SO, after being really quite disappointed by Eleanor & Park (sorry!) I was slightly dubious about reading Fangirl. I do love chick-lit rom-com stories but I do struggle with the fantastical unrealistic stories that emerge. I feel that sometimes it makes relationships in the real life seem well, shoddy, by comparison. I don't want Luke to stand over my bed watching me sleep, and I don't want him to give me long beautiful monologues that just aren't real. Realness for me is him just kissing me because he wants to, or picking up my favourite drink on his way home. Small acts of kindness are definitely enough for me.

Anyhow, I tried this book this week. The story centres around two sisters, Cather and Wren, and their journey through college. Cather is quite introverted, but is also famous in the FanFic world for her stories about Simon Snow (magical vampire novel loosely likened to Harry Potter). Along the way we might Cather's amazingly blunt and real room mate Reagan, and her friend Levi. Cather struggles being away from home, particularly due to her worrying about her Fathers "manic" tendencies. Cather finds herself, and maybe some love along the way. 

I'll admit it. I LOVED this book! yes it was sometimes cheesy, yes it was at times predictable. I could not put this book down. I associated a lot with Cather, and found that she was a deep character. She was definitely not one dimensional and I actually enjoyed following her around. Another star of this story was definitely Reagan. Reagan is basically everything I love summed in to a character. Blunt, confident, and absolutely beautiful.
Although the story doesn't have many twists or turns, it felt real. It felt like I was reading about real people, and real people don't have to have a spectacular life to be extraordinary.

I'd really recommend this for someone who just wants something light, and easy. As much as I love something grittier, this is an absolutely perfect holiday read. Get this book and read it round a pool. Read it near the beach. Read it wrapped up in your favourite blanket with a hot chocolate. I know I did. 

What did you think?

Thanks for reading,

Ellie xx