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Fangirl #1.5
If the Fates Allow
After a long, lonely year, two people stumble toward each other in this holiday short story by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Eleanor & Park and Fangirl.
Social distancing came easily to Reagan. Maybe a little too easily. She’s always liked people better from afar. But Reagan doesn’t want her grandpa to be alone for Christmas this year—he’s already spent too much time on his own in 2020. So she heads back to her hometown with a dish of holiday Jell-O salad, hoping they can have a little normalcy. Hoping it will be safe…
She isn’t expecting to run into the boy next door. Mason is all grown up now. He’s considerate. He’s funny. He doesn’t mind how prickly Reagan is—he maybe even likes it. And it makes Reagan feel like her defenses are falling. She needs her defenses, doesn’t she? In a time when six feet is close enough, how long can they keep their distance?
Social distancing came easily to Reagan. Maybe a little too easily. She’s always liked people better from afar. But Reagan doesn’t want her grandpa to be alone for Christmas this year—he’s already spent too much time on his own in 2020. So she heads back to her hometown with a dish of holiday Jell-O salad, hoping they can have a little normalcy. Hoping it will be safe…
She isn’t expecting to run into the boy next door. Mason is all grown up now. He’s considerate. He’s funny. He doesn’t mind how prickly Reagan is—he maybe even likes it. And it makes Reagan feel like her defenses are falling. She needs her defenses, doesn’t she? In a time when six feet is close enough, how long can they keep their distance?
38 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2021
About the author
Rainbow Rowell
135 books141k followersRainbow Rowell writes all kinds of stuff.
Sometimes she writes about adults (ATTACHMENTS, LANDLINE, SLOW DANCE).
Sometimes she writes about teenagers (ELEANOR & PARK, FANGIRL) .
Sometimes — actually, a lot of the time — she writes about lovesick vampires and guys with dragon wings. (THE SIMON SNOW TRILOGY).
Recently, she’s been writing comics, including her first graphic novel, PUMPKINHEADS, and the monthly SHE-HULK comic for Marvel.
She lives in Omaha, Nebraska.
More at rainbowrowell.com.
Sometimes she writes about adults (ATTACHMENTS, LANDLINE, SLOW DANCE).
Sometimes she writes about teenagers (ELEANOR & PARK, FANGIRL) .
Sometimes — actually, a lot of the time — she writes about lovesick vampires and guys with dragon wings. (THE SIMON SNOW TRILOGY).
Recently, she’s been writing comics, including her first graphic novel, PUMPKINHEADS, and the monthly SHE-HULK comic for Marvel.
She lives in Omaha, Nebraska.
More at rainbowrowell.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,482 reviews
November 22, 2021
“Pfft. Levi’s fine. He’s got a wife and three kids and fifty bison.”
Rowell just comfirmed this was Cath in her Instagram story!!!!!!
Rowell just comfirmed this was Cath in her Instagram story!!!!!!
November 18, 2021
I loved this short story, the first covid romance I've read. I usually don't like mean main characters I always feel they should be better then that. But when she says
But after the last couple of years I really can't blame her.
She nodded. “Did you get vaccinated?”
“Fuck yeah,” he said. “I don’t care if it makes me grow another leg. I was first in line.”
Reagan nodded some more. “Yeah, same.”
“Give me some of that hot, fresh gene therapy,” Mason went on, chewing. “I mean . . . hopefully we don’t all grow extra legs . . .”
“Yeah,” Reagan agreed. “Hopefully. If we all die, the only people left will be these shitheads.”
But after the last couple of years I really can't blame her.
January 12, 2022
Realized in my post-holiday illness induced haze, I forgot to review this one, so quick summary:
*Reagan is sweet, but not particularly memorable…to be honest.
*This takes place in our current COVID existence (bleh)
*A little light on plot, and connection. I was honestly more invested in Reagan’s relationship with Grandpa we got at the beginning, although it was a bit depressing.
Bottom line? I’m always thrilled when Rainbow puts out ANYthing…but I grabbed this one to finish my 2021 challenge on the final hours of December 31st, and that’s probably all I’ll remember about it.
(Anytime you want to put out some non Simon Snow related YA or non YA fiction though, Rainbow…I am ready for it! ❤️❤️)
*Reagan is sweet, but not particularly memorable…to be honest.
*This takes place in our current COVID existence (bleh)
*A little light on plot, and connection. I was honestly more invested in Reagan’s relationship with Grandpa we got at the beginning, although it was a bit depressing.
Bottom line? I’m always thrilled when Rainbow puts out ANYthing…but I grabbed this one to finish my 2021 challenge on the final hours of December 31st, and that’s probably all I’ll remember about it.
(Anytime you want to put out some non Simon Snow related YA or non YA fiction though, Rainbow…I am ready for it! ❤️❤️)
February 15, 2022
I think in the future, looking back, i wouldn't mind reading books that mention the pandemic.
howeverrrr
this whole story was basically just a recap of the nightmare that is covid.
If the plot had some substance i would have enjoyed this but it seems covid was the plot and it just came across as super preachy
Like yo, this is still our reality. we dont need our fears echoed onto paper quite so soon
Anyway,, I really need to start reading the synopsis before jumping in 🤡
howeverrrr
this whole story was basically just a recap of the nightmare that is covid.
If the plot had some substance i would have enjoyed this but it seems covid was the plot and it just came across as super preachy
Like yo, this is still our reality. we dont need our fears echoed onto paper quite so soon
Anyway,, I really need to start reading the synopsis before jumping in 🤡
November 28, 2021
2.5 stars
I was really looking forward to this as Fangirl is one of my favorite books and I loved Reagan in that... but sigh. This one did not work for me. I felt like the whole story was about Covid and after living it for almost 2 years and working through it as a nurse for just as long, I do not want to read books or watch shows where that is the main focus. I felt like the romance was pretty much non-existent and there wasn't any other storyline. I could see how so many would relate and enjoy this short story, it just wasn't what I was looking for.
I was really looking forward to this as Fangirl is one of my favorite books and I loved Reagan in that... but sigh. This one did not work for me. I felt like the whole story was about Covid and after living it for almost 2 years and working through it as a nurse for just as long, I do not want to read books or watch shows where that is the main focus. I felt like the romance was pretty much non-existent and there wasn't any other storyline. I could see how so many would relate and enjoy this short story, it just wasn't what I was looking for.
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 2.5 stars
Narrators: Rebecca Lowman
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Length: 1h 9m
November 24, 2021
Average. Nice read. Cute. Lacking good romance. Short and quick read.
December 6, 2021
I thought this would be a cute holiday romance, but it's mainly a girl worrying about social distancing during the pandemic. I mean, I'm totally here for that message, but also, I didn't want to read 40 pages about that when we're still living through it. I think when a decade has passed, it may be easier to enjoy stories about the pandemic, but for now, I was just like, yup I've heard this conversation 100x already in my life, I don't need it in a story that I'm reading too.
November 18, 2021
I could cry, I am so happy to have this little glimpse back into the world of Fangirl. Reagan is such a great character, and this glimpse into her current life shows growth from who she was in college, while still being herself at the core of her being.
I would read an entire novel getting to know more about her Grandpa, Mason, and anything that happens in her life after this. Hell, I would read her grocery pickup order if Rainbow Rowell wrote it.
This little short is being added into my annual Rainbow Rowell comfort read-a-thon.
I would read an entire novel getting to know more about her Grandpa, Mason, and anything that happens in her life after this. Hell, I would read her grocery pickup order if Rainbow Rowell wrote it.
This little short is being added into my annual Rainbow Rowell comfort read-a-thon.
November 28, 2021
This was unexpected.... a Christmas romance centered around Covid-19. I have to say this is my first book that has covid in it.
I think in 20 years this will be something that people will read to remember what it was like during the pandemic. But right now it feels too soon to read about a covid-19 holiday. We're living it.
I think in 20 years this will be something that people will read to remember what it was like during the pandemic. But right now it feels too soon to read about a covid-19 holiday. We're living it.
Audiobook source: Audible
Narrator: J.F. Harding & Annie Green
Length: 1 H 09 M
December 15, 2021
man, this was pretty bad even for a short story 😂 this is my 2nd book by Rainbow Rowell, iʼve only read Pumpkinheads which i remember giving 4 stars, so thought i should pick this one up since itʼs only 38 pages !
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
okay, so i still kinda liked some of the conversation happening between the main character Reagan and Mason. a few times they were a little funny lmaoo
i also think the cover is pretty damn cute as well and if you want a really quick read — this would be alright of a choice.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
now, my main issues with this book are all the Covid talk, the ending and the the whole plot which didnʼt feel real to me.
the Covid talk was literally all over the place, Reagan was whining all the time about people that wanted to come closer than 6ft. donʼt get me wrong — itʼs important. but the Covid was legit being rammed down your throat in this book, it was way too much for my liking.
also, the ending was so abrupt, i was staring at the last sentence confused that it was over just like that lol. i was completely not a fan of it. like cʼmon Rowell, i know you could do better :/
and the plot felt like it was only showing the crumbles of the surface for me. not the deeper part in order for me to FEEL something about this story. it was really underwhelming and i didnʼt really connect with the characters at all.
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i feel like this book could of been better if it was turned into a whole book, not a short story and less Covid talk (!!!) . in that case i would of gotten more time to get to know the characters and feel for them. as for now, theyʼre still complete strangers to me that i know nothing about & iʼll more than likely forget it by tomorrow :/
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
okay, so i still kinda liked some of the conversation happening between the main character Reagan and Mason. a few times they were a little funny lmaoo
i also think the cover is pretty damn cute as well and if you want a really quick read — this would be alright of a choice.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
now, my main issues with this book are all the Covid talk, the ending and the the whole plot which didnʼt feel real to me.
the Covid talk was literally all over the place, Reagan was whining all the time about people that wanted to come closer than 6ft. donʼt get me wrong — itʼs important. but the Covid was legit being rammed down your throat in this book, it was way too much for my liking.
also, the ending was so abrupt, i was staring at the last sentence confused that it was over just like that lol. i was completely not a fan of it. like cʼmon Rowell, i know you could do better :/
and the plot felt like it was only showing the crumbles of the surface for me. not the deeper part in order for me to FEEL something about this story. it was really underwhelming and i didnʼt really connect with the characters at all.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
i feel like this book could of been better if it was turned into a whole book, not a short story and less Covid talk (!!!) . in that case i would of gotten more time to get to know the characters and feel for them. as for now, theyʼre still complete strangers to me that i know nothing about & iʼll more than likely forget it by tomorrow :/
November 21, 2021
Good thing this was a short story or I never would have finished it. If I wanted to waste my time being preached to about COVID I’d watch the news.
December 15, 2021
Awwwwww loved it. So good.
June 28, 2024
2.75 stars**
December 9, 2021
When I read Fangirl at 18, I thought I was Cath. Now, at 25, I realized I officially became Reagan. A people-hating cynic and an accountant. Who knew? Lol.
In Fangirl, I thought she was mean but ultimately had a good heart. In this book, I found her incredibly funny and relatable.
This was short, a little sad, but ultimately hopeful. I liked hearing Reagan’s thoughts about COVID and the pandemic, and how she changed as a person. With paranoid and feeling confused on how to feel. And the conversation she had with her grandpa about it, while also missing grandma literally broke my heart. I wasn’t expecting to love this so much, especially with only like 30-40 pages, but wow, Reagan was such a great, self-aware protagonist.
I also loved the new character, Mason. He was friendly, but also blunt. He didn’t hesitate to help out Reagan in the beginning of the book - and again when he saw an animal got stuck. However, he also wasn’t afraid to call Reagan mean (because she was sometimes) and poke fun at her. Their bantering was seamless. And I thought it was funny how Reagan, being still the semi-mean her, was making critical comments about him in her head, but she changed her mind on him later.
I haven’t read Rainbow Rowell’s books in a long time. I honestly forgot how wonderful her narration and dialogue could be. Her characters never failed to make me feel something. Reading her characters’ thoughts made me feel a little less lonely. They just felt so fleshed out, vulnerable, and honest. 5 stars. Concise and heartfelt.
Also, cheers to that Levi mention.
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level?
Favorite scenes?
In Fangirl, I thought she was mean but ultimately had a good heart. In this book, I found her incredibly funny and relatable.
This was short, a little sad, but ultimately hopeful. I liked hearing Reagan’s thoughts about COVID and the pandemic, and how she changed as a person. With paranoid and feeling confused on how to feel. And the conversation she had with her grandpa about it, while also missing grandma literally broke my heart. I wasn’t expecting to love this so much, especially with only like 30-40 pages, but wow, Reagan was such a great, self-aware protagonist.
I also loved the new character, Mason. He was friendly, but also blunt. He didn’t hesitate to help out Reagan in the beginning of the book - and again when he saw an animal got stuck. However, he also wasn’t afraid to call Reagan mean (because she was sometimes) and poke fun at her. Their bantering was seamless. And I thought it was funny how Reagan, being still the semi-mean her, was making critical comments about him in her head, but she changed her mind on him later.
I haven’t read Rainbow Rowell’s books in a long time. I honestly forgot how wonderful her narration and dialogue could be. Her characters never failed to make me feel something. Reading her characters’ thoughts made me feel a little less lonely. They just felt so fleshed out, vulnerable, and honest. 5 stars. Concise and heartfelt.
Also, cheers to that Levi mention.
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level?
Favorite scenes?
December 2, 2021
3.5 Stars
This was a cute story and was so relatable as it's set in the middle of the pandemic! I've felt a lot of the feelings expressed, but at the center of all this is a sweet romance that I really enjoyed!
This was a cute story and was so relatable as it's set in the middle of the pandemic! I've felt a lot of the feelings expressed, but at the center of all this is a sweet romance that I really enjoyed!
December 24, 2021
I was hoping for cute, but what I got was nothing but infuriating.
So this is a festive Covid-19 story, huh?
Now I can't even remember why I was so excited to read it in the first place.
Not only was it depressive af it was also preachy as hell. Yes, covid is still a serious problem and 2020 (the year it was written) was an even bigger shitshow that this year, but holy shit this was too much.
Reagan, our 'heroine' is not only unlikable and judgmental, she also had that holier-than-thou attitude I can't stand. Basically, according to her, anyone who doesn't take covid seriously is an idiot. But then, like, her version of taking things seriously was not leaving the house for nine months and judging everybody who does.
So sorry I have a job lol.
Also, I refuse to make a book make me feel bad about 'not taking things seriously enough' by meeting friends once in a while. My mental health has always been shit and I won't make myself worse by not leaving my house for months. Sorry not sorry.
Of course, I think it's important to be careful, so I wouldn't go to a party or something, but trust me, no one on this damn planet could match Reagan's expectations of being careful. If I told my mum to simply fuck off on Christmas, she would be devastated and would show up anyway, not be like ok maybe next year then, like her mother.
I would like to tell you about the romance, but there is really nothing to talk about. This book was just way too short to get any real character development or to properly make a love story happen. The one thing I liked about Regan and Mason was that they were described to look like ordinary people and were not chiseled gods. That was a nice change, I guess.
I also wasn't the biggest fan of the time skip to one year later. It turned way too sappy.
Overall, it's just a big no from me. But it's not even that this book hasn't had the potential, because the writing is great and Regan's concerns and fear, how things will be after covid seemed so genuine. If only she wasn't as annoying and over the top...
So this is a festive Covid-19 story, huh?
Now I can't even remember why I was so excited to read it in the first place.
Not only was it depressive af it was also preachy as hell. Yes, covid is still a serious problem and 2020 (the year it was written) was an even bigger shitshow that this year, but holy shit this was too much.
Reagan, our 'heroine' is not only unlikable and judgmental, she also had that holier-than-thou attitude I can't stand. Basically, according to her, anyone who doesn't take covid seriously is an idiot. But then, like, her version of taking things seriously was not leaving the house for nine months and judging everybody who does.
So sorry I have a job lol.
Also, I refuse to make a book make me feel bad about 'not taking things seriously enough' by meeting friends once in a while. My mental health has always been shit and I won't make myself worse by not leaving my house for months. Sorry not sorry.
Of course, I think it's important to be careful, so I wouldn't go to a party or something, but trust me, no one on this damn planet could match Reagan's expectations of being careful. If I told my mum to simply fuck off on Christmas, she would be devastated and would show up anyway, not be like ok maybe next year then, like her mother.
I would like to tell you about the romance, but there is really nothing to talk about. This book was just way too short to get any real character development or to properly make a love story happen. The one thing I liked about Regan and Mason was that they were described to look like ordinary people and were not chiseled gods. That was a nice change, I guess.
I also wasn't the biggest fan of the time skip to one year later. It turned way too sappy.
Overall, it's just a big no from me. But it's not even that this book hasn't had the potential, because the writing is great and Regan's concerns and fear, how things will be after covid seemed so genuine. If only she wasn't as annoying and over the top...
November 19, 2021
This was cute! But also too real lol.
December 5, 2021
2 stars
Whoopee-do!!
I liked the character of Reagan, strong, introverted and confident about herself.
The book gave me slight reminders of unpleasant lockdown times when people were scared of seeing each other, even with masks on. It was kinda gloomy for me, and boring too. And yeah, I think that deer incident was very silly.
It's a short quick read, so no harm trying it out if you are intrigued.
Whoopee-do!!
I liked the character of Reagan, strong, introverted and confident about herself.
The book gave me slight reminders of unpleasant lockdown times when people were scared of seeing each other, even with masks on. It was kinda gloomy for me, and boring too. And yeah, I think that deer incident was very silly.
It's a short quick read, so no harm trying it out if you are intrigued.
May 13, 2022
On one hand, is it refreshing to read a book that directly addresses life in the pandemic? On the other hand, is it depressing to read a book that directly addresses life during the pandemic? I am reading as an escape from pandemic life? Middle of the road love story from an author I have greatly enjoyed pre-pandemic books about "normal" life.
November 19, 2021
This is the only COVID-19 fiction I will allow. My only objection is the Jell-O salad.
August 24, 2023
SO MUCH ANGST.
For an hour long novella, we saved a deer, had an awkward kiss, displayed polarizing views on Covid, reminiscenced on high school, CRIED, complained, ate jello, and then disappeared.
WTF.
For an hour long novella, we saved a deer, had an awkward kiss, displayed polarizing views on Covid, reminiscenced on high school, CRIED, complained, ate jello, and then disappeared.
WTF.
November 27, 2021
Meh.
I do enjoy reading of lonely people find their someone, and that is what Reagan did. BUT the constant COVID talk and debate was annoying for a romance.
I’ve also found that I’m just not a fan of novellas. I need more depth.
The hilight of the book was hearing the mention of Levi and his wife again 🖤
I do enjoy reading of lonely people find their someone, and that is what Reagan did. BUT the constant COVID talk and debate was annoying for a romance.
I’ve also found that I’m just not a fan of novellas. I need more depth.
The hilight of the book was hearing the mention of Levi and his wife again 🖤
December 17, 2021
3.5 stars.
As per-usual with Rowell's short stories, this was a super cute, super fun, super-fast read that managed to tackle super heavy topics without losing any of its fluff.
Holyday stories is one of those things I look forward every year from Rowell because she always delivers the cutest things and the fact that this year's is a sort of spin-off from Fangirl - a complete Rainbow Rowell classic - made the whole concept for this book all the more enticing and dear to my heart.
Several years have passed since the ending of that iconic novel and now we can have a small glimpse as to how the characters are doing. All focused on our sassy queen Reagan, who is dealing with the dreadful reality of a global pandemic.
In a way, reading about a situation that has affected all of us invariably felt cathartic and refreshing and healing, something that I was definitely not expecting. The thing is, Rowell did an amazing job of including its realities when interacting with people, and all the anxiety it can produce, at the same time that she made it all feel safe and, somehow, cute.
Overall, it was just a cutesy tale about opening up to people and the uncertainties of life and taking chances, all things that have always been difficulties and will forever be complicated.
All the Christmasy magic sprinkled generously the whole time made the story exactly what you would expect from a holiday short story.
__________________
That was just as cute as I was expecting from Rowell.
I had a great time.
RTC.
__________________
It's been a long time since I read Fangirl, and though I am reading the manga I cannot say that I remember all that much the dinner details of each character.
That being said, Reagan is such an interesting character that knowing that this is her short story makes it immediately interesting.
All of Rowell's short stories that I have read so far have been really cute so I'm expecting the same from this new addition. And, well, it's so short that I'm just gonna breeze through it.
I am excited.
“The pandemic had changed her. She’d gotten a lot pickier about who she let get this close. She’d gotten kind of fixated on repercussions.”
As per-usual with Rowell's short stories, this was a super cute, super fun, super-fast read that managed to tackle super heavy topics without losing any of its fluff.
Holyday stories is one of those things I look forward every year from Rowell because she always delivers the cutest things and the fact that this year's is a sort of spin-off from Fangirl - a complete Rainbow Rowell classic - made the whole concept for this book all the more enticing and dear to my heart.
Several years have passed since the ending of that iconic novel and now we can have a small glimpse as to how the characters are doing. All focused on our sassy queen Reagan, who is dealing with the dreadful reality of a global pandemic.
“Grandpa had just gotten his booster shot, and he was feeling invincible. Reagan couldn’t imagine that feeling. She’d spent too much of the last two years feeling paranoid and vulnerable.”
In a way, reading about a situation that has affected all of us invariably felt cathartic and refreshing and healing, something that I was definitely not expecting. The thing is, Rowell did an amazing job of including its realities when interacting with people, and all the anxiety it can produce, at the same time that she made it all feel safe and, somehow, cute.
Overall, it was just a cutesy tale about opening up to people and the uncertainties of life and taking chances, all things that have always been difficulties and will forever be complicated.
All the Christmasy magic sprinkled generously the whole time made the story exactly what you would expect from a holiday short story.
“I’m tired of waiting for it to get better, honey. It feels like we should all get together before it gets worse.”
__________________
That was just as cute as I was expecting from Rowell.
I had a great time.
RTC.
__________________
It's been a long time since I read Fangirl, and though I am reading the manga I cannot say that I remember all that much the dinner details of each character.
That being said, Reagan is such an interesting character that knowing that this is her short story makes it immediately interesting.
All of Rowell's short stories that I have read so far have been really cute so I'm expecting the same from this new addition. And, well, it's so short that I'm just gonna breeze through it.
I am excited.
November 23, 2021
Oh My Gosh - I LOVED this short story! It is such a realistic and wonderful look at a COVID romance. I think it's a must read for everyone.
November 10, 2024
3.5 Stars!
You know what? This was cute, and delivered its purpose by being something short and sweet as well.
I remember one of the main themes and most spoked topic in this novella was COVID, I am not looking forward to those parts at all.
However, I’ve always loved Fangirl, and I miss the characters on the daily basis. And since I’m in a slump, but want to say goodbye to it asap, I’ll pick up this book again for three main reasons:
1) set in the same world of Fangirl, but 10 and more years later than the original plot.
2) a very short story.
3) Christmas related story. It’s almost around the corner.
You know what? This was cute, and delivered its purpose by being something short and sweet as well.
I remember one of the main themes and most spoked topic in this novella was COVID, I am not looking forward to those parts at all.
However, I’ve always loved Fangirl, and I miss the characters on the daily basis. And since I’m in a slump, but want to say goodbye to it asap, I’ll pick up this book again for three main reasons:
1) set in the same world of Fangirl, but 10 and more years later than the original plot.
2) a very short story.
3) Christmas related story. It’s almost around the corner.
November 20, 2021
A mean main character and I really don't care for the way Rowell describes people. A chipmunk smile and no chin? What the fuck.
December 26, 2021
"You must think I'm crazy. Paranoid."
"I would have," she said, "before. But now...I don't even know what it means to be crazy. If you're careful as you're supposed to be, you seem neurotic. I feel neurotic. Now. And I never used to be. I'm the sort of person who'd share an ice cream cone with a dog."
Certainly not to everyone's taste, Rainbow Rowell's If The Fates Allow is about two people finding each other after a very hard and lonely year of social distancing and isolation. Reagan (Cath's roommate from Fangirl) is determined to spend Christmas with her grandpa so he isn't alone. She's isolated and stayed as safe as she possibly could so she could be with him. It starts off in 2020 when the pandemic put a stop to our normality, and despite what her family says, Reagan is adamant about her plans for the holidays. So, with a Jell-O salad and potatoes, she goes to her grandpa's house. And there she comes across Mason from next door. Over their uncertainty and fear about the world and a bowl of Jell-O salad, a bond forms. We see them meet again a year later, and that bond, well, it's still there.
It's the shortest book I've read in 2021, but it was about a big, very relevant topic that's affecting us all right now. It felt appropriate to read it on Christmas Day, and as it was so short, it was the perfect read after my dinner.
I don't think I'll ever be comfortable reading about this pandemic because it's brought me so much anxiety and fear, but If The Fates Allow, because it was so short, felt like a snippet, a slice of current life that I could handle. Reagan and Mason speak about how the pandemic has changed them, how they see the world and how they're trying to deal with it. It's conversations that many of us have had with loved ones and friends over the past two years.
While some things hit very close to home right now, I did really rather enjoy this story from Rainbow Rowell. I'm excited to see what she publishes next.
"I would have," she said, "before. But now...I don't even know what it means to be crazy. If you're careful as you're supposed to be, you seem neurotic. I feel neurotic. Now. And I never used to be. I'm the sort of person who'd share an ice cream cone with a dog."
Certainly not to everyone's taste, Rainbow Rowell's If The Fates Allow is about two people finding each other after a very hard and lonely year of social distancing and isolation. Reagan (Cath's roommate from Fangirl) is determined to spend Christmas with her grandpa so he isn't alone. She's isolated and stayed as safe as she possibly could so she could be with him. It starts off in 2020 when the pandemic put a stop to our normality, and despite what her family says, Reagan is adamant about her plans for the holidays. So, with a Jell-O salad and potatoes, she goes to her grandpa's house. And there she comes across Mason from next door. Over their uncertainty and fear about the world and a bowl of Jell-O salad, a bond forms. We see them meet again a year later, and that bond, well, it's still there.
It's the shortest book I've read in 2021, but it was about a big, very relevant topic that's affecting us all right now. It felt appropriate to read it on Christmas Day, and as it was so short, it was the perfect read after my dinner.
I don't think I'll ever be comfortable reading about this pandemic because it's brought me so much anxiety and fear, but If The Fates Allow, because it was so short, felt like a snippet, a slice of current life that I could handle. Reagan and Mason speak about how the pandemic has changed them, how they see the world and how they're trying to deal with it. It's conversations that many of us have had with loved ones and friends over the past two years.
While some things hit very close to home right now, I did really rather enjoy this story from Rainbow Rowell. I'm excited to see what she publishes next.
December 8, 2021
Star Rating: —> 3.5 Stars
Adorable short story! Kinda insta-lovey like wtf where did that kiss even come from?! But still enjoyable none the less, & an accurate look into covid life in holiday season 2020, and then the changes this year, 2021.
Overall, cute premise, but could've been a lot better. Definitely an average story for Rowell.
Adorable short story! Kinda insta-lovey like wtf where did that kiss even come from?! But still enjoyable none the less, & an accurate look into covid life in holiday season 2020, and then the changes this year, 2021.
Overall, cute premise, but could've been a lot better. Definitely an average story for Rowell.
November 19, 2021
Qué cute y amo que Reagan y Mason odien tanto como yo a la gente que no toma las medidas necesarias para el covid.
December 16, 2021
It has been such a hard few years.
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