Alice Oseman is so great. Her books are easy to read yet very meaningful. And the characters are always memorable.
I don’t know how to do segues and stuff so I’m just gonna start typing haha. I really liked how two characters’ stories intertwined in this book. I think it was so sweet how they got to meet and help each other. I also liked the exploration of fandom and how this was told from the perspective of a fan and a famous person. However I realised that Radio Silence was kinda similar to IWBFT. That’s not necessarily a bad thing — I liked them both. I just found it interesting that Alice wrote two books on similar topics. To be honest I liked Radio Silence better.
Another thing I find both interesting and infuriating about the themes explored in the book is how the Alice Oseman/Osemanverse fandom responds and relates to it. Of course I’m talking about Kit Connor being forced to come out. To all those who pressured him to do that: fuck you. How can people in a fandom partly based on books depicting the difficulties of fame do exactly what these books warn against? I know that the Osemanverse fandom has expanded since the release of the Heartstopper show, and I would assume that many of the assholes who forced Kit to come out haven’t actually read RS or IWBFT. But still. A bit hypocritical, don’t you think?
Ok back to the book. I liked the relationships between the three band members. I think they were really portrayed as just average teenage guys really well once you got to know them, which was very important in their story. I really wanna be friends with Jimmy. And Piero for the win!!
I also liked the recurring connections between Joan of Arc, Joan of Arc, angels and Angel. The meaning behind the Joan of Arc song was so sad and beautiful. I constantly had Arcade Fire’s Joan of Arc stuck in my head though.
Angel (the character) was so sweet too! She’s someone I look up to because she seems like a genuinely good person. I’d like to be more like her.
Let’s talk about the ending of the book though (without getting too spoilery). My goodness it escalated quickly. The tension was built really well.
I really want to find out what happens next in all the characters’ lives. They were such cool characters.
This story was really important and it opened my eyes to lots of stuff about fame, fandom and celebrities.
I Was Born For This by Alice Oseman, 13+* ★★★★.5
*This age recommendation is only my opinion. Some younger people might feel comfortable reading this book, and some older people might not. That's fine, either way. Warning for swearing, sexual references, sexual abuse, alcohol and drug use, abusive parents, panic attacks, mental illness, and upsetting themes.
Alice Oseman’s website for content warnings: https://www.aliceoseman.com/content-warnings
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