Anyone for Fanfiction?

Hello everyone, 

Let's talk about the fantastic novel by Rainbow Rowell that is Fangirl...what do you guys think of it?

I have to admit that the first time I picked it up I was far from wowed, it took me a good 100 pages to get into the story. For some reason I just couldn't form a mental image of Cath! I always find that if I can't picture the main character I really struggle to make an emotional investment in the story. I don't know if I couldn't get into it because I was in the wrong frame of mind or if I was in a reading slump...who knows? After I finally immersed myself in the world of Cath, Art, Levi, Wren and Reagan I started to enjoy it, but I was still a little underwhelmed considering the hype around this book! 

Then last week I was perusing my shelves looking for a comfort read and there was Fangirl sat on my shelf between Eleanor and Park (which I loved btw) and The Little Coffee Shop in Kabul. I picked it up and was hooked by, ooh let me see, I'm gonna say page 3? Re-reading was a totally different experience! I was instantly immersed in the story and it took me a while to resurface when I was called away from the book. I even found myself liking the addition of the Simon Snow mini-stories and looking forward to the next one, which makes me super keen to read Carry On. 

I'd never really known much about fanfiction until around a year ago, I think for many people it is unchartered territory. The idea of borrowing well known and loved characters to insert them into your own story is fascinating, and I have since developed a love of reading quick fanfiction when I have a spare 15 minutes. I think a lot of writers struggle in the same was as Cath with the stigma and push back against fanfic from more traditional authors who see it as plagiarism. To my mind, as long as the author doesn't mind it and the fanfic writers aren't trying to breach copywriter or earn money from it, then what is the problem? 

The fanfic debate aside, this story is so true to life. I completely sympathise with Cath over how hard it can be to transition from teenager to young adult. University life is hard and can be quite isolating and lonely, it takes a brave soul to be completely undaunted by all the newness! It was really invigorating to actually read an honest account of uni life, so many books paint it through rose tinted glasses, but this story felt real. Here is a quick summary, minus spoilers for those who haven't read it! 

Cath is 18 and starting her first day at college, minus her twin Wren. For the first time in 18 years they won't be sharing a room together, won't be eating together and won't be socialising together. The prospect of this is pretty terrifying for Cath, but Wren has made it pretty clear that while they may both be attending the same college they are not going to be inseparable. This pushes Cath to dive deeper into writing her Simon Snow - Heir of Mages fanfiction, compensating for growing social anxiety and isolation. However, her new roommate Reagan and her boyfriend Levi won't let Cath be alone, much as she might think she craves it! Balancing popular fanfiction, assignments, dating, a sister going off the rails and a fragile father is no easy task, how will Cath cope? Pushed to breaking point Cath needs to decide how she wants her own story to end, or begin... 

I found Cath's story so relatable and it rang so true with some of mine and my friend's experiences that it actually made me quite emotional! The story is engaging and the characters very lovable, especially Levi who reminds me of a certain someone in my own life. If you haven't read this book, or have and found it less exciting that expected, pick it up and try again, I am so glad that I did. 

What did you guys think of this story? Let me know in the comments below, book recommendations are always welcome :-) 

xoxo