Families are challenging at the best of times, but when your mom abandons you on 9/11 and your dad thinks it might be a good idea to put a fireman's pole in the living room, you've got an extra-special challenge. Toss in a twin sister who's infinitely cooler and more confident than you'll ever be, and you might find yourself nursing a bowl of cold Gravioli while rocking in the closet. But hey, at least Cath's not doing tequila shots and ending up in the hospital with alcohol poisoning, right?
Fangirl is a study in how we carry all the members of our family with us, inside us, at all times, whether we like it or not.
Questions About Family
- Does Cath's anxiety come from her dad's nature, or her mom's nurture (or lack thereof)?
- Is it easier for twins to develop separate identities if they aren't identical?
- Why does Laura leave the hospital without even seeing Wren?
- Can Wren and Cath ever have a relationship with their mom, or are they all too damaged?
Chew on This
Cath takes on a parental role with both Wren and her dad, but Wren doesn't return the favor. Cath's more conscientious, but Wren's behavior is more age-appropriate.
Wren is subconsciously partying for Cath, since Cath's too awkward to do it herself.