“People really are like houses with vast rooms and tiny windows. And maybe it’s a good thing, the way we never stop surprising each other.”
If you’re active in the YA book community, then you’ve probably heard of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda. Especially recently, with the film adaptation Love, Simon in theaters which people are raving about. I’ve known of this books existence for a little while now, but never got around to reading it. Most likely because it’s basically a rom-com, and that’s a genre I generally don’t gravitate towards. Like at all. But with all the hype that it’s been getting I felt that it was something I had to read.
And so I did!
And my gosh, I loved it.
With all the dark fantasy/horror stuff I generally like to read, I need a little fluff in my life now and then and this book was just what I was hoping for.
For those that don’t know, Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli is a YA contemporary about a closeted gay boy named Simon Spier who is in an anonymous e-mail relationship with a boy from his school, who he only knows by his screen-name Blue. They’re both happy in their current situation, though Simon starts to wonder just who Blue really is.
This book is funny, endearing, and full of unique and likable characters who really brought the story to life. My favorite character was definitely Leah, one of Simon’s closest friends, as I found that I related to her character the most. And I also loved the fact that Leah was an anime/manga fan – and especially freaked out when she was dressed as Tohru from Fruits Basket at the Halloween party. That was pretty much the moment I decided I loved her character most – anybody who likes Fruits Basket is instantly a cool person in my eyes.
Also, I won’t spoil his identity, but Blue is absolutely adorable and I just want to wrap him up in a warm blanket and feed him muffins.
One of the best parts of this book are the email exchanges between Simon and Blue, which make up approximately half of the book. They’re witty, fun, and share insight into the two of them as people. Even though we don’t really know who Blue is until the end of the book, it feels as if we do.
Who do I recommend this to?
EVERYONE! YAY!
This is a very sweet, heartwarming book that everyone needs in their life. It manages to discuss topics such as homophobia while still being a generally cheerful, happy story that will just bring a smile to your face (and maybe even tears to your eyes, if you’re the sort of person who does that whilst reading). I dare you not to smile while reading this. I DARE YOU!
If you can, go see Love, Simon in theaters! Unfortunately I think I’ll have to wait until it comes out on Blu-ray/Netflix to see it… But if you can go see it you definitely should! I hear it’s just as wonderful as the novel.
And there isn’t a question about it – I’m reading Leah on the Offbeat as soon as it’s released. 😀
Wonderful Meep 