Fangirl (2013) is another of Rowell’s character-driven YA novels that has been well-received by readers and well-reviewed by critics. As of this post, it has a slightly higher rating on Goodreads (4.12) than her very much revered Eleanor & Park (4.11), also published in 2013. Rainbow Rowell is an engaging writer, so for all I didn’t like about the book, Rowell is gifted in being able to create memorable characters and worlds that seem relatable and authentic. Still, I could not get beyond thinking that this […]
Once you name it, you start getting attached to it!
I’ll admit, I was late to the party – everyone was already gushing wildly about Rainbow Rowell, especially the YA love story Eleanor & Park, by the time I finally picked up one of her books. There’s just something about THAT much effusive praise that makes me wary. But then I read the blurb for Fan Girl, and I just couldn’t deny my interest anymore. Of course, just as so many have fallen before me, once I read one of her books, I immediately had […]
This is why I still visit the YA section of my library.
There are very few writers — of any genre — that absolutely grasp how to write dialogue that an actual human being would say. And I think its especially difficult when it comes to YA characters. Rainbow Rowell can do it. Andrew Smith can do it. And my god, AS King can do it, too. Years and years ago (for CBR3!!!), I read Please Ignore Vera Dietz, a book I still think about every once in a while. It was so different from anything else I had read […]
I Wasn’t As Attached As I Wanted to be…but as I wrote the review, I found that I was
I’ve realized that I’m an odd sort of Rainbow Rowell fan. I liked Eleanor and Park ok-enough. I think I liked the idea of it more than the execution of it. I embraced the nostalgia of the time and of first love but it’s not really a book that I’ll revisit…nor do I ever recommend it to my friends (that’s telling to me). I know that this is blasphemy in these parts and I apologize. But I liked Eleanor and Park enough to read Landline…and […]