veryinvisible

Actual Rating: 4.5-5

What is every fangirl's, or fanboy's, dream come true? Yes, it's a book about them. And it's not a book that just undermines the loyalty of any fandom, but it's one that totally gets them. Rowell's Fangirl is not only a true rendition of an actual fangirl in real life, it is a book we finally get that so many of us relate to (and it's actually good!).

Cath is your typical fangirl; She hides out in her room – which is totally decked out in Simon Snow fandom merch – on the internet, writing fanfiction, or talking to her "internet friends". The way she describes the fandom, as well as her passion, immediately tips you off that Rainbow Rowell knows what she's talking about. Simon Snow is basically the Harry Potter of Cath's world (even though harry potter still exists in her world). So when college starts, Cath's world starts to shift as her twin sister, Wren, seems to detach herself from the "fandom" life, unlike Cath who is still crazy dedicated to Simon Snow and her fanfiction for the series, Carry On. So without Wren, who she did everything with together up until this point, Cath feels stranded in unfamiliar territory with, what seems to be, a mean roommate, Reagan, and her smiley boyfriend, Levi. And on top of that, Cath has social anxiety and is a bit insecure with herself. Her hesitation to explore campus, let alone fine the dining hall, further adds to her anxiety of the unknown. Rather than go out and party like most of the other students, she ends up in her room doing the usual: writing Carry On. Cath goes through events throughout her freshmen year that includes her family, friends, school, and of course Simon Snow, that may or may not end up in a total disaster.

Rowell's writing made you feel like you were living as Cath despite it being told in the third person, however at times it felt like someone was also telling you the story, which isn't too far off with how I felt reading Rowell's other book, Eleanor and Park. She also includes excerpts from the Simon Snow novels and even Cath's fanfiction in-between chapters, so that you know enough of the series that you're never really lost if it comes up in Cath's conversations. Rainbow Rowell literally created a whole new universe within the one she is narrating, that has just the same amount of depth and personality as everyone in Cath's world that you end up being a fangirl of Simon Snow yourself, wishing it was an actual series.

So what fangril wouldn't like a book about a fangirl? Well Cath is just one type of fangirl. The fanfiction reading, slash fanfiction writing, marathon watching, room covered with fandom merch, and has her own fanbase based on a fandom kind of a fangirl. So unless you're no where close to that kind of a fangirl then maybe you wont feel as connected to Cath, however that wouldn't be enough not to read the book. Cath's journey through her college freshman year not only is relatable regardless of what kind of fangirl you are but also a story everyone should read for its authenticity.

4.5

I'm very impressed with this final installment. Everything seemed to fall into place with all the lose ends tied up. It might have been a tad bit cheesy but in a good way that felt it was the right way to end it. Hand was very clever putting hints in the first two books that would later be revealed in the last book. Over all I am happy with this trilogy and hoe Clara's story played out.

4.5

I absolutely love the idea of angels in this story. I have not read a lot of angel stories but this one really sets the bar. I can't wait to see where the story goes in the next two books.

3.5

After rereading it after 4 years I still love the characters but the writing and plot just doesn't do it for me anymore. It took me so long to get through this one epically since I've forgotten most of the story. I guess I just don't like it as much as I did when I first read it.

"What if the real question is not to be, but how to be?"

Instead of a sappy love story of falling in love in "just one day," Allyson is trying to figure out who she really needs and wants to be, who just happens to meet a guy she may or may not fall in love with. If you have not read the description of the book or happen to forget all its details (in my case I forgot) then I suggest you don't. It gives a lot away and you end up figuring out what happens to Allyson.

With out giving too much away, Allyson is a high school graduate on an European tour with her best friend. She goes through a series of events that make her wonder who she really is and makes a decision that will ultimately lead her to self discovery.

Gayle Forman's writing is simply wonderful. When reading Allyson's journey you are immediately filled with the same thoughts and emotions as Allyson. Her experience becomes your own and you're left filled with wanderlust.

I was hooked on the story even before I started reading. The idea of criminals getting a second chance (as long as they are 16 years or younger) by erasing their memories, by being Slated, really intrigued me. Of course its not how it seems at all. It was obvious from the start there was something different about Kyla. You don't know what her past is, and neither does she, but its obvious she is different and on that idea alone made me want to know more. Soon Kyla starts school and meets a variety of people. There isn't a whole lot of romance in the story but that just keeps you on edge when ever there is a possible chance for it, which is a nice change from a lot of stories that are ruined because the romance is in your face all the time. When people start going missing is when it starts to get serious. Kyla begins to question where the missing people went, which is not something slaters do at all. Her curiosity catches on to her friend, Ben, who starts to think differently than before, and together they try to find out where the missing people have gone. In the end, all the pieces line up for Kyla leaving you wondering what she will do with this information.

I had much higher hopes for The Elite considering how The Selection ended off. There was so much possibility for this sequel, however, I ended up being more disappointed with The Elite than I was with The Selection. America still seems to be struggling between Maxon and Aspen and she pretty much ended right where she started in the beginning of Elite. There seems to be no development in both relationships as she only focuses on one of them when she is currently with either of the guys. The whole story was very slow with the occasional action with the rebels. Other than that it is just America going back and forth with the guys getting no where with either of them. Even thought it seems as if she has chosen Maxon at the end, I am sure Aspen will bring up some feelings of the past to make her even more indecisive than before.

Jeannette Walls is an amazing writer. I instantly fell in love with Bean and Liz. Having the story told in Bean's point of view made it an easy and enjoyable read.

I was really unsure of this book when I first started. It was kinda slow for me in the beginning, however, it picked up the pace as more missing girls were being introduced. I was not prepared at all for the ending of this book as it took an unexpected turn. The whole time you wonder how is Lauren seeing these people, and that was what kept me going. Overall it was an interesting read, especially those interested in the mind and mystery.