Review: Fangirl by Ken Baker

Fangirl by Ken Baker
Release date: October 2, 2012
Publisher: Running Press Kids
Source: ARCycling
Reviewed by: Nahomi
Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads / IndieBound

My rating: 3 stars out of 5 stars

Summary: 
While staring you straight in the eye, far above the tips of her Toms, Josie Brant would swear that she does not like Peter Maxx, the teen sensation who causes every girl within a 100-foot radius to scream at ear-shattering decibels. Even if Josie may completely, totally, and unequivocally be his biggest fan.

So when Josie finds out her best friend has won a contest to meet Peter by stealing one of Josie's songs, Josie is overwhelmingly shocked and upset--some of which flies out the window when Ashley introduces Josie to Peter as well. And suddenly, in a whirlwind of Tweets, IMs, texts, and phone calls, Josie finds herself in the middle of a flirtatious friendship that has the potential for complete harmony. But just when everything seems pitch-perfect, the paparazzi flashbulbs explode, along with any notion of a fairy-tale romance.

          Fangirl is cute story, which I believe is geared towards a younger audience. It’s full of pop-culture, abbreviations and hashtags. This story is told from both Josie and Peter’s point of view which give the reader a better general picture of what is going on in the story. Overall it was an easy read, and it contained some plot twists that I wasn't expecting and kept me turning pages.

Josie, our main character, is the typical teenage girl who is shy and artistic. She prides herself in not being like everyone else. I like that after Peter realized his mistake, and comes back asking for Josie’s forgiveness she didn't just give in because he’s a super star. Josie is a little stubborn and immature but through the book there is definitely some character growth.

Peter is the stereotypical pop super star (That sounds so cheesy), who is going through an unhappy stage in his life. Even though he knows he should be thankful for all that he has, Peter often feels lonely and wishes he could have a normal life. When he meets Josie at a school appearance he is intrigued by her and is determined to get to know her in hopes of finding a connection and some normalcy. 

There were a few narration issues here and there in the book which was a little distracting. Also in the chapters that were from Josie’s point of view and issue of the hashtags after certain phrases that I couldn't really get into. Other than that, it was a decent story with a happy ending.

Bottom line:

I would recommend this story to readers between the ages of 12 and 15. If you are interested in a easy read, and have every fantasized about being with a pop-star this maybe the book for you. 
Until next time...