Never have I ever related so much to a character. Okay, her background is TOTALLY different, but her general outlook is so exactly the same. Her choices are so similar and the reasoning for choosing them are so similar. It was crazy. 

The rest of the characters were great in their own way as well. I loved the inclusion of love interests but that it wasn't the basis of the story and the lack of love triangle. The love interests weren't unnecessarily complicated. The family and their dynamic was interesting. The roommate was fun. The point on which the plot was based wasn't obvious in the beginning but made good sense as the story went on. I really have no complaints about this book at all. 

Anyone who has even been a fangirl (or fanboy) can really relate to this book, too. I've never written fanfic, but I've spent more time than I should wondering what it would be like to live in the worlds that authors create for us, especially those in science fiction and fantasy. I have several fandoms and I totally get where our protagonist is coming from in both her devotion to her fandom and her feelings about talking to people in person about them. I did also appreciate that Rowell created her own fandom for her characters to love rather than use an existing one. It makes the experience the core of the story and doesn't let which fandom the reader is part of interfere with your enjoyment of it. 

The book is mostly narrated by Rebecca Lowman, who is great. She's done lots of other books and appears to be Rowell's go-to. Click here for her AudioFile Magazine Spotlight. 

This book sits right outside of YA territory. It's a great read for those who do enjoy that genre, as well as anyone who enjoys a more mature protagonist, and even those who normally read the more adult novels. Our protagonist deals with more in life than a typical YA and I think most adults can relate to some of her struggles, or at least fondly remember that freshman year of college as she blunders through it. 

2 stars pretty much solely for the paragraph on Star Wars, all the times Stargate was mentioned, and the Enchanted Forest Chronicles recommendation.

First off, who is exactly is this written for? It claims to be written for "girl geeks" but the sad truth is that, aside from a few references and comments you'd need to be in the know to get,this offers practically zero information that geeks, or human beings in general, wouldn't already know.

At this point, is there anyone who considers themselves to be a girl geek who doesn't know what Potterheads are?? I doubt it. Or who doesn't know to bring water and cash and comfortable shoes, even if you're cosplaying, to a convention?

And Magg's brand of feminism was too strong for my taste. Not even really feminism, for most of it. Towards the end of the book, she states a general definition of feminism that was spot-on, but it didn't really mesh with the message strewn throughout the book, as the book as a whole tends to put women on a pedestal. Sure, some guys, geeks or otherwise, are bound to be jerks, but some girls, geeks or otherwise, are bitchy. We aren't these amazing incredible paragons of humanity. We shouldn't need to be told we're beautiful to be validated. And we certainty don't need to nay-say males in an attempt to prove our equality superiority.

Her section on internet trolls was at the same time absolutely true and utterly laughable. I read the first few entries and then skipped over the rest. We had a Fire Troll and a Frost Troll and approximately 7 other ridiculously named versions of trolls, some of which were legitimate trolls that she nailed and some that really weren't. One of such trolls was someone that will comment about grammar. The horror.

Additionally, this is one of the most politically correct books to ever PC. I can't even. And remember: "You don't need to identify as female to read this book!!" That's really good, because I identify as hedgehog. *eye roll*

It's essentially an mostly boring, and rarely amusing, overly feminist introduction to the world of fandom and internet.

I won a copy of this book from the publisher, Quirk Books, via a BookLikes giveaway. This in no way affects my opinions of the book as expressed below.

I’ve been a huge fan of The Mary Sue, a website devoted to diversity and feminism in pop culture, for several years now, so when I found out that the site’s associate editor Sam Maggs had a book coming out about fangirl life, I was on it in a minute. Not only was I already a fan of Magg’s writing for the site (and her personality on Twitter), but books about geek life geared towards women are thin on the ground since, like any geek-centric product, it is generally assumed that the consumer is male. This attitude is gradually changing, but the books are slow to catch up, unless they are trying to capture a very specific fandom group (Supernatural anyone?). Just take a look at one (of many) lists about “must read” geek books: http://www.wired.com/2011/10/9-essential-geek-books/. See a pattern? Other than the SFF subject matter, they are nearly all dude-centric (the D&D handbook is debatable, I guess). This list is maybe a bit skewed for fiction, but the nonfiction selection, books like American Nerd: The Story of My People and The Geek’s Guide to Dating, are also focused almost exclusively on the maleness of geekdom (though neither is a bad book).

Well, no more my geek sisters! Sam Maggs’ Fangirl’s Guide to the Galaxy has arrived to fill the void in our fandom-loving hearts! The title doesn’t lie, it IS a guide to many aspects of geek culture, but it also more than that; it is a celebration and a validation of the glories of being a geeky girl. It can also be seen as a reclamation: Maggs helps us take back the term “fangirl,” which for a long time has been a pejorative in the culture, used to demean girls who are “invading” fandom and characterize them as fake or overly enthusiastic (as if you could love too much and not enough at the same time).

Fangirl’s Guide has something for everyone; I read it straight through, but it also lends itself perfectly to perusing and flipping open at random, as each topic is clearly defined and beautifully laid out. Maggs covers everything from how to attend a convention safely and how to combat online trolls, to the best ways to get your fanfiction noticed and where to seek out some of the best heroines our current media has to offer. She intersperses her intergalactic exploration of geek girldom with interviews with her fellow awesome lady geeks, like writer Erin Morgenstern, Valkyries comic collective founder Kate Leth, comic writer/artist Kate Beaton, actress Tara Platt, and many others.

Aside from the much needed representation of girls in geek culture, why would any self-professed geek need a “guide” to being themselves? Thanks to the internet, we are more connected than ever, but in real life we’re generally pretty isolated from fandom at large. Understanding how to navigate through the minefield that is the web, and the crowded, socially challenging realm of conventions and meet ups is vital information that many of us have to figure out through trial and error, but Maggs gives us the tools we need to make enjoying and sharing what we love easier to navigate. She’s been there, done that, and she’s here to share her hard-won wisdom with us, which is really valuable when, like me and a lot of self-identified geek girls, we have experienced rampant sexism, social anxiety, and a host of other kinds of negativity that can wreak havoc on our psyche. She also writes in a thoroughly engaging style, incorporating all of the glorious fangirl in-speak and pop culture references that make her writing for The Mary Sue (and other venues) so much fun, and allows her to tackle important topics, like embracing feminism or engaging with online trolls, with a light touch.

I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention that the book itself is beautiful, from the layout and gorgeous contrasting color scheme, to Kelly Bastow’s fabulous-yet-understated illustrations. (I am a bit biased- my favorite color is teal/turquoise, and it is the dominant color throughout).

I suppose it is an intended irony that I am fangirling over Fangirl’s Guide. But Sam Maggs has given us something not only fun, but valuable; a guide but also a badge of honor. I can carry my copy, with “The Geek Girl’s Litany for Feminism” proudly displayed on the back cover, and feel like I am waving my flag for the world to see.

(I desperately need a print of “The Geek Girl’s Litany for Feminism,” with Kelly Bastow’s awesome female superhero from the cover together, like, stat. Someone needs to make this happen. Or point me to where it has already happened.)

This is an e-arc kindly given to me by the publisher, Via Netgalley, for an honest review

What’s this book about?

The title says it all. It is a Fangirls Guide to the Galaxy of Fandom. It takes the reader on a journey through the various locations of Fandom, exploring media franchises that include; Doctor Who, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Twilight. The book examines the fandom that surrounds these media franchises; the language they use to express their fanship and the activities that arise from their fandom. It shows the various ways in which the Fan girl may engage and connect with the various fandoms. Sam Moggs gives a detailed exploration of physical sites of community such as; Comic shops, game shops, reading groups, courses and conventions. She explores; what happens in these arenas, what they offer, and how to find them. She then explores the virtual worlds of fandom. Moggs explores the variety of ways that fans connect online, including, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram and other Fan forums. She explores what these various platforms offer and the etiquette involved when using these sites. Moggs then looks at the ways that fans creatively engage with the things they love, exploring cos play and fanfic. It, also, includes interviews with Famous fan girls, such as Erin Morgenstern

What’s so good/bad about this book?

This work acknowledges and celebrates the existence of Fangirls. It offers new Fangirls a guide to these wonderful fan communities. The section on fanfic is interesting and would offer great advice for any new writer, fanfic writer or otherwise.   If I have a criticism, it concerns the works limited scope. It mainly focuses on mainstream media. It ignores the small media outlets and publishers. In addition, books don’t seem to get much of a look in. Even when looking at fandoms surrounding books, like Harry Potter, I feel that she gives greater attention to the films that they spawned than the books themselves.

Should I read these works?

If you’re a new fan this would be a great introduction to the world of fandom. If you know a young new Fangirl, then this would make a great gift. If you’re an older, more established Fangirl, then this could act as a refresher course on the new developments in our community. But, it is only an introduction and offers no in depth analysis. If you want to go further into an exploration of fandom, then check out the offerings of Mad Norwegian Frog media group, or podcasts such as; Doctor who, Verity or Galactic suburbia podcast. But, on the whole, this was a useful read,

Inside this book is all you need to know for the fan you can be.  You may already consider yourself a nerd, a fan or a Trekkie.  Whatever the case, this book explains what you do not already know.  Perfect for new and upcoming fans.

There is the perfect glossary inside too.  Do you already know the definitions for things like feels, glomp, GPOY, I'm Done, OTP, shipping and more?  Well if not, this book is your saving grace.  It can be a handy guide for sharing your understanding and texts to your friends - for your favorite shows.

WOW!  Totally impressed with the coverage of TV, comics, definitions, and so much more is in this book!  You can have it all and explain it to a younger sibling or parent, after all.

There is a pretty good section inside where suggestions are even given on how to find more fans that are interested in what you like too.  I cannot believe how much fits into this book!  What is your OTP?

I have been a fan of many of the Nerd causes from way back.  I have to say this book has really good coverage of what you need to know to truly follow the fandoms.  I found the best parts in here are the survival guides to miserable Internet trolls and conventions.  This is the book for the serious.

I was very impressed and I think you will be too.  This book should be on the shelves prior to Comic-Con, so get yourself a copy and maybe get another for a friend.  Makes a great gift!  I give a whopping 5/5 Kitty's Paws UP!!

***This ARC copy was given FREE from Netgalley.com for review purposes.  My humble and honest opinion does not reflect Netgalley, nor its affiliations.