Sam Maggs - Blog Posts

Its been quite the journey..

I learned about Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell when I read the first manga that was published back in 2020. I remember going into the school library like I did every morning, replacing the books I've read and brought back so I could swiftly beeline for my next books.

After I got what I needed, I decided to look at the new books display. What caught my eye first was Fangirl 1 created by Rainbow Rowell, Sam Maggs, and Gabi Nam.

So, I checked the book out. I read it. I have since loved it from the core of my heart.

After reading that HUGE CLIFFHANGER, I had to look up the rest of the series. Of course, I only came up with the one, since it was recently released to the world, but I didn't know up until that point that series releases are like rpg's. (I call them "live book series" because the story isn't officially over until we say it is. Which is displayed for the novel that was released way back in 2013 and got a manga version published seven years later.)

I did a little more digging and found out that the Manga was not only an active series of 4, but it is originally a novel! The joy and fear I had in that moment was brutal. At that point, I have read and reread the first volume quite a bit and was rightfully terrified what would happen next. But the best part answering what happened next.

I tried not to spoil it for myself. I really did. But the longer I thought about it, the more grueling it got. The second book would come out soon.... right? I check the publishing date for the second book. I gave up right then and there and borrowed the novel. LOL

I read it and cried and laughed and stressed myself from feeling Cath's stress. After finishing the novel, I had even more of an incentive to stick out the next year or two or five to finish the Manga. In those years, I got the first two Manga, got kicked to hell and back in school and figuring out what life is to me. And whenever I got back to the book, I was taught and reminded small lessons of life. because life doesn't stop, even when it feels like there should be a "happily ever after" when youre 1/8 from finishing the book.

Earlier this year, I got the novel and the anniversary edition.

And today, I FINALLY have the last two manga.

I am very proud and infinitely grateful of the people who have worked on every bit to create and support such an inspiring story. And I am proud of myself for sticking by it for four years and more to come. Thank you. Just... Thank you.