Dear Cath,
Okay, so I'd been wanting to pick up your story for quite some time now. Not because the genre appealed to me or because I thought your storyline would be fast-paced and action-packed, but simply because so many people were saying just how much they could relate to you. Now, if I loved one thing about the premise of your book, it was definitely the idea that you were a fangirl. It intrigued me. Being a fangirl myself meant I was just naturally curious as to how you were portrayed. I would have ended up picking your book up at one time or another - my curiosity can't be held off for long, after all. The idea that I could maybe relate to you a whole lot excited me greatly.
Now, I'm not known to strike up a connection with a lot of characters. Yes, I can love them, but it's very rare that I click with a protagonist so well because I can see so much of myself in them - or even the person I want to be. Now, I don't mind flawed characters - in fact, I love them. If a character has no flaws then I find it hard to believe they have depth - depth that would interest me, anyway. A character that's a little stubborn? A character that's a little hesitant? It makes for more interesting directions in plot and a chance for the character to develop and become even more fantastic.
But I just couldn't relate to you, Cath. Heck, I came out of this book not even liking you that much.
I can't put my finger on any one thing, but just the way you treated some people at times throughout the book and the way you reacted to situations, I just didn't get it. I wanted to, oh, how I wanted to, because, without an MC I even liked, there wasn't much else in the story that really caught me. I couldn't even relate to the side of you that was held back by anxiety. And having suffered anxiety myself for over half a decade now, you'd think I could.
Levi, unfortunately, didn't even rescue the book for me. He didn't appeal to me all that much either. It wasn't that your story was a bad one, it just wasn't for me. The book was overall okay, but that wasn't what disappointed me.
What disappointed me was the fact I just couldn't relate to you.
Yours sincerely (from a rather crest-fallen reader),
Rachel
Okay, so I'd been wanting to pick up your story for quite some time now. Not because the genre appealed to me or because I thought your storyline would be fast-paced and action-packed, but simply because so many people were saying just how much they could relate to you. Now, if I loved one thing about the premise of your book, it was definitely the idea that you were a fangirl. It intrigued me. Being a fangirl myself meant I was just naturally curious as to how you were portrayed. I would have ended up picking your book up at one time or another - my curiosity can't be held off for long, after all. The idea that I could maybe relate to you a whole lot excited me greatly.
Now, I'm not known to strike up a connection with a lot of characters. Yes, I can love them, but it's very rare that I click with a protagonist so well because I can see so much of myself in them - or even the person I want to be. Now, I don't mind flawed characters - in fact, I love them. If a character has no flaws then I find it hard to believe they have depth - depth that would interest me, anyway. A character that's a little stubborn? A character that's a little hesitant? It makes for more interesting directions in plot and a chance for the character to develop and become even more fantastic.
But I just couldn't relate to you, Cath. Heck, I came out of this book not even liking you that much.
I can't put my finger on any one thing, but just the way you treated some people at times throughout the book and the way you reacted to situations, I just didn't get it. I wanted to, oh, how I wanted to, because, without an MC I even liked, there wasn't much else in the story that really caught me. I couldn't even relate to the side of you that was held back by anxiety. And having suffered anxiety myself for over half a decade now, you'd think I could.
Levi, unfortunately, didn't even rescue the book for me. He didn't appeal to me all that much either. It wasn't that your story was a bad one, it just wasn't for me. The book was overall okay, but that wasn't what disappointed me.
What disappointed me was the fact I just couldn't relate to you.
Yours sincerely (from a rather crest-fallen reader),
Rachel
Cath and Wren are identical twins and until recently they did absolutely everything together. Now they're off to university and Wren's decided she doesn't want to be one half of a pair anymore - she wants to dance, meet boys, go to parties and let loose. It's not so easy for Cath. She would rather bury herself in the fanfiction she writes where there's romance far more intense than anything she's experienced in real life.Now Cath has to decide whether she's ready to open her heart to new people and new experiences, and she's realising that there's more to learn about love than she ever thought possible...
My goodreads rating:
2 stars
Happy Reading,
Rachel xoxo
In no way was I attempting to trash this book or anybody who likes it, it simply just wasn't my cup of tea and Cath ended up being a protagonist I just didn't click with. I thought it was worth expressing my thoughts as I've only heard extremely positive things and am wondering if anyone else out there is like me and didn't fall in love with it. :)
I likeFangirl but I can totally see where you're coming from with Cath not being related or particularly likable. I don't see myself re-reading it but I did enjoy it at the time. ^_^ xx
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed it, it was such a shame I didn't really. :( xx
DeleteOh no that's so disappointing! I haven't read this novel and it's been sitting on my bookshelf for a while. I have no idea why I haven't picked it up but I think the hype has made me a little hesitant. It sucks you couldn't connect with the protagonist since this book is meant to be every fangirls go-to. When I read this book one day I'll have to discuss with you!
ReplyDeleteYeah, the hype might have factored into my overall feelings by the end of the book too... Everyone seems to really love it! :3 Yes, we must discuss!
DeleteYeah, although I don't think I was as disapponted with fangirl as you seem to be, I also didnt love it as much as I thought I would... I thought I was one of the only people to not love it!! Have you read eleanor and park? I much prefer that, it's so beautiful <3 I like your idea of writing a letter to the main characte btw, nice way to spice things up from ordinary reviews! :)
ReplyDeleteAhh, at least we're kind of similar in our feelings! Yeah, I've read E&P but, unfortunately, I didn't really like that one either. I might just not be a fan of the types of books this author writes. :3
DeleteThank you!! :D
I havent finished the book yet and thats part of the problem, i feel like im struggling to wade through it. There isnt any one person who stands out and makes me want to know more sadly. I will finish it at one point though. Someone tell me E & P and Attachments are better, please?
ReplyDeleteSame as me! I didn't really feel any characters jumped out of the pages at me. :/ Well, I didn't really like E&P either but I think there are some people who preferred it over Fangirl! I'm not sure about Attachments as I haven't read that one!
DeleteNO RACHEL JUST NO OUR RELATIONSHIP IS OVER I WILL NEVER SPEAK TO YOU AGAIN
ReplyDeleteI'm totally joking; I love you really, Rachel! I totally understand where you're coming from, and I love how you've expressed your thoughts in this post. Personally, I related to Cath extraordinarily, but I understand the expectation of Fangirl, and how the thoughts of many people whilst reading Fangirl deviate from the actual plot or atmosphere of the book. Whilst it is titled Fangirl, Cath isn't your typical excited mess at all times, is she?
DeleteHa! Well this is turning into a bit of an essay so I'll just stop now. Loved this post, Rachel! :D :D :D xxxx
DON'T GIVE ME A HEART ATTACK LIKE THAT AGAIN. ;p
DeleteI'm so glad you related to Cath - such a shame I didn't!
LE CRI. But hey, each to their own and IF YOU'VE NOT READ LANDLINE YOU MUST. It's amazing. Also, even i could relate to it when the MC is A MOTHER AKA AN ADULT. ;)
ReplyDeleteAck, idk. I haven't liked both books I've read by Rainbow Rowell (E&P and Fangirl). :/
DeleteAw, that's a pity! I felt the same about Eleanor & Park, so when I finally read Fangirl I was expecting very little. I thought both books were overhyped but Fangirl wasn't all that bad. Not sure now whether I should read Landline or not...
ReplyDeleteMarian ^_^
I didn't really like E&P either. :/ I don't think I'm going to continue with any more of Rainbow Rowell's books, but if it's catching your eye, you should! :D
DeleteThank you! I actually agree thinking back on it. I didn't find Levi amazing and whilst I loved that Cath was a Fangirl, she didn't amaze me. I wholly agree with your letter, it's a shame both of us felt this way seeing as it's so loved. Great Post!
ReplyDeleteSomeone else who gets it! *high five* Thank you!! :D
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