Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Cuteness is good, but too much of it is not real, and isn’t contemporary supposed to be the most ‘real’ genre out there? The wonderful thing about Simon VS the Homo Sapiens Agenda is that it’s quirky and endearing, but to the point where it still feels real. The synopsis was unique and intriguing, and I was desperate to read something cute but substantial. I’ve wanted to read this book ever since the cover was released, and finally relented a few weeks ago. Becky Albertalli please come and accept your prize.

I thought I would never find this book in my lifetime, but I finally discovered my contemporary kryptonite, and am happy to state that you don’t always need dragons or magic to make a book awesome. It takes a wonder of a contemporary book to make me not think ‘where are the dragons?’, or ‘what am I reading? I’m bored’. This review is coming to you from the fingertips of a fantasy-loving girl, one who rarely ventures out of her vast selection of novels often containing kingdoms made to be mapped out and brooding guys with scary powers. (Apr.I really don’t like contemporary novels. Blue may hesitate, but readers will fall madly in love with Simon. Page-turning tension comes from the anonymous quality of Simon’s emails with Blue, which are interspersed with chapters written in Simon’s first-person voice that chronicle Simon’s increasing frustration with Blue’s reluctance to divulge his identity, as well as the deepening nature of the boys’ relationship. The large cast of companionable and well-developed characters contains a heroic drama teacher and Simon’s embarrassing but well-meaning parents. Debut novelist Albertalli writes believably in the voice of a confused, openhearted 16-year-old.

The threat of being outed by Martin forces Simon to come to terms with his sexuality, and his wise insights-Why do only gay people have to come out? Why is that the default?-add heft to a plot that is both hilarious and heartbreaking. After a “goobery nerd” named Martin discovers Georgia teen Simon Spier’s secret email relationship with a boy who calls himself “Blue,” Martin blackmails Simon into helping him romance Abby, a new girl who has been welcomed into Simon’s lunchroom clique.

Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli