Look guys, I finally read and reviewed a Bloggers Recommend book. Look at me, participating in my own challenge.
Title: Fangirl
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Genre: Contemporary young adult (new adult?)
Pages: 448
Year: 2013
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Source: Personal Collection
Rating: 5/5
Summary:
As Cath and Wren head off to college, Cath feels like her twin sister is leaving her behind. The two used to be inseparable, even writing really successful Harry Potter-esque fanfiction. Now Cath is left on her own to navigate classes, friendships, writing, family, and boys.
My Thoughts:
Okay, personal story time.
I don’t know if I’ve ever shared that I had a really hard time my first semester at college. I was really good at high school, but college overwhelmed me. I was only ten miles from home, but I was homesick all the time and felt like all of my friends were fitting in so much easier than I was. I went through the motions – the classes, the parties, the drinking – but it was really hard for me and I wasn’t happy. (Ben actually helped me through it the best even though he was 100 miles away in Kalamazoo – my rough semester is probably why we’re together now).
So I connected to Cath immediately. I am not quite as nerdy (though I probably would have done better with an internet full of friends back then) and definitely not as socially awkward, but I really did connect to her.
It certainly helps that Rowell knows how to capture feelings like she practices magic herself. Fangirl is heartwarming, real, and funny. It examines family, friendship, romance and how these things change as life changes. If you haven’t picked up one of her books yet, you really must.
my books. my life. 
I had a difficult first semester of college too, so I connected to Cath in a similar way. But also, Rowell is just so GOOD and this book is fantastic. 🙂
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A blogger friend is going to send me this and another of Rainbow’s books on audio. I can’t wait!! College is so tough, my girls had such different reactions. Now Adrienne is 1200 miles away and she had her own breakdown @ 3 wks in, poor thing. It’s a bigger school, harder both academic and softball. Now she’s found her place, hit a stride of sorts and I’m so proud of her.
Great review!
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It also took me at least a semester to feel like I fit in at college, although rather than going through the motions I tended to hide in my room after a first few weeks. I did actually have some online friends which helped a huge amount and I eventually started to find my place with real friends. I’ve seen so many reviews that sound like this book is completely for me – it’s next on my list of hers to read after Eleanor & Park!
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Perfect timing on this review as I just started this book last night on my plane to Dallas! I am only about 6 pages in but I really like it so far. I read Attachments and liked it and have heard wonderful things about this book.
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I’m reading this now (only three chapters in) and I really like it.
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I am really looking forward to this one. I’ve heard nothing but great things about Rowell’s work – and I also had a rough time my first semester in college!
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