library for lost creatures

Format: Graphic Novels/Manga

Source: The library

In 2017, I picked up Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell from the library. It quickly became one of my favorite books. I recall the teal blue cover, staying in my room all day reading, and having my first experience finishing a book and immediately starting it again. This book made me feel seen in a way that you can only understand if you have stayed up every night until the early hours of the morning reading fan fiction when you have school/work/life to focus on the next day. Our main character, Cath, would understand when people (who knew I love reading) would ask me what books are my favorite recently, and I didn’t know how to reply because I had only been reading novel-length Harry Potter fan fiction that I wasn’t about to advertise. So, I read this book again, and again and I felt seen and comforted. The older I’ve gotten, the less I’ve read fan fiction, and the less Cath’s story has resonated with me. While I still love her, I am no longer just out of high school and experiencing the chaos that is college years with her. Recently, these new manga style graphic novels came out and I wanted to experience a peak into the past. These books did not disappoint. Let’s dive in!

Plot and Format

Fangirl is a coming of age story for anxious people. It follows Cath, a new college student, who is navigating a new environment without the crutch of her outgoing twin sister orchestrating social interactions for her. Cath falls back on the people who have always been her comfort, Simon Snow and Baz, her fictional friends. She sends these characters on adventures and allows them to fall in love in her fan fiction rather than testing the waters for herself. Cath’s roommate Reagan and her ever-present “boyfriend,” Levi attempt to drag Cath out of her fantasy and live the college experience, but between worrying for her dad, her frustration with Wren, and her ever growing confusion towards writing, Cath doesn’t know what to make of her new life. She doesn’t know if she is cut out for college and all that growing up entails.

This was the first “manga” style graphic novel I have read and I enjoyed the experience immensely. While reading the novel version of this story, you are able to live inside of Cath’s head and feel her emotions and understand things from her perspective. The graphic novel gives you a bit more distance and objectivity, however you can visualize her emotions and how things affect her. This visual version allows Cath’s fantasy world, that she would rather inhabit, to a whole new level.

Some Characters to Highlight

Cath: Our main character is an anxious college kid who fears change and discovering who she is outside of fanfiction. She has created a safe haven in the world of Simon Snow and is fearful of stepping outside this world to allow those around her to see her. While Cath is good with words on the page or screen, she isn’t the best with connecting with people. Throughout this novel, we get to see her open the door and cautiously step into a new version of herself. Cath’s story shows that slow progress is still progress and that allowing yourself to change is scary but therapuetic and neccessary.

Wren: Cath’s twin sister believes she knows exactly who she is. Unlike Cath, Wren’s crutch is confidence. She is outgoing and charismatic, yet lacks vulnerabilty. Wren’s story takes her from a calloused girl who rejects others before they can reject her, to someone who doesn’t have to throw herself head first into life to experience it.

Levi: I love Levi’s character because he is one of the first love interests that I read in a YA novel that is genuinely kind, warm, and soft. Levi made Cath feel comfortable at whatever level of intimacey she was ready for. I appreciate the representation of a relationship with complexity without toxicity. Levi is refreshing.

Reagan: While Reagan reads as callous and cool, her dedication to being Cath’s friend and taking care of the young roommate she didn’t want was so touching. She was harsh at times, but she accepted Cath for who she was, encouraged her to get outside her comfort zone, and allowed her to experience college in a way that felt safe for Cath. Reagan was exactly what Cath needed in a roommate.

Overall Review

Is it worth reading? My answer is yes! While the story speaks to a very niche audience, there is truth in it for everyone. For me, reading Fangirl is a very nostalgic experience. These graphic novels were quick reads and transported me back to the summer afternoon that I spent reading in my room all day and falling in love with the story. I hope you find that understanding from this book, too. I cannot wait for volume four, coming this August.