I did this a couple months ago when I wrote a letter to Elisa from The Girl of Fire and Thorns. Well it's time for another letter and this time I'm writing to Cath from Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell. I absolutely loved this book and Cath was an amazing character.
I didn’t expect to like your story. It was out of my comfort zone. Ironic that you ended up teaching me how important it is to get out of my own comfort zone. Your quirky personality had me smiling and laughing throughout your story. But I really felt your emotions. Your anxiety about starting college. Your anger and betrayal at your sister for abandoning you. Your worry for your father. Your anger at your mother. All of these things I have felt in some way throughout my life and I related to you more than any character I have ever met.
So many of your life experiences lined up with mine. It was so refreshing and encouraging to read about your struggles and how you overcame each and every one of them. You were such an inspiration to me and I recommend your story to many young women. Any new situation is scary and you handled going to college like any young girl would.
But for me, it was your relationship with your parents and your sister that touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes. Your worry over your father and your anger towards your mother struck so close to home with me. And the feeling of abandonment you felt from your sister… let’s just say I know exactly how you feel.
But I wasn’t the only one who connected with you. You reminded me so much of someone I know. Someone I love dearly. And I cried for that person while reading your story. I cried because I saw her in you and I want her to read your story so desperately.
So thank you, Cath. Thank you for being honest. Thank you for showing us your insecurities. And thank you for overcoming them. Because you showed me and other young women everywhere that they can overcome their insecurities too. You are truly an inspiration. Never stop being who you are. Because the person you are is perfect.
Your friend,
Rebecca
Have you ever felt super connected to a
character? Which ones?
I really liked Fangirl, I thought it was so well done. And the interactions between Cath and the rest of her family were such a huge part of the story, which is unusual in YA these days. So I appreciated that and especially how much she loved her father and sister.
ReplyDeleteI don't know about characters I've felt connected to. Usually it's not because I feel similarly or have been through similar things (especially with dystopian and paranormal). But there have been a few books where I have been emotional (either really angry or sad). Like the Embrace series, Lux series, Covenant series. Nice post! ~Pam
Yes! I loved that. So rare to see familial relationships in YA. Yeah, it is hard to connect with the paranormal and dystopians just because the story is like nothing I've ever experienced. But I do find that I can relate to a lot of the other things going on in a character's life. Like strained relationships with family, self-esteem issues, etc. A lot of times it's stuff that I've felt before and I can remember feeling that way, ya know?
DeleteBtw, I just got the Lux series for Christmas!!!! Can't wait to start reading!!