Book Review: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Today, here is a review of Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell. 

Cath is a Simon Snow fan.

Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan...

But for Cath, being a fan is her life—and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving. Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.

Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to.

Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words... And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this? Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories?

And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?

~ ~ ~

I was sucked into the world of Fangirl through Cath almost straight away. The first sentence saying there was a boy in her room immediately made me curious. While these days I would say I am more of a fantasy/sci-fi reader I do enjoy reading a contemporary every now and then. This is one of the best contemporaries I've read. 

It's about Cath who really didn't want to move away and go to college learn to grow from being a child to being a more independent adult. She moves to College, but isn't really happy about being there. She meets a boy and think it's her roommates boyfriend. It's about getting hurt and being a writer, learning to grow out of childhood. But maybe not completely.

~ ~ ~

"It's college," Wren said, exasperated, covering her face with her hands. "It's supposed to be an adventure." 

~ ~ ~

I love this quote because I've often said to myself that life is adventure. You can't really go through life timidly. There will always be things that are thrown our that we don't expect. It's in learning that we seek adventure. This is something that Cath learnt through the course of the book. She learnt to be more confident in herself. I think in some ways this quote explains

~ 

"I still wish you'd get a dog," she said.
"I'd never remember to feed it."
"Maybe we could train it to feed you."

(Cath to her Dad)
~

I loved how much that Cath worried about her Dad. I think in any YA story there often seems to be a neglect of the parental figures. Here, as Cath and her twin sister Wren, were away at college their father didn't appear in the story much, but he still was very much involved.

I love this conversation between Cath and her Dad mostly because it's quite funny but also shows a little bit how much Cath and Wren looked out for their Dad when they used to live at home.

Cath was very relatable. She had anxiety but still tried even though that meant surviving off energy bars and peanut butter jars because she couldn't bring herself to actually try something new like say finding the dining room. "I feel sorry for you, and I'm going to be your friend." Is basically how not only Reagan and Cath's strange friendship began, but also how she first found the dining room.


Her anxiety was also visible in other areas of her life. Like when she did want to text her then boyfriend because she wasn't in a good mood and didn't want that to come through the text. 'You can't take back texts.' It's always a concern when texting someone because accidentally saying something different than it was meant to sound could very well mean embarrassment and no take backs.

A Few Things

There was a very touchy feely moment that made me feel uncomfortable. Also Cath's fan fiction that she wrote had a same sex couple which is something that I was also uncomfortable with as a Christian. I also really didn't understand Cath and Wren's mother. I feel like there's more that can happen in that part of the story.

I think the twins names were kind of cool too. Cather and Wren

Overall I loved Fangirl. It certainly was a story about growing up and figuring things out. It's very relatable too I think because I am around her age and entering the world as an adult whether it be University or into the workforce. It's definitely relatable. I rate it 4.5 stars out of 5.

Have you read Fangirl before? What do you think? Feel free to tell me your thoughts in the comments. 

That Word: Tempestuous

That Word is the segment on my blog where I post new words that I discover newly or have jumped out at me once again. If you love finding new words this post is for you. If you're a writer looking for different words to describe some this post may also be for you. This week's word is...

Tempestuous 

Where I Discovered It

I discovered 'tempestuous' while watching the anime, Your Lie in April.

Defintion/s 

1. Characterised by or subject to tempests
2. the nature of or resembling a tempest
3. tumultuous; turbulent 

Example Sentence

She was tempestuous...  ~Your Lie in April

The tempestuous feeling in her stomach did not bode well. 

She was as fiery as they came, a tempestuous one. 

My Thoughts

Tempestuous is a word I have heard before. Although I'm not sure that it is entirely uncommon. It wasn't till I heard it again that it struck me more. I found it not so surprising what the word meant. I had had an idea partly from the context it was used in and partly that the prefix of the word is tempest. And many people would be aware that a tempest is a storm.

I kind of love saying tempestuous. It is a word with many syllables, yet looking at the word I feel that I could say them right every time. Unlike some words in the English language that seemed made to trick us, is written with an easy understanding of how it's pronounced. At least that's how I see it. 

I definitely want to use it in my writing. In some way. Tempestuous I believe is another word that we can use to explain when someone is angry or the weather if is particular tempestuous. I dare say it is becoming a favourite of mine. 

What do you think of 'tempestuous'? Have you seen or heard it around before? Have you used it? Would you use it? Comment below and feel free to tell me your thoughts. 

That Word: Flivver

That Word is the segment on my blog where I post new words that I discover newly or have jumped out at me once again. If you love finding new words this post is for you. If you're a writer looking for different words to describe some this post may also be for you. This week's word is...

Flivver

Where I Discovered It

Turns out I didn't write down where I found it. Whoops. 

Defintion/s 

1. (Old Slang) an automobile, especially one that is small, inexpensive, and old. 
2. (Slang) something of unsatisfactory quality or inferior grade.

Example Sentence

"Flivver," she said as she stared at her piece of artwork. 

My Thoughts

I think this is a unique word to describe a car, but obviously as it is termed as old slang would probably be used better in a book set some years ago where it would fit. 

Besides that the word almost reminds me of the word 'flipper'. Of course the v's make an obvious difference. I think because it sounds unique and would definitely be an interesting word to include in a story that may surprise people because it is something they are likely not to have heard or seen often before. 

What do you think? Have you heard or seen 'flivver' before? Have you used it before? Do you think you would use it in the future? Feel free to tell me your thoughts. 

That Word: Facetious

That Word is the segment on my blog where I post new words that I discover newly or have jumped out at me once again. If you love finding new words this post is for you. If you're a writer looking for different words to describe some this post may also be for you.  

Facetious

Where I Discovered It

I discovered this word while reading The Sky So Heavy by Clair Zorn

Definition/s 

1. Not meant to be taken seriously or literally
2. amusing; humorous
3. lacking serious intent; concerned with something nonessential, amusing or frivolous: 

Example Sentences

"These facetious kids. I doubt they could accomplish it."

This facetious joke was never meant to make the final cut, but it did.

"I'm not being facetious Fin. I'm trying to figure this out." - Arnold, p. 200.

My Thoughts

I like this word for it's definition. It's a different word to use for  something seemingly simple like 'amusing' or 'humorous'. I like that although simple this would can be used in a more complex way. Although it is also a word not many people may know. Still, I definitely think I would want to use it sometime.

What are your thoughts? Have you heard of 'Facetious' before? Have you used it yourself? What sentence would you create with it? Feel free to drop your thoughts in the comments. 

Book Tour for The Coronation by Olivia Jarmusch

Today I am participating in a blog tour for Olivia Jarmusch's  new book The Coronation (Tales of Tarsurella). I've tried to keep this as spoiler free as possible, but be warned there is spoilers in this review.

Prince Addison is only several weeks away from inheriting the Kingdom of Tarsurella. The entire Palace is ablaze with excitement, as the Royal Family prepares for the event of a lifetime. Despite the exciting event which is near at hand, Addison and his younger siblings (all seven of them!) must carry on with their daily activities. Addison’s sisters, Princesses Bridget, Chasity, and Hope, have their struggles with being iconic European starlets of a modern day monarchy. The teen heiresses grace magazine covers, smile for photoshoots, and gracefully glide through important interviews–until a certain American popstar arrives on the scene. 

Kennetic Energy, the wildly popular band from the United States, is chosen to play at Addison’s Coronation. David Carter, the band’s handsome lead singer, fumbles through awkward moments with Princess Hope–in front of the cameras. When an embarrassing rumor sparks that Princess Hope is dating the young fellow, she is determined to get the band fired from their Royal gig.  

Meanwhile, Princess Chasity is dealing with her own fragile affairs of the heart. Her new security guard, Hanson Fletcher, is completely captivating, yet entirely frustrating. She attempts to keep the entrance of her heart firmly protected, while following the wisdom of Proverbs 4:23. But can she be successful in guarding her heart, from her security guard?

The Coronation is Book #1 in The Tales of Tarsurella Trilogy.

The Story

The story is largely focused on characters. We see it through many perspectives. And even though we do it never feels heavy or too much. The characters are each unique. They all have their own passions and fears. Addison loves spending time with his family and wants to be a good leader but is afraid of being a bad one. Very relatable. We all fear not doing well at something we love. As he head towards his place as king he must soon decide on a wife. A decision he does not want to take lightly. For many of the characters they are forced to face decisions involving feelings and romances possibly blooming and each dealt with this differently. In most books that have romance it often resolves sole around the fact and you expect in the end they will end up together. Without saying too much, I loved how, Livy, did something unexpected with the romances developing in this book.

For a lot of the story I didn't necessarily see where it was heading. There were people introduced and feelings clearly being developed. One major undergoing current appeared to be a decision Hanson didn't want to make but had to make. As I read on I trying to anticipate what his move was. I knew very well what I wanted him to do, but also knew that likely wasn't going to happen. Through this I think a large focus was placed on all the character's relationships with each other. Whether it be sibling, friendship or something more or even little relationship at all. I caught onto the climatic event not to long before it happened. The resolution to the end of the story happened and after the story seemed kind of slow.

That being said here is a small list of things

Things I loved

• I loved how much the royal family was so family orientated. It's not something I actually read a lot of in fiction. 
• The Christians have a very natural focus on God in some books it can seem really forced and in this one it didn't. 
• I learnt how the media impact between those who are famous and the rest of the world can be false.

Things I noticed

• The major conflict and antagonist that was the climax reminded me of a terrorist group in the world today. Just one major similarity that drew me away from the story a bit. 
• The book is so full of Christian messages, however sometimes it can seem like there is a lot of someone saying it and could almost seen to drag on a bit. 

Largely I would say it is a story about the relationships between both family and friends and even a kingdom. I loved each of the characters I met and was definitely drawn in right from the beginning. While sometimes it did feel like it slowed down and there were a few longer passages of people talking, overall I loved it. It's definitely a book I would recommend to anyone looking for a very clean, Christian read. While most characters are girls because there are more of them there are definitely some boys perspective that allows it to appeal to both genders. I'm definitely looking forward to see what the next books hold.


You can find Livy through
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Livy Lynn Blog- Don't forget to check the other blog stops.

Have you read The Coronation? What did you think? Are you interested in reading it? 

That Word: Gumption

That Word is the segment on my blog where I post new words that I discover newly or have jumped out at me once again. If you love finding new words this post is for you. If you're a writer looking for different words to describe some this post may also be for you.  

Gumption 

Where I Discovered It

While a word that certain has some familiarity it particularly struck me while reading Cinder by Marissa Meyer. 

Definition/s

1. initiative; aggressiveness; resourcefulness
2. courage; spunk; guts;
3. common sense; shrewdness

Example Sentences

"I was hoping you would have inherited more gumption from our people." ~ Dr. Erland to Cinder p. 276 of Cinder 

Michael gather his gumption. This would be no easy task. 

"Use your gumption. Don't be stupid." Michael said. 

My Thoughts

I love the sound of this word 'gumption'. It sounds cool. Just imagine saying "I've got gumption." 

It is a good word to use instead of courage or common sense, but at the same I also think it wouldn't suit all characters. It isn't a word you would hear or see everyday. I think I would love to see it around more.

What are your thoughts? Have you heard or seen gumption around before? Have you used it? Do you think you would use it? 

Monthly Scripture Insight:

This is a new segment on my blog where I will bring a small segment of scripture each month that has taught or spoken to me in the past month.

The Verse

"- I will celebrate the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. " 2 Samuel 6: 21-22

Background

I have been reading through 1 and 2nd Samuel primarily to read up on King David. I have realised that as I have read on that he is one of my favourite Bible characters and why he is. But as I was reading about him this verse stood out to me. It was familiar and I wanted to keep it in mind.

In chapter 6 David has been focusing on getting the Ark of the Lord to Jerusalem, the capital of Israel. As they entered Jerusalem, David had been dancing with nothing but a linen loincloth.

My Thoughts 

I like this verse because David wasn't afraid. He danced even though he knew he would be humiliated. He really didn't care what others thought because he was doing it for the Lord. He was doing it as an act of worship. He was showing his love for the Lord.

I know especially in this day and age it can be hard to not focus on what other people are thinking. There is always this pressure to align with the world and what they are doing. As Christians it isn't always easy to say no.

An example from my own life is at Church I choose to worship by dancing. It is something I haven't seen many people do before. I have been doing it for many months now, but I used to be so afraid to do it. My main concern was what other people were thinking about me until I got to this place where I not only wanted to dance before the Lord but felt I needed to. I was so overcome by his joy and presence that I just had to.

It can be so easy to just listen to the ways of the world, but I think I would like to be more like David and in all areas of my life to focus on God and not be worried about if I look silly or undignified even if I will be humiliated.

When I thought of this verse I also thought of this song by Matt Redman which was based around it.

What do you think? Have you thought much about this verse before?