This book talked to me on a very personal level, which was good and bad.

So Cath is a freshman at uni, full of anxiety because of the new situations, being apart from her twin (who wanted a roommate instead of sharing a room with her sister) and leaving their mentally ill father at home alone (their mother left them when they were small, wrecking havoc to the family). Cath's a successful writer of fanfiction (of pseudo Harry Potter fanfiction with a Harry Draco pairing, it's hilarious) and takes an advance writing class at uni. She doesn't connect well with her new, weird roommate or the latter's boyfriend who seems to be constantly around. While her sister goes partying and hooks up with men, Cath's anxiety takes over and she stays inside, escaping into the fictional world of Simon Snow (aka Harry Potter, lol).

The novel was very funny in parts and I could relate to Cath a lot. I had nightmares about my mother after reading the book, which is not a good thing, but it shows how close to home this novel was. I also had to take care of my dad after my mother left and my relationship to my brother was also problematic in the past. I also had immense anxiety and wondered whether I'd be actually made for academia. Books and fictional worlds also give me immense security, although I never was one to write fanfiction --- or anything else. Maybe I should start again? I mean, now's the time to write a book! :D Oh and Cath's boyfriend studies agriculture just like my partner (who also isn't a great reader and to whom I also read out books aloud!). That was a weird coincidence!

On the same note, it was - typically YA - a bit over the top. I also did not really like the ending, it felt a bit rushed, but it was wholesome. YA is always giving me the feeling that things might be shitty and might've been shitty for a very long time, but that there's always positive things and that things might get better.

4,5 Stars because this was wholesome af