Fangirl

Rowell, R. (2013). Fangirl. St. Martin's Griffin.  
NYT Bestseller (Aug. 30, 2015 - YA Paperback)

Summary: Cath Avery is a Simon Snow fanfiction writing addict who is known to her online fans as Magicath. As she begins her freshman year at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, she finds herself living with someone other than her twin sister, Wren. Being focused on her writing and having a deadline to finish a book by the end of her freshman year, she does not care much about the college social life or doing anything other than writing for that matter. As hard as she tries to stay in her world of Simon Snow stories, there are exterior life experiences that are hindering focus; her professor dislikes her fanfiction writing, her sister’s liking to college life and growing alcoholism, her dad’s bipolar disorder, and the absence of her mother since she was little. Not only is she struggling with all that life is throwing at her, to top it off; she has grown feelings for her roommate’s ex-boyfriend, Levi. As she is dealing with each experience as they come, the novel ends with Cath on the up swing in life. She ends up with a catch as a boyfriend, a sobering up sister, a dad who is trying to work through her issues, and a successful and finished book.

Commentary: This novel is geared toward the older ages of the Young Adult readers as the main character, Cath, is entering college. It discusses very relatable topics such as wanting to focus on something you are passionate about but extenuating circumstances get in the way. Whether it is troubles with friends or family, I believe all teens can relate to the hardships found in this contemporary realistic fiction novel and how difficult it is to overcome them. As Cath battles with her desire to finish the story she is writing, she is continues to have anxiety about the college life.  Her intimidating roommate and Levi help to open her up to a world that she didn’t even know she wanted to be a part of.

Connection: Book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYk1H3DV8yk