Published by: Pan Macmillian
First Publication: 10th September 2010
Goodreads summary
Cath and Wren are identical twins, and until recently they did absolutely everything together. Now they're off to university and Wren's decided she doesn't want to be one half of a pair any more - she wants to dance, meet boys, go to parties and let loose. It's not so easy for Cath. She's horribly shy and has always buried herself in the fan fiction she writes, where she always knows exactly what to say and can write a romance far more intense than anything she's experienced in real life. Now Cath has to decide whether she's ready to open her heart to new people and new experiences, and she's realizing that there's more to learn about love than she ever thought possible ... A tale of fanfiction, family, and first love
This seemed like the perfect book for a fellow fangirl, not only is the main character into reading and fanfiction she is also off to college. I thought this would have been the perfect read for me to prepare myself mentally for what I'm about to endure.
This book was a lot of hard work. I mean Cath was such a difficult character! There were specks of her personality that I could relate like wanting to stay in and read, or write a story, but other times I wanted Cath to jump in front of a bus.
Cath is really into writing her fanfiction about Simon and Baz; the characters are real to her and she wants nothing more than to write about them. I understand her obsession but it went a little bit too far I guess. I felt sorry for Cath sometimes. Her relationship with the fictional characters was rather getting out of hand and I really don't think it represented how us readers feel about certain characters.
I have no idea how her fanfiction ended. To tell you the truth I read only the first chapter in the book that Cath wrote. I had no desire to read a characters work. I wanted to, I mean it's such a great idea for Rainbow Rowell to do that! Writing a story about your own character writing a story? Perfect. However it ended up to be a disaster.
The dialog and the relationships in this book were okay. There is no other word to describe it. It was okay to read, there was no amazing chemistry between any of the characters there was nothing special about it. I did like how Cath and Levi interacted but it all seemed to incredibly childish. It was cute, but childish. I kept reading reviews of people falling in love for him, why?! He is like a puppy!
Back to Cath once again, I don't think I've come across a more needy character. I understand that her and her twin Wren did everything together even wrote some of the fanfiction together but as soon as Wren starts to have her own life Cath automatically starts to cling onto the past. It reminded me of 22 Jump Street when Schmit was clinging onto Jenko (yes I did recently rewatch the movie)
I didn't really want to review this book. I really don't have much to say about this book, am I going to remember the story in a year? No. I had to freaking look up Levi's name because he was lost in my memory.
I am glad I read this book, it wasn't horrible but it wasn't great. It's just a book that is going to fade into the background.
I loved Fangirl! I understand your thoughts on Cath being a little too engaged in her characters. Like, girl, you're in university now, start writin actual stories that are your own.
ReplyDeleteI don't get how you didn't like the chemistry. I cried in this book when Cath was going through so much. Her mom coming back into her sister's life, her sister wanting some space, having to take care of her emotionally unstable dad. It brought back some memories of my own life and some that could have been my life.
Levi's character reminds me a lot of my best friend except Levi isn't gay. I totally connected with him.
I have read books where people have had wonderful opinions and I was just like "meh" so I know where you are coming from but I really did connect with this book greatly.
Ahhh booo. I'm kind of wary of her other book coming out that is SOLELY on Simon and Baz. And it's basically Cath's fanfiction I think? I'm not sure.
ReplyDeleteAwesome review Paulina!! I totally understand your thoughts on the book. I haven't read this in 2 years, so I can't really say much. I mean it is my favorite Rowell book haha. But I have read more since then
Yeah I mean depends on the reader and stuff. I'm glad you enjoyed it and cried (in a nice way_
ReplyDeleteWell I'm glad that it's your favourite book! I was expecting too much and probably didn't enjoy it that much
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