Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell (review)

Confronting the quandaries of real life has never been easy for eighteen-year-old Cath Avery. Socially awkward and riddled with anxieties, she only feels confident in the imaginary World of Mages, setting of a bestselling children’s fantasy series, and as one of its most popular fanfic authors, Cath has ruled that world with ease. Now she must confront the very real world of dorm life, and to make matters worse, her twin sister has decided that she doesn’t want to room with Cath. Suddenly facing the social whirl of college alone, Cath finds allies in unexpected places: her strange, seemingly unfriendly roommate, a cute guy from her writing class, and her roommate’s goofy ex, Levi, who turns from a possible friend into a boyfriend. With their help, Cath finds a way to face not just college but family crises, the demands of her fanfic readers, and the pressure from her teacher to create non-fanfic work, and in the end to balance while standing on her own. An engaging read, this funny, heartfelt novel conveys a touching personal journey toward self-confidence and romance. The sizable length leaves room for the introduction of many memorable characters, but this is really Cath’s story, and readers will find her worth the attention. As the supportive boyfriend, Levi is perhaps too perfectly ready-made for reader crushes, but the romance as a whole is grounded and real. Rowell treats fanfic writers and readers with respect, making this book a treat for anyone who appreciates fan culture, but also offers a nuanced perspective of the values and challenge of striking out on your own in writing and in life. This is the perfect next-read for fans of Stephanie Perkins (Anna and the French Kiss, etc.) who wanted to follow her characters to college.