Sixteen-year-old and not-so-openly gay Simon Spier prefers to save his drama for the school musical. But when an email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight. Now Simon is actually being blackmailed: if he doesn’t play wingman for class clown Martin, his sexual identity will become everyone’s business. Worse, the privacy of Blue, the pen name of the boy he’s been emailing, will be compromised.
With some messy dynamics emerging in his once tight-knit group of friends, and his email correspondence with Blue growing more flirtatious every day, Simon’s junior year has suddenly gotten all kinds of complicated. Now, change-averse Simon has to find a way to step out of his comfort zone before he’s pushed out — without alienating his friends, compromising himself, or fumbling a shot at happiness with the most confusing, adorable guy he’s never met.
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda Review
In January, the HCC Frenzy team invited me to an advance screening of Love, Simon. Obviously, I jumped on the opportunity! Since I hadn’t read the book yet, I made sure to read it before seeing the movie!
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda follows Simon, a gay teenager who isn’t so open about it. While exchanging e-mails with a boy named Blue, another student discovers it. This ultimately results in blackmailing.
Simon is a wonderful main character. His character develops so much in this book, but in a really realistic way. He’s definitely one of those protagonists that will stick with me.
His relationship with his family and friends is adorable. Leah is definitely my favourite! I can’t wait for her upcoming book – it should be great!
But seeing these relationships in the movie adaptation just makes it even more wonderful. I really think they did a great job at bringing these characters to life!
Another thing I love is the writing. Becky Albertalli is a wonderful writer who brings a lot of charm! While the storyline is great, it’s her quirky writing that really makes it. I’m really looking forward to reading more of her books in the future.
If you have the chance to see the movie, I highly recommend it. It’s charming, witty, heartwarming and oh-so funny. I definitely plan on seeing it again with some friends and family.
Overall, Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda is a great contemporary. It’s fluffy at times but also spreads an important message of inclusion.
I think it’s one of those books everyone should read at least once in their life!
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favourite Quote
Sometimes it feels like everyone knows who I am except for me.
About the Author
Becky Albertalli is a clinical psychologist who has had the privilege of conducting therapy with dozens of smart, weird, irresistible teenagers. She also served for seven years as coleader of a support group for gender nonconforming children in Washington, D.C. She now lives with her family in Atlanta. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda is her first novel.
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Ahh, I LOVED this book! The characters were all adorable, and I literally couldn’t put the book down. I haven’t gotten to see the movie yet, sadly, but I’m hoping to soon. I didn’t know Leah was getting her own spinoff adventure though! That’s going on my TBR list for sure.
They were such loveable and adorable characters for sure! The movie is fantastic – I can’t wait to go see it again. You will not regret seeing it. I know, I can’t wait to read it. It’s going to be a perfect read, I’m sure of that!