Stranger Than Fanfiction
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | February 28, 2017 |
| Founder | Chris Colfer |
| Products | Young adult novel |
| Parent | Little, Brown Books for Young Readers |
Stranger Than Fanfiction is a young adult novel authored by Chris Colfer and released by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers on February 28, 2017. This marks Colfer's second novel in the young adult genre, tackling subjects such as race, friendship, fame, and LGBTQ+ issues. The work has attracted notable media coverage, received numerous critiques, and featured on multiple award nomination lists.
Background
Drawing from his own journey with celebrity status as a former teenage star on Glee, where he played Kurt Hummel, Chris Colfer crafted Stranger Than Fanfiction to offer a unique and humor-infused perspective within YA literature. He sought to capture the distinct challenges of growing up under public scrutiny.
The five central characters each embody elements of Colfer’s youth. For instance, Cash Carter’s anxiety about rejection mirrors Colfer’s personal difficulties following his public coming out, expressed through agoraphobia akin to the author’s experience during his time on Glee. While not all storylines are autobiographical, Colfer conducted thorough research—including consultations with GLAAD and sensitivity readers—to accurately depict Sam Gibson, a transgender character. A fundamental theme throughout the novel is the journey toward embracing one’s true self.
Synopsis
The narrative of Stranger Than Fanfiction revolves around five protagonists: Topher Collins, Joey Davis, Sam Gibson, Moriko Ishikawa, and Cash Carter. Topher is an intellectually gifted teenager navigating a close yet constraining family life that includes a brother with cerebral palsy. Joey is an African-American aspiring actor grappling with revealing his sexuality to his homophobic preacher father. Sam is a transgender teen who remains closeted while confronting acceptance issues from loved ones. Moriko is a Japanese-American writer striving to get published. Cash Carter is a veteran actor who has played a lead role on the Wiz Kids television series since age twelve and yearns to break free from his celebrity persona.
All except Cash are high school seniors united by their passion for the show Wiz Kids. Prior to heading off to college, they organize one last road trip from Illinois to California. On a spontaneous impulse, Topher invites Cash along; surprisingly, Cash agrees, adding celebrity allure to their excursion. The plot centers on their shared journey, delving into personal challenges, concealed truths, and evolving friendships.
Analysis
LGBTQ+ themes are prominently examined in Stranger Than Fanfiction, particularly through characters like Joey Davis (who is gay) and Sam Gibson (who is both gay and transgender), portraying the complexities of coming out and its effects on interpersonal relationships. The concept of fame also plays a significant role—illustrated by Cash Carter’s internal conflict with privacy loss and identity struggles—reflecting Chris Colfer’s own experiences during his tenure on Glee. The author underscores that celebrities face ordinary difficulties despite public adulation.
The novel additionally pays tribute to "fandom," emphasizing the reciprocal relationship between fans and celebrities; this is exemplified through Cash receiving fan letters from around the globe—mirroring Colfer’s real-life connection with his audience. Moreover, issues of race and disability are woven into the story: Moriko represents Japanese-American heritage, Joey represents African-American identity, and Topher’s storyline involving his brother with cerebral palsy draws from Colfer’s personal family background.
Publication history
Stranger Than Fanfiction was released on February 28, 2017, in both hardcover and digital formats by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. An unabridged audiobook version narrated by Colfer was made available at the same time. A trade paperback edition was subsequently issued on May 29, 2018.
Reception
Colfer has received commendation for his portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community and for tackling themes such as gender identity, sexuality, and self-esteem, which continue to hold significance in contemporary conversations. A reviewer from Booklist praised Colfer's ability to seamlessly combine emotional depth with humor, creating a compelling experience for readers. Melanie Ramdarshan Bold identified Stranger Than Fanfiction as part of a movement where celebrities utilize the popularity of YA fiction to address sensitive subjects like race and sexuality.
The novel was featured on curated reading lists by publications including the Hollywood Reporter and Bustle, and it earned a spot on the New York Times Young Adult Hardcover Bestseller List in March 2017.
References
External links
- MashReads Podcast: 'Glee' star Chris Colfer discusses his novel Stranger than Fanfiction
- “The Trend with Chris Colfer.” YouTube, CBS New York
- Chris Colfer Talks About His New Book Stranger Than Fan Fiction on Larry King Live
- Chris Colfer On ‘Glee’ & His Book ‘Stranger Than Fan Fiction’, Entertainment Weekly
- Stranger than Fanfiction at Queer Books for Teens, American Library Association