There's really only one word for this one; Charming. Utterly sweet and charming. I had expected something similar to Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell, but this is its own delightful creation (and dare I say it, I think I like it more).
Fanfiction and stories about it have experienced a recent surge in popularity, with several good books resulting from the trend. But this is the first time I can remember coming across a book where the fanfic is being written about real events the fanfic writer is witnessing. The idea of the protagonist being so into a real person, albeit a real person who's a superhero, to the point that he writes fiction about him and keeps a pillow with his face on it is quite intriguing. I know this is something that happens in the real world, but rarely is it ever highlighted. This whole concept makes for a great hook that sets this one apart from the pack. Something else the book has going for it is its humor. I found myself stifling multiple giggles within the first chapter just because of what the protagonist said or thought and his interplay with his father. Speaking of which, this is a really fun protagonist. He is smart and witty, but also insecure and melancholy, all in ways that feel utterly realistic. Within a few pages, I know who he is and what he likes. His relationship with his father in particular is sweet and feels real. They have a warmth and caring that is clear on the page, and I find myself already rooting for them. Finally, the writing itself is spot-on. The quality of the fanfiction sections differs from the quality of the rest of the narrative, in ways that you would fully expect them to. What is supposed to feel like fanfiction does, and what isn't doesn't. An impressive feat for any author.
I thought I was over the fanfiction centered stories but this first look has decidedly changed my mind.
Fanfiction and stories about it have experienced a recent surge in popularity, with several good books resulting from the trend. But this is the first time I can remember coming across a book where the fanfic is being written about real events the fanfic writer is witnessing. The idea of the protagonist being so into a real person, albeit a real person who's a superhero, to the point that he writes fiction about him and keeps a pillow with his face on it is quite intriguing. I know this is something that happens in the real world, but rarely is it ever highlighted. This whole concept makes for a great hook that sets this one apart from the pack. Something else the book has going for it is its humor. I found myself stifling multiple giggles within the first chapter just because of what the protagonist said or thought and his interplay with his father. Speaking of which, this is a really fun protagonist. He is smart and witty, but also insecure and melancholy, all in ways that feel utterly realistic. Within a few pages, I know who he is and what he likes. His relationship with his father in particular is sweet and feels real. They have a warmth and caring that is clear on the page, and I find myself already rooting for them. Finally, the writing itself is spot-on. The quality of the fanfiction sections differs from the quality of the rest of the narrative, in ways that you would fully expect them to. What is supposed to feel like fanfiction does, and what isn't doesn't. An impressive feat for any author.
I thought I was over the fanfiction centered stories but this first look has decidedly changed my mind.