Carry On

Beautiful Book Cover

I don't care about anything, I think, except Rainbow Rowell's writing. This of course is not completely true but let's believe it is for a second for the sake of exaggeration.

If you've read Fangirl, you must know these two dudes named Simon and Baz who are rumored (or actually were) gay for each other in what was the equal to HP in Cath's world. Even if you haven't heard about them, it's Rainbow Rowell!

The second it came out I read and absolutely adored it of course, and recently as my sister was kind enough to send it to me in physical form, I reread it.

Here's more about that.



I swear I am most probably Rainbow Rowell's biggest fan. I have to read but only a sentence from her and I will be left amazed. She is but this incredible writer and woman, whom I could only aspire to be as good as. Her writing is amazing, astonishing, odd, inredible... every single book I read and reread, I am left elated and sad. Her characters, I think, are one of my favorite parts about her stories. My other favorite part, is the awesomness with which she writes falling in love, and writes anything really. I don't understand it, I have spent too much (more than healthy) trying to understand the formula she has created, or the details that are what get to me but I am not entirely sure. I don't think I ever will be.

Gods, I wish I could write like her. Anyways, not getting into that right now let's talk about Carry On.

I wasn't sure how I would react when reading a story about two gay wizards. I, unlike the majority of fangirls, don't read much gay fanfiction so I wasn't used to it. It wasn't that I am homophobic, no. It was that I have never really been near nor seen two gay men together. And it's weird okay? When you're not used to it.

(Minor spoilers) However, the first time it was a little odd - but by those following it didn't bother me in the slightest. I love love love Simon. The freedom he's granted to his words and feelings amaze me, and I admire him so much for it if only beacause I would never be able to do that. Nor want to. Penny was of course, with whom I most related to. I loved her, she is just such a wonderfully odd person. Baz would be my fictional crush supreme in this if he, you know, wasn't gay and in love with Simon Snow. So unapologetically in love with Simon Snow. I loved him for it.

I was slightly disapointed I'll admit, the first time I read it, regarding the magick system. I was expecting something - not more- but something new. However, I quickly came to appreciate the purpose and the meaning behind the way it worked and I really enjoy it now. Imagine, being able to spout fandom references and make magick happen. ("Wibbly wobbly time wimey," and boom! Time travel. Or, "Not my daughter, you bitch!" And ta-da you have created a protection spell.) As for the Humdrum, I really enjoyed him. Sure he wasn't as evil as most villains but that's one of the main points in Mrs. Rowell's books I think. Her characters don't have to fit the usual costumes that've been set up (which is fantastic as they never do). Her characters just have to be present long enough to teach you what they were sent to do. They always seem ready to grab you by the collar, stare into your eyes and say, "Listen," and begin to sprout knowledge in the ways of life.

(Somewhat major spoilers.) The fact that Simon loses his powers in the end, was a special decision I think. Not bad, a little risky, but very telling. I know Mrs. Rowell grew up with the big stories about Chosen Ones and all, and I can really admire her for giving this one particular Chosen One, a nice ending. Because he doesn't have to be the most powerful wizard to mean something. He didn't have to end up the greatest wizard of all time for his story to mean something. He just had to.. I don't know, live? Love? Allow others to live and allow himself to love?

It was such a beautiful tale, oh I loved it so incredibly much. I want to stroke the book now but I let my sister borrow it and she leaves every weekend out of the city to study. Anyways, if you enjoy cheesy lines, gay vampires, and gay angst (it's Rainbow Rowell for Christ's sake, you know you want to read that) - then this book is definitely for you. It was for me.

- The Bookdragon

Ps.
I just wish I could tell Cath, "No worries. It's canon, love."