Rainbow Rowell captures a young college student’s transition from fangirl writing fan fiction to author creating worlds in Fangirl.

Transitioning from high school to college remains difficult for most teenagers, but Cather Avery feels as if she leaves behind an entire world. Since Cather and her twin sister, Wren, discovered the Simon Snow series (a Harry Potter equivalent) as children, the books played a large role in their lives. However, as they enter freshman year, Wren immerses herself in college life, but Cather cannot seem to abandon her fangirl history.

Rowell continues to produce numerous characters with distinct personalities that somehow all blend together well. Every character presents something at least one reader relates to. The strained relationship between Wren and Cather displays realistic sibling problems. The novel, however revolves around Cather. Her reactions to life and quirky personality remain realistic. Readers—especially Harry Potter fanatics—instantly empathize with this lovable character.

Contrary to Cather, readers will encounter the high-spirited Levi. He plays Cather’s love interest, and readers quickly fall in love with Levi’s personality and ridiculous grin. Between Cather, Levi, and several other characters, finding someone to relate to never looked simpler.

Fangirl contains a well-balanced combination of drama and humor. Cather’s life possesses its fair share of drama. Between a mentally ill father, challenging college courses, and a distant mother and sister, her head always buzzes with at least one problem to worry about. Despite this, Rowell’s humorous approach to writing saves this novel from drowning in stress and strained relationships.

Between Rowell’s humor and characters, Fangirl becomes a must-read for anyone with a fangirl side.