At first glance, this is a basic coming of age story. Cath heads off to college where she struggles to find herself, navigates a new landscape, and deals with all sorts of relationship drama (family drama, friend drama, boy drama). But beneath that, Rowell has created something very special. 
 Reading this book let me relive falling in love for the first time. The butterflies, the warm fuzzies, the constant, palpable tension. (I'm starting to suspect that this is where Rowell really shines-crafting honest, heartfelt relationships, showing us that a touch can be just as sexy as a kiss.) There's also some strong female friendships in this work that make me want to sing. And let's not forget that Cath writes fanfic-Simon Snow fanfic, to be exact, which exists in a world much like Harry Potter. My inner nerd was on cloud nine. All the fandom gems are icing on an already very delicious cake. This is a new adult novel that no one should miss come September. 
 Originally posted here. 
 NOTE: This review is based on an ARC.