So, introvert Cath isn't loving her new college experience. She struggles to fit in, has severe anxiety, she’s scared like most people starting something new... and she's introduced to the world of boys.
"It felt as though I was on an emotional rollercoaster. Heart-warming, genuine, and just straight-up hilarious"
So, introvert Cath isn't loving her new college experience. She struggles to fit in, has severe anxiety, she’s scared like most people starting something new... and she's introduced to the world of boys. All of this is so relatable for most young girls moving away from home, living in halls and experiencing uni life.
Not only that but she writes fanfic and thousands of people read her work – she is famous online and has her very own fan base! For Cath it's easier to live in the fictional world rather than real life. As a lover of books and writing I totally understand her, but the reader gets to see her overcome this and begin to become more involved in the physical world. She begins to understand why she loves writing and is challenged to write her own stories rather than fanfic. We see her transform and grow.
“’Why do we write fiction?’ Professor Piper asked.
Cath looked down at her notebook.
To disappear.”
The story is relatable, loveable and Cath is a real girl with real problems. When I was reading the book I actually began to care about her, she meant something to me, it was like I was living the experience with her.
I loved all the characters (well, except maybe her twin Wren, sometimes), they were all realistic, as if I knew them and although they weren’t at all perfect they were still completely lovable. There was so many points when I physically laughed out loud or gasped, I had to stop and hug the book or kick my legs out in complete happiness.
I lent it to a friend and she felt exactly the same way. I received regular Facebook messages throughout her reading the book and it was hilarious and intriguing to see someone else fall in love with the characters and react to their lives just like I did.
I got so emotionally attached and so involved that I managed to read the book in one sitting. Some of the experiences she had I could totally imagine my teen-age-self doing; so cringey it's hilarious. One of the best coming-of-age stories I’ve read in a long time, the only downside is I didn’t want it to end.
4.5/5