I also appreciate that, while Jimmy and Angel are both queer, it’s not the queer identity specifically that causes these issues. There’s a stereotype of fangirls as being weird or obsessed, and while there is some representation of that, I love how the primary goal is to show the positive side, especially when the characters are all going through a lot of turmoil. To explore the deeply personal connections between not only the fans and the idols, but between idols themselves and between fans, and to not have it be romance focused, is so beautiful. There’s been an explosion of fandom, and especially boy band centric books lately, and while they touch on some of the mental health issues caused by the industry, I appreciate that Oseman takes things in a different direction. I continue to appreciate Alice Oseman’s knack for writing truly unique, emotionally moving, warm-hug queer books that also delve deep into topics that aren’t often explored in fiction, and this one is no different. Just like with Loveless, I was excited to check out I Was Born for This upon its publication in the US. I Was Born for This is a stunning reflection of modern teenage life, and the power of believing in something - especially yourself.

Dreams don’t always turn out the way you think and when Jimmy and Angel are unexpectedly thrust together, they find out how strange and surprising facing up to reality can be.Ī funny, wise, and heartbreakingly true coming of age novel. But Jimmy and Rowan are just friends - and Rowan has a secret girlfriend the fans can never know about. The fans are very accepting that he’s trans - but they also keep shipping with him with his longtime friend and bandmate, Rowan. He’s their frontman - and playing in a band with his mates is all he ever dreamed of doing, even it only amplifies his anxiety. Jimmy Kaga-Ricci owes everything to The Ark. Her Muslim family doesn’t understand the band’s allure - but Angel feels there are things about her they’ll never understand.

Being part of The Ark’s fandom has given her everything she loves - her friend Juliet, her dreams, her place in the world. ISBN-13: 978-1338830934 | $18.99 USD | 384 pages | YA Contemporaryįrom the bestselling creator of Heartstopper and Loveless, a deeply funny and deeply moving exploration of identity, friendship, and fame.įor Angel Rahimi life is about one thing: The Ark - a boy band that’s taking the world by storm.

I was born for this alice oseman blurb