okay WOW! this book. this book. ✨ THIS BOOK !!! ✨

Every time I read a book by Alice Oseman I end up enjoying it even more than the one I read before (who knew that was possible?!).

If you've delved into the Osemanverse before, you'll know how well Alice creates worlds with realistic portrayals of the struggles of growing up and a beautiful diversity of characters.

Her books are like warm hugs, light at the end of the tunnel, wholesome friendships, and a soothing cup of tea. Her books are the concretization of hope, love, warmth and comfort. It's like a sign that says: "even though this world is tough, you are not alone." It truly makes me believe in the light and goodness of this world.

Which is ironic because Alice Oseman's work covers a vast range of heavy themes and unpleasant topics.

"I Was Born for This" follows the alternating POVs of our two main characters over one eventful, life-changing week.
One MC is a boy band member. One MC is a dedicated fan of boy band member.

This is not a book of glitz and glamour. There is no fanfiction romance. There is no sappy, unrealistic love story.

Instead, this book explores the equally difficult lives of both idol and fan.

Jimmy Kaga-Ricci is a trans mixed race boy band member who is battling with his mental health.
Angel Rahimi is a Muslim fangirl whose main source of hope and happiness is a boy band called The Ark and their fanbase.

What I loved most about this book:
- dual POVs
- discussion and representation of real world coming-of-age issues
- diversity; where the character's diversity is NOT an obstacle in their life
- RELATABLE FANDOM CONTENT 🤩

Angel means the most to me. As a young POC Muslim woman, it's rare to find accurate representation that make me feel SEEN. Muslim characters, ESPECIALLY female Muslim characters, are generally incorporated in media & fiction as either the background/side character who is only there for ethnic diversity or as a way for the author to raise awareness for religious and cultural issues. Then there's also the classic Muslim terr0rist.

It's so rare to find relatively normal Muslim youth who are simply going about their lives and experiencing the same issues that every other youth experiences.

Alice Oseman is not a Muslim, but someone managed to give me the Muslim main character of my dreams. Angel is a PRACTICING MUSLIM and PROPER FANGIRL! She wears hijab and goes to concerts. She makes her prayers and fangirls over music artists.

She is me.
(we even have VERY SIMILAR personalities haha)

She is every other girl like me.

Discovering Angel and reading her story left me in tears.

And Jimmy? His battles with anxiety, paranoia and mental health are so REAL in a way most books fail to achieve. I could relate to him in many ways as well.

Thank you so much Alice Oseman for this wonderful book and these wonderful characters.
My heart is full. <3

P.S. LISTER BIRD MUST BE PROTECTED AT ALL COSTS !!!!
(please let my baby get the therapy and happiness he deserves)