thought Rowell did such a good job writing that scene.

In the book Cath writes a lot of gay fanfic.  Rowell actually published a book that is the fanfic that Cath is writing throughout Fangirl.  Its called Carry On.  I think that is really cool, but I am not sure I am going to read it.  I have absolutely no problem with gay people but I don’t really have any desire to read about a gay relationship.  I like to imagine myself into the story and it helps if I can relate to the main character and I just don’t see myself relating to a gay male.  (I’m a straight female.)  Then again, I might read it because I liked Fangirl so much that I want more.  Also its about mages and dragons which are always cool.

Coincidentally this book related back to the last book I read (The Simplicity of Cider).  In both books the mom left suddenly when the girls were very young.  Then they had no contact until suddenly, in college the mom makes an attempt to re-unite.  I thought this was kind of funny that both books had this exact same scenario.

The relationships in Fangirl are so realistic.  Cath and her Sister, Cath and her roommate, Cath and her dad, Cath and her crush.  Every single one is believable and unique.  There are no generic players.  Everyone has a role and it comes together beautifully.

The only issue I had with the book was that the ending left a decently major loose end.  I got the feeling it was done on purpose, to let the reader decide, but I hate that, I want straight answers.  Other than that one loose end the book was perfect. I laughed and I cried and I couldn’t put it down.  I’m sad that its over but I am super glad I read it.  Its a really good book.