A review by saucy_bookdragon
I Was Born for This by Alice Oseman
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
"I think the truth is that everyone in the entire world is confused and nobody understands much of anything at all."
Alice Oseman has really mastered the science of the YA contemporary, huh? Like her other books, I Was Born For This is a heartwarming but not without darkness, relatable, and realistic contemporary. Oseman's characters always feel like real teenagers and she puts such care into the representation, this one starring a cast of relatable hot messes that I couldn't help but root for.
IWBFT in particular is about bandom and so deals with themes such as of parasocial relationships, fame, obsession, online friendship, shipping real people, etc. As someone who's spent some time in similar spaces (though I have more experience with pop girls than boy bands). I found it to be pleasantly nuanced, not making any blanket statements about whether fandom is a good or bad thing, providing both the perspective of a famous boy band member and a fangirl and showing both the pros and cons.
All the characters are quite dynamic and have solid, natural arcs. Jimmy is struggling with anxiety that has only worsened with his rising fame. Angel is staying with an online friend, Juliet, but Juliet invited Some Guy™ and Angel's finding their dynamic isn't exactly the same online. I loved how they're all allowed to be messy in a realistic way! The cast is also really diverse, Jimmy is trans and multiracial, Angel is Muslim and possibly aroace, and the side cast has multiple POC and queer characters.
The story is a breeze to read, Oseman's prose being casual, fitting a contemporary with a plot that's slightly unhinged. Along with Alice Oseman's other books, I'd high recommend I Was Born For This! Especially if you have experience in musical fandoms.
TWs: panic attacks on page, discussions of suicide, physical assault, injury, medical emergency, mentions of transphobia, mentions of parental abandonment.
Alice Oseman has really mastered the science of the YA contemporary, huh? Like her other books, I Was Born For This is a heartwarming but not without darkness, relatable, and realistic contemporary. Oseman's characters always feel like real teenagers and she puts such care into the representation, this one starring a cast of relatable hot messes that I couldn't help but root for.
IWBFT in particular is about bandom and so deals with themes such as of parasocial relationships, fame, obsession, online friendship, shipping real people, etc. As someone who's spent some time in similar spaces (though I have more experience with pop girls than boy bands). I found it to be pleasantly nuanced, not making any blanket statements about whether fandom is a good or bad thing, providing both the perspective of a famous boy band member and a fangirl and showing both the pros and cons.
All the characters are quite dynamic and have solid, natural arcs. Jimmy is struggling with anxiety that has only worsened with his rising fame. Angel is staying with an online friend, Juliet, but Juliet invited Some Guy™ and Angel's finding their dynamic isn't exactly the same online. I loved how they're all allowed to be messy in a realistic way! The cast is also really diverse, Jimmy is trans and multiracial, Angel is Muslim and possibly aroace, and the side cast has multiple POC and queer characters.
The story is a breeze to read, Oseman's prose being casual, fitting a contemporary with a plot that's slightly unhinged. Along with Alice Oseman's other books, I'd high recommend I Was Born For This! Especially if you have experience in musical fandoms.
TWs: panic attacks on page, discussions of suicide, physical assault, injury, medical emergency, mentions of transphobia, mentions of parental abandonment.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Alcoholism, Blood, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Transphobia and Abandonment