BOOKCLUB NOTES: I’m a Fan by Sheena Patel

THE BOOK: This was a lively one! The two nights saw reactions on both ends of the spectrum - similar to the reception for this book more generally. Lots of us read it quickly, addictedly scrolling as we would social media and we felt like the book needed to be consumed like that. Our overall score was 3.3 ⭐️

On one end, the book struck a chord as a manifestation of our darkest and most intrusive thoughts playing out on the page. An exhilarating reminder of where our minds could go. On the other, some found it to be unrealistic and unbelievable. The character was flawed and stressful to be with, and the writing style changeable. We enjoyed the wider social commentary - urgent points on gender, race and privilege written in a compelling way.

We had an interesting discussion about fame and social media. We debated whether a book is good if it’s gruelling to read. It was a fascinating bookclub!

THE WINE: ‘A fast, fizzing cherry bomb of a debut…. extremely addictive…’, we aren’t sure whether the Observer is talking about I’m A Fan or the 2024 Rosé Pet Nat from the Brand Brothers in Germany. This pairing was made in heaven!

Next up we chose Chateau Baby Girls’ wild, pink, electric juice which is as chaotic, vibrant and exhilarating as our unnamed narrator. However, this was more or an ironic pairing. “Hot Girl Summer’ alludes to independence, confidence and self prioritisation. Whereas our narrator is hyper self conscious and appears trapped in a cycle of desiring the things she hates most: wealth, influence, fans, prestige, expensive objects, and her sense of worth comes entirely from other people’s attention — from the man, the woman and social media.