I wish “Fangirl” had an actual sequel-I would like to know what happens to these characters next. “Fangirl” is a fast read, and it is definitely a go-to if you need a quick pick-me-up. For example, Cath gradually becomes good friends with her wild roommate Rowell could have gone much deeper into that relationship but instead presents only the surface level. All the same, there are parts of the novel that are not fleshed out enough, leaving me wanting to know about things more deeply. From my point of view, Cath’s character is spot on, especially in terms of her reaction to the awkward experience of adjusting to college life while separated from her built-in best friend.

I can relate to Cath-I am a twin, and my sister and I went to different colleges. Or, maybe they are left open to avoid complication, as the book's genre is YA fiction.īW I love “Fangirl.” It is one of the few books that gives a realistic depiction of what it is like for someone with Cath’s personality to start college. Maybe such gaps are intentionally left open because Rowell intends the story be geared toward twins or people who can relate to Cath’s apprehensive personality. How does that life-altering event relate to Cath’s love of Simon Snow? Such elaboration would have benefitted Rowell’s story. We eventually learn how Cath perceives the situation in retrospect, yet we do not feel the consequences. Do we really learn anything regarding how Cath felt when her mother left? Not really. For instance, the difficulties Cath experiences are exemplified lightly and given little acknowledgement. Cath’s college experience seems more like an idealized high school experience. That said, the story is lacking when it comes to substance. Rowell tells the story smoothly, and the book is interesting in terms of character development. There are no twists, turns or “please tell me what happens next” moments, so it is does not really keep you at the edge of your seat. Rowell’s novel is void of any hugely remarkable facets.

Sometimes you need a story that does not require a lot of analyzing, and I like “Fangirl” for that reason. See our thoughts on Rowell’s novel below! Now in college, Cath must deal with the trials and tribulations, both old and new, that compose her life. Cath’s fanaticism began as a child, when her mother left the family, leaving Cath and her twin sister behind. She even goes so far as to write Simon Snow fan fiction-and she is good at it.

Harry Potter is to ‘90s kids everywhere what Simon Snow is to Cath and her peers in Rainbow Rowell’s novel “Fangirl.” Cath takes her fandom to the extreme.

Fangirl book review