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carlisajc's review
3.0
*I was given an advanced copy of this novel to read and review by the publisher. This in no way affects my opinion of the book!*
This was an interesting book to read and review. I’m not usually one for nonfiction, but I’m all for fangirls and nerdiness. After reading it, I like two aspects but was overall underwhelmed.
First, this book is hilarious. The author’s voice is so present and just funny. She speaks like a fangirl does. If you follow any fangirls on Twitter… you’d know what I mean. Actually there’s a section on “fangirl speech” that starts with the lines, “Have you ever lost the ability to can? Do you often find yourself overwhelmed with feels?” Lol. That part was actually helpful to me because although in some ways I’m a fangirl, I’m not super caps-locky and feelsy with my reviews or tweets. I guess it’s the English major in me that holds me back from doing that, but it was good to learn some things about what they’re saying.
Second, Sam Magg’s feminist vision is pretty cool. Throughout the book, it’s clear that she is a feminist and she just wants equal rights as a girl, but especially as a fangirl. I liked that though her position was made clear, she didn’t really push anything on the reader until one of the end chapters specifically focused on feminism. An interesting concept that she brought up was this “test” to give movies: Does the film have (1) two named female characters, (2) who talk to each other, (3) about something other than a man. If so, it passes. It seems like that would be easy enough…but think of the Avengers even. Of the top of my head, I can think of two girls, who I can’t remember really talking to each other. Hmm.
And another feminist concept that I found interesting: “In comics, overly sexualized female characters and testosterone-tastic male characters are both male fantasies. The women are male sexual fantasies; the man are male power fantasies.” I JUST WANT TO EXPLORE THIS AND WRITE A PAPER ABOUT IT. Wow, I went all caps-locky and English-majory there, huh?
But besides these aspects, I found information kind of not that informative. Um, this book was really a guide for people who want to be fangirls but don’t know where to start. Does that person really exist? Is being a fangirl a desire for people? I don’t know. Maybe so…I just feel as if you’re a fangirl who fangirls over something or you’re not. So that was a strange concept to me, but maybe I’m just overthinking things (I tend to do that a lot).
Also she included a lot of interviews from authors or comic creators, you know some famous fangirls. The only ones I knew were Erin Morgenstern who wrote The Night Circus (one of my favorite books FYI) and Victoria Schwab, but I liked that she did this. It gave some credibility to the word “fangirl.” Despite that, though…she gave them each the same exact questions so most of the answers were pretty much the same thing in different words. I would’ve liked things to be more personable and individual to get a variety of answers.
Another thing was the information was only relevant to a certain kind of fangirl. It included tons of tips for conventions and cool little geeky clubs and places to hang out. Those things aren’t as present as she seemed to make them. Conventions are expensive with tickets and travel time, and not everyone can make it. And these places, like she gave an example as a board game café, I’m not sure if they really exist. If they did, that’d be awesome. But where do you find things like that? I don’t know.
So there were quite a lot of things that I liked about this book. But then there were things that I didn’t and many things that I didn’t relate to…As someone who would call herself a fangirl (after all I have this blog) but also wouldn’t enjoy participating in cosplay or doing some of the things she spent 40% of the book talking about. But if you’re aspiring fangirl or a girl who wants to become a bigger fangirl (?), then this book is for you. It’ll teach you the in’s and the out’s and even the vocab of the fangirl life.
This was an interesting book to read and review. I’m not usually one for nonfiction, but I’m all for fangirls and nerdiness. After reading it, I like two aspects but was overall underwhelmed.
First, this book is hilarious. The author’s voice is so present and just funny. She speaks like a fangirl does. If you follow any fangirls on Twitter… you’d know what I mean. Actually there’s a section on “fangirl speech” that starts with the lines, “Have you ever lost the ability to can? Do you often find yourself overwhelmed with feels?” Lol. That part was actually helpful to me because although in some ways I’m a fangirl, I’m not super caps-locky and feelsy with my reviews or tweets. I guess it’s the English major in me that holds me back from doing that, but it was good to learn some things about what they’re saying.
Second, Sam Magg’s feminist vision is pretty cool. Throughout the book, it’s clear that she is a feminist and she just wants equal rights as a girl, but especially as a fangirl. I liked that though her position was made clear, she didn’t really push anything on the reader until one of the end chapters specifically focused on feminism. An interesting concept that she brought up was this “test” to give movies: Does the film have (1) two named female characters, (2) who talk to each other, (3) about something other than a man. If so, it passes. It seems like that would be easy enough…but think of the Avengers even. Of the top of my head, I can think of two girls, who I can’t remember really talking to each other. Hmm.
And another feminist concept that I found interesting: “In comics, overly sexualized female characters and testosterone-tastic male characters are both male fantasies. The women are male sexual fantasies; the man are male power fantasies.” I JUST WANT TO EXPLORE THIS AND WRITE A PAPER ABOUT IT. Wow, I went all caps-locky and English-majory there, huh?
But besides these aspects, I found information kind of not that informative. Um, this book was really a guide for people who want to be fangirls but don’t know where to start. Does that person really exist? Is being a fangirl a desire for people? I don’t know. Maybe so…I just feel as if you’re a fangirl who fangirls over something or you’re not. So that was a strange concept to me, but maybe I’m just overthinking things (I tend to do that a lot).
Also she included a lot of interviews from authors or comic creators, you know some famous fangirls. The only ones I knew were Erin Morgenstern who wrote The Night Circus (one of my favorite books FYI) and Victoria Schwab, but I liked that she did this. It gave some credibility to the word “fangirl.” Despite that, though…she gave them each the same exact questions so most of the answers were pretty much the same thing in different words. I would’ve liked things to be more personable and individual to get a variety of answers.
Another thing was the information was only relevant to a certain kind of fangirl. It included tons of tips for conventions and cool little geeky clubs and places to hang out. Those things aren’t as present as she seemed to make them. Conventions are expensive with tickets and travel time, and not everyone can make it. And these places, like she gave an example as a board game café, I’m not sure if they really exist. If they did, that’d be awesome. But where do you find things like that? I don’t know.
So there were quite a lot of things that I liked about this book. But then there were things that I didn’t and many things that I didn’t relate to…As someone who would call herself a fangirl (after all I have this blog) but also wouldn’t enjoy participating in cosplay or doing some of the things she spent 40% of the book talking about. But if you’re aspiring fangirl or a girl who wants to become a bigger fangirl (?), then this book is for you. It’ll teach you the in’s and the out’s and even the vocab of the fangirl life.
yodamom's review
4.0
A book every sensible nerdish loving girl needs in her library. Okay I'll go a far as saying every intelligent gifted well rounded happy girl needs to maneuver the intricate world of awesomeness. If you don't own a copy well, your life is lacking. There it is, truth.
What's inside that completes your awesomeness ?
Talking geek
Connecting with fellow fangirls
Definitions
Interviews
Codes
Deflecting trolls
Dressing
More, more more.... if you love it it's covered,
I had this on my coffee table it was a hit with women ages 18-50-ish, giggles, phones and old fashioned paper and pens came out. Shocking was the fact that the men folk were just as interested in it. Hint Quirk books I think the men folk want their own version.
This book is on my gift buying list for this years giving
What's inside that completes your awesomeness ?
Talking geek
Connecting with fellow fangirls
Definitions
Interviews
Codes
Deflecting trolls
Dressing
More, more more.... if you love it it's covered,
I had this on my coffee table it was a hit with women ages 18-50-ish, giggles, phones and old fashioned paper and pens came out. Shocking was the fact that the men folk were just as interested in it. Hint Quirk books I think the men folk want their own version.
This book is on my gift buying list for this years giving
mehsi's review
4.0
Received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
3.5 stars.
I was delighted when I found out that I was approved for this book. The blurb sounded great, like the perfect little book for a geek/fangirl like me. My expectations were high and I had hopes for lots of fun fangirl stuff, some conventions and glossaries.
However, it disappointed me. There was still a lot of fun fangirl stuff, fandom stuff, but sadly there were things I didn't like.
Let me start with the things I liked.
I loved the glossaries in the book, with what word/abbreviations meant. Things like: RPF (which apparently means Real Person Fiction), Femslash, Songfics.
We also had a big chapter on the various fandoms, of course not all of them are mentioned, that would be impossible as for every tv-show/anime/manga/book/whatever else there is a fandom, be them big or small. But in this one they at least addressed the biggest ones (at least I would count them as the biggest ones). At the end of the chapter there is also a big list (without descriptions on the numerous other fandoms).
I loved the parts on the trolls (I really laughed out loud at the description and it was great to see how spot on it was). Of course I really loved the counter attacks. I am sure a lot of people could use those as trolls are everywhere. Not all of the counter attacks are ones I would agree with though, so I would say use and be careful.
We also have various interviews with writers, creators of things (sorry, I don't know what kind of stuff they create (could be games/tv/books anything really).
There is also a huge part on how to survive and prepare for a convention. That one was really interesting, though most of the stuff mentioned didn't apply to me as the cons in my country aren't that big and we don't have a lot of the things mentioned (Like photoshoots? Signings?), but also our cons here aren't that big. The author describes cons that are seemingly huge. Still a lot of the tips are usable and interesting.
There is also a whole planning list and what to do if you are going alone or in group. What to do when you meet up with people you met on the net and several other interesting tips and hints.
I really like the Cosplay Directive. I really think people should read this one. Not only the ones that are the group that should read this book, but everyone. I have seriously seen so many things go wrong or people being treated like shit and I think this should really be printed out and posted at every con that has cosplayers.
However, there were things I didn't like. If I had known that this book was so full of feminism, I wouldn't have applied for the ARC or even considered the book. No offence to all feminists, you are all free to do whatever you want. But I am not one that likes Feminism (and yes I am a girl). I like feminism in the way of equality for girls in school and workplace (like being able to study or getting the same pay as your male colleague who does the same thing as you do), but other than that I am actually getting a bit tired of the feminism stuff that is coming up all over the net and outside of it. I won't go further with it, as that is a topic that falls outside of this review, but I am really disappointed that apparently even in a book like this, we get the whole thing shoved at us. So yeah, those are parts I read through (since I have to review the book), but really disliked, and it also made me give this book a -1 star.
Then we have the other thing that I didn't like. The book is quite U.S centred. There is a big chapter about all the wonderful, fantastic cons in the U.S and that is nice, but there is a whole world out there. You are now just centring it on one continent, not even that, since it is only North America/Canada(ish). And this is a shame. I know the U.S is a big, big country and a big, big thing in people's mind, but hello. Hi! Europe here. We also want to read your book, and we also want to know about our cons. It would have been fun if there was a part about the U.S and then also parts about the other continents/parts of the world. Like a top 5, or a top 10. We, in Europe, got some big and great cons. England, Germany and France have some huge cons that really deserve mentioning, and the same goes for Asia and other parts. Now it just feels off to me. Sure, I am planning to go to the U.S one day, but for now that is a) too expensive and b) too difficult (there are soooo many rules one must follow to get in the U.S). I wish the author had done a bit more research and had looked outside of their own country.
The same also goes for the links she posts. A lot of those links are international, but most of the shopping ones? Does the author know how expensive shipping costs are to Europe or another part of the world? (Spoiler: Very expensive, not to mention customs.) Not to even mention that maybe those stores don't even ship to Europe or Asia or whatever other part of the world?
All in all, I wouldn't really recommend this book. Maybe for some parts (glossaries, the basic con guide, fandoms), but if you don't like/feel uncomfortable with Feminism or with the lack of international stuff then I would suggest to turn away from the book.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
3.5 stars.
I was delighted when I found out that I was approved for this book. The blurb sounded great, like the perfect little book for a geek/fangirl like me. My expectations were high and I had hopes for lots of fun fangirl stuff, some conventions and glossaries.
However, it disappointed me. There was still a lot of fun fangirl stuff, fandom stuff, but sadly there were things I didn't like.
Let me start with the things I liked.
I loved the glossaries in the book, with what word/abbreviations meant. Things like: RPF (which apparently means Real Person Fiction), Femslash, Songfics.
We also had a big chapter on the various fandoms, of course not all of them are mentioned, that would be impossible as for every tv-show/anime/manga/book/whatever else there is a fandom, be them big or small. But in this one they at least addressed the biggest ones (at least I would count them as the biggest ones). At the end of the chapter there is also a big list (without descriptions on the numerous other fandoms).
I loved the parts on the trolls (I really laughed out loud at the description and it was great to see how spot on it was). Of course I really loved the counter attacks. I am sure a lot of people could use those as trolls are everywhere. Not all of the counter attacks are ones I would agree with though, so I would say use and be careful.
We also have various interviews with writers, creators of things (sorry, I don't know what kind of stuff they create (could be games/tv/books anything really).
There is also a huge part on how to survive and prepare for a convention. That one was really interesting, though most of the stuff mentioned didn't apply to me as the cons in my country aren't that big and we don't have a lot of the things mentioned (Like photoshoots? Signings?), but also our cons here aren't that big. The author describes cons that are seemingly huge. Still a lot of the tips are usable and interesting.
There is also a whole planning list and what to do if you are going alone or in group. What to do when you meet up with people you met on the net and several other interesting tips and hints.
I really like the Cosplay Directive. I really think people should read this one. Not only the ones that are the group that should read this book, but everyone. I have seriously seen so many things go wrong or people being treated like shit and I think this should really be printed out and posted at every con that has cosplayers.
However, there were things I didn't like. If I had known that this book was so full of feminism, I wouldn't have applied for the ARC or even considered the book. No offence to all feminists, you are all free to do whatever you want. But I am not one that likes Feminism (and yes I am a girl). I like feminism in the way of equality for girls in school and workplace (like being able to study or getting the same pay as your male colleague who does the same thing as you do), but other than that I am actually getting a bit tired of the feminism stuff that is coming up all over the net and outside of it. I won't go further with it, as that is a topic that falls outside of this review, but I am really disappointed that apparently even in a book like this, we get the whole thing shoved at us. So yeah, those are parts I read through (since I have to review the book), but really disliked, and it also made me give this book a -1 star.
Then we have the other thing that I didn't like. The book is quite U.S centred. There is a big chapter about all the wonderful, fantastic cons in the U.S and that is nice, but there is a whole world out there. You are now just centring it on one continent, not even that, since it is only North America/Canada(ish). And this is a shame. I know the U.S is a big, big country and a big, big thing in people's mind, but hello. Hi! Europe here. We also want to read your book, and we also want to know about our cons. It would have been fun if there was a part about the U.S and then also parts about the other continents/parts of the world. Like a top 5, or a top 10. We, in Europe, got some big and great cons. England, Germany and France have some huge cons that really deserve mentioning, and the same goes for Asia and other parts. Now it just feels off to me. Sure, I am planning to go to the U.S one day, but for now that is a) too expensive and b) too difficult (there are soooo many rules one must follow to get in the U.S). I wish the author had done a bit more research and had looked outside of their own country.
The same also goes for the links she posts. A lot of those links are international, but most of the shopping ones? Does the author know how expensive shipping costs are to Europe or another part of the world? (Spoiler: Very expensive, not to mention customs.) Not to even mention that maybe those stores don't even ship to Europe or Asia or whatever other part of the world?
All in all, I wouldn't really recommend this book. Maybe for some parts (glossaries, the basic con guide, fandoms), but if you don't like/feel uncomfortable with Feminism or with the lack of international stuff then I would suggest to turn away from the book.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
laura_cs's review
5.0
An amazing guidebook for any kind of fan regardless of gender and how long you have been a fan (with some tips and recommendations on how to become part of different fandoms)! Definitely got some giggles out of this nerd as well as a lot of positive affirmation and encouragement! I borrowed this copy from the library, but I will definitely be buying myself a copy next chance I get!
asahome's review
3.75
An interesting book about the inner dimensions of engaging with geek culture. There are excellent resources for both newbies and people with experience at fandoms.
eroviana's review against another edition
2.0
This was... OK. I mean, it's exactly what it says - a fangirl's guide - but for Americans only. A bit on the preachy side but, surprisingly, in a good way. As audiobooks go it wasn't as helpful because of all the references and links you would need to write down if you are interested.
labunnywtf's review
5.0
Received via Edelweiss in exchange for a fair review.
-----
I don't care what anyone tells you, I did not cry during parts of this book. I did not tear up. I did not get that awful burning feeling in your sinuses you sometimes get right before you cry.
I didn't.
Anyone who says otherwise is a low-down, dirty deceiver.
This book. This book, this book. This book is, in a word, glorious. It truly is a guide for fangirls everywhere. The ins and outs of every corner of fandom, the parts all fangirls learn about on their own, neatly bound in one book. It's a kickstart to a life of magic and wonder, and I love it so much it's painful.
Not only does it cover the heart of fandom, from conventions to fanfiction, but it goes in depth in a light and fun way. You can read this book and feel like Sam Maggs is your friend, your older sister taking your hand and teaching you about this world that can seem so intimidating from the outside.
"Sis, those 6-inch platform combat boots for your cosplay are AWESOME. Now, how are they going to feel after two days in a con, and you still have one more day and you have to stand in line for at least 2 hours to get Tom Felton's autograph? Yes, here, gel inserts. Love you, too."
There's always a bit of cringe factor when it comes to reading anything based on being in a fandom. Because judgment. At 32, I'm a senior citizen to the fandom world, and at this point, if you're my friend and you think you're going to judge me for my shelves of Buffy books and my shoving Firefly in your face every time you say you're looking for something new to watch? You are easily replaceable. My friends on the internet? Don't even think about asking if they're "really" my friends.
But when you jump into fandom young (I was 19, I believe, when I found the AOL Buffy boards), people pack their judgmental eyes. The more is known about cons and fandom, the more derision. Let's not even talk about talk show hosts and celebrities who deride fanfiction and fanart, who mock it openly. It is so hard to celebrate fandom publicly, and when it comes to reading or watching something specifically about fandom, it's scary.
There is no scary here. There is only love, and positivity, and support. That's the most crucial word here. Support.
Chapters devoted to what to do with jerk faces on the internet. An entire chapter devoted to feminism, for crying out loud, I want to hug Sam Maggs so hard she squeaks just for that chapter. The importance of intersectionality, the importance of supporting your fellow woman, the importance of understanding what feminism means, especially to women in fandom.
This book is just golden, and magical, and I want to buy a copy for every little girl I know. Because even if she doesn't grow up to want to dress up as the TARDIS and hit New Orleans Comic Con with me (my currently 3-year old goddaughter is totally doing this some day, btdub, her mother doesn't know yet), I want her to see that whatever her passion is, it's okay and it's beautiful and there is a world out there that will support it.
-----
I don't care what anyone tells you, I did not cry during parts of this book. I did not tear up. I did not get that awful burning feeling in your sinuses you sometimes get right before you cry.
I didn't.
Anyone who says otherwise is a low-down, dirty deceiver.
This book. This book, this book. This book is, in a word, glorious. It truly is a guide for fangirls everywhere. The ins and outs of every corner of fandom, the parts all fangirls learn about on their own, neatly bound in one book. It's a kickstart to a life of magic and wonder, and I love it so much it's painful.
Not only does it cover the heart of fandom, from conventions to fanfiction, but it goes in depth in a light and fun way. You can read this book and feel like Sam Maggs is your friend, your older sister taking your hand and teaching you about this world that can seem so intimidating from the outside.
"Sis, those 6-inch platform combat boots for your cosplay are AWESOME. Now, how are they going to feel after two days in a con, and you still have one more day and you have to stand in line for at least 2 hours to get Tom Felton's autograph? Yes, here, gel inserts. Love you, too."
There's always a bit of cringe factor when it comes to reading anything based on being in a fandom. Because judgment. At 32, I'm a senior citizen to the fandom world, and at this point, if you're my friend and you think you're going to judge me for my shelves of Buffy books and my shoving Firefly in your face every time you say you're looking for something new to watch? You are easily replaceable. My friends on the internet? Don't even think about asking if they're "really" my friends.
But when you jump into fandom young (I was 19, I believe, when I found the AOL Buffy boards), people pack their judgmental eyes. The more is known about cons and fandom, the more derision. Let's not even talk about talk show hosts and celebrities who deride fanfiction and fanart, who mock it openly. It is so hard to celebrate fandom publicly, and when it comes to reading or watching something specifically about fandom, it's scary.
There is no scary here. There is only love, and positivity, and support. That's the most crucial word here. Support.
Chapters devoted to what to do with jerk faces on the internet. An entire chapter devoted to feminism, for crying out loud, I want to hug Sam Maggs so hard she squeaks just for that chapter. The importance of intersectionality, the importance of supporting your fellow woman, the importance of understanding what feminism means, especially to women in fandom.
This book is just golden, and magical, and I want to buy a copy for every little girl I know. Because even if she doesn't grow up to want to dress up as the TARDIS and hit New Orleans Comic Con with me (my currently 3-year old goddaughter is totally doing this some day, btdub, her mother doesn't know yet), I want her to see that whatever her passion is, it's okay and it's beautiful and there is a world out there that will support it.
roboxa's review
5.0
Originally posted on Roberta's Literary Ramblings
(Received as Early Reviewers copy from Librarything.com in exchange for an honest review)
I love that this book exists! It's a book that every fangirl should have in their library. Not only is it a fun read sprinkled with some awesome nerd references, but everyone can learn something from this book. I know I did.
I consider myself a fangirl, and have for some time, but I do remember the days when I would deny this term believing that it was for overly enthusiastic girls who squeal all the time. Someone would say the word 'fangirl' and I would roll my eyes. It took most of my undergrad years to actually realize that I was a fangirl and that I should wear that badge proudly. The female nerd community is a great thing to be a part of, and I can't imagine life without the periodic nerd sessions that I have with many of my girlfriends.
While reading "The Fangirl's Guide to the Galaxy" I felt even more connected to this community than before. Even though we might be a part of different fandoms, there is one thing that all fangirls have in common, and that is an extreme passion for something that really speaks to us. Knowing this allows us to respect each fangirl's passions. I have never been able to get into anime, but I respect the fangirls that love it as much as I love Star Wars and Dr. Who. They share the same level of passion as I do, just about something else. What's not to respect about that.
I also learned quite a few things from this book. I learned more about some of the lingo used online and what some of the fandoms are called. (Is Star Warrior an actual thing now?) I even learned a little bit more about fanfiction, and it kind of made me want to write some of my own. And one of the best parts about this book—great suggestions for further reading and watching. I think I requested practically every book that Maggs suggests from the library, and I am super excited to start reading some fangirl awesomeness. (However, the first book of Tamora Pierce's Immortals series is call 'Wild Magic' not 'Wild Mage'.) I also learned about The Doubleclicks and they are amazing! They sing songs about nerdery and awesomeness. (They have a song about Mr. Darcy/Colin Firth that I can't stop listening to.)
I loved so much about this little book, but I think I have pin-pointed the three most important things that Sam Maggs talks about in this book.
1.Never feel that you are inferior. Sometimes, male nerds feel that you need to prove your nerd cred by asking questions about your fandom or simply discrediting you automatically. Never let that make you feel like less of a fan. Just because you don't know the exact details of every major DC or Marvel character's origin stories does not make you less of a fan. Maggs reiterates this multiple times, and for good reason. If you love it with a fiery passion, you don't have to prove this love to anybody. The only time someone should be quizzing on your fandom is during Trivia Night.
2.Fangirls have to support each other. Because of the above stated circumstances, we fangirls have to stick together and support each other. If you see a fellow fangirl doing some great work, be it in fanfiction, fanart, or their very own creation, support them. Share it with your friends, on social media, everywhere. Fangirls are more than just fans, we also act as a support group for each other. Always be respectful of fellow fangirls, cause we are all in this together.
3.Feminism is awesome. There are so many misconceptions about feminism, and Maggs does a great job of debunking some of those misconceptions. Feminism is key in fangirl culture and every fangirl should wear their feminist badge just as proudly as their fangirl one.
This book is an essential for any and all fangirls, and it's great to finally see this kind of book out in the world. Sam Maggs is funny and really knows her nerd culture. She's gives some awesome advice about navigating this amazing world of fangirldom. A must read.
(Received as Early Reviewers copy from Librarything.com in exchange for an honest review)
I love that this book exists! It's a book that every fangirl should have in their library. Not only is it a fun read sprinkled with some awesome nerd references, but everyone can learn something from this book. I know I did.
I consider myself a fangirl, and have for some time, but I do remember the days when I would deny this term believing that it was for overly enthusiastic girls who squeal all the time. Someone would say the word 'fangirl' and I would roll my eyes. It took most of my undergrad years to actually realize that I was a fangirl and that I should wear that badge proudly. The female nerd community is a great thing to be a part of, and I can't imagine life without the periodic nerd sessions that I have with many of my girlfriends.
While reading "The Fangirl's Guide to the Galaxy" I felt even more connected to this community than before. Even though we might be a part of different fandoms, there is one thing that all fangirls have in common, and that is an extreme passion for something that really speaks to us. Knowing this allows us to respect each fangirl's passions. I have never been able to get into anime, but I respect the fangirls that love it as much as I love Star Wars and Dr. Who. They share the same level of passion as I do, just about something else. What's not to respect about that.
I also learned quite a few things from this book. I learned more about some of the lingo used online and what some of the fandoms are called. (Is Star Warrior an actual thing now?) I even learned a little bit more about fanfiction, and it kind of made me want to write some of my own. And one of the best parts about this book—great suggestions for further reading and watching. I think I requested practically every book that Maggs suggests from the library, and I am super excited to start reading some fangirl awesomeness. (However, the first book of Tamora Pierce's Immortals series is call 'Wild Magic' not 'Wild Mage'.) I also learned about The Doubleclicks and they are amazing! They sing songs about nerdery and awesomeness. (They have a song about Mr. Darcy/Colin Firth that I can't stop listening to.)
I loved so much about this little book, but I think I have pin-pointed the three most important things that Sam Maggs talks about in this book.
1.Never feel that you are inferior. Sometimes, male nerds feel that you need to prove your nerd cred by asking questions about your fandom or simply discrediting you automatically. Never let that make you feel like less of a fan. Just because you don't know the exact details of every major DC or Marvel character's origin stories does not make you less of a fan. Maggs reiterates this multiple times, and for good reason. If you love it with a fiery passion, you don't have to prove this love to anybody. The only time someone should be quizzing on your fandom is during Trivia Night.
2.Fangirls have to support each other. Because of the above stated circumstances, we fangirls have to stick together and support each other. If you see a fellow fangirl doing some great work, be it in fanfiction, fanart, or their very own creation, support them. Share it with your friends, on social media, everywhere. Fangirls are more than just fans, we also act as a support group for each other. Always be respectful of fellow fangirls, cause we are all in this together.
3.Feminism is awesome. There are so many misconceptions about feminism, and Maggs does a great job of debunking some of those misconceptions. Feminism is key in fangirl culture and every fangirl should wear their feminist badge just as proudly as their fangirl one.
This book is an essential for any and all fangirls, and it's great to finally see this kind of book out in the world. Sam Maggs is funny and really knows her nerd culture. She's gives some awesome advice about navigating this amazing world of fangirldom. A must read.
chaidreamlatte's review
5.0
It's a feel good sort of book for fan people, and an informative book for non fan people.
It gave me encouragement to not be ashamed of who I am or what I like. This a a book that is needed in this world.
It gave me encouragement to not be ashamed of who I am or what I like. This a a book that is needed in this world.