I Was Born for This

by Alice Oseman

Fandom, identity, and life beyond the spotlight

$17.09 USD

~~$28.49 USD~~ $17.09 USD

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Fandom, identity, and life beyond the spotlight

Angel’s devotion to the band The Ark gives her a sense of belonging, while Jimmy experiences the demands of fame from inside the group—as its trans frontman, navigating anxiety and fans’ assumptions about his friendship with bandmate Rowan. When Angel and Jimmy are unexpectedly brought together, their different relationships to the same band create a meeting point between fandom and the realities behind it. The story brings questions of identity, friendship, family understanding, and public attention into a coming-of-age narrative about how dreams can diverge from what people expect.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

Teens and young adults interested in stories about fandom and the lives of musicians.
Readers drawn to coming-of-age fiction exploring identity, friendship, and family relationships.
Those interested in narratives that include a trans character and the pressures of public attention.

Themes

Fandom and belongingIdentityFriendshipFamily understandingFame and public attention

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

From the bestselling creator of HEARTSTOPPER and LOVELESS, a deeply funny and deeply moving exploration of identity, friendship, and fame.

For Angel Rahimi life is about one thing: The Ark -- a boy band that's taking the world by storm. Being part of The Ark's fandom has given her everything she loves -- her friend Juliet, her dreams, her place in the world. Her Muslim family doesn't understand the band's allure -- but Angel feels there are things about her they'll never understand.

Jimmy Kaga-Ricci owes everything to The Ark. 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. The fans are very accepting that he's trans -- but they also keep shipping with him with his longtime friend and bandmate, Rowan. But Jimmy and Rowan are just friends -- and Rowan has a secret girlfriend the fans can never know about. 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.

A funny, wise, and heartbreakingly true coming of age novel. I Was Born for This is a stunning reflection of modern teenage life, and the power of believing in something -- especially yourself.

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