Lane Out Loud

Rainbow Rowell’s Fangirl stands apart from so many other young adult romances because of its narration.

Told in third person, it carries a kind of openness that allows us to see Cath’s world in both tender and honest detail. In a genre often dominated by first-person voices, this shift feels refreshing-like being gently guided rather than pulled.

One of the brightest sparks of the novel is Levi, who quickly became one of my favorite fictional characters ever written. He is brave in quiet ways, goofy in the best ways, and deeply human in the moments when he struggles. What makes him unforgettable is not his charm alone, but his willingness to lean on the people he trusts. Strength, Rowell reminds us through him, isn’t about perfection-it’s about knowing when to ask for help.

Cath herself is equally compelling. Her social anxiety feels raw and real, capturing the lonely edges of being overwhelmed by a new world. And yet, she discovers freedom through writing fanfiction, where she can pour her voice onto the page without fear. What I love most is that Rowell doesn’t relegate this fanfiction to an afterthought-it’s woven throughout the novel, scattered like little windows into Cath’s heart. Each excerpt is a reminder that storytelling can be both an escape and a bridge to understanding ourselves.

Fangirl isn’t just about first love-it’s about creativity, courage, and the many forms that bravery can take.