Title and Author: Simon vs. the Homosapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Plot Overview: Simon, a not-yet-out-of-the-closet 16 year old theater kid, goes by the pen name “Jacques” when exchanging emails with an anonymous boy in a similar situation - “Blue”. Martin finds out about their correspondance and uses this knowledge to blackmail Simon into doing his bidding, or helping him woo a girl, The novel follows Simon as he tries to balance the blackmail, his relationships, coming to terms with himself, and figuring out who this mysterious “Blue” is.

Critique: The most compelling aspect of the book, for me, was how it didn’t overly emphasize or pander to the fact that Simon was gay. Sure, it is an essential part of the story and the whole blackmailing situation does revolve around it, but I felt that it was a situation anyone, no matter their sexuality, could have found themselves in. Personally, I feel like many authors reach for representation and, doing so, portray the characters in an unrelatable/ not too realistic way. This book did not, while still having a ton of representation, and it isn’t hard for me to picture a similar story happening in an actual high school.

The only thing that disappointed me about the book was when he finally figured out who Blue was. In my first read through, I completely did not see it coming. However, after rereading it a few times, I do see extremely subtle hints throughout the book. Even so, I wish the hints were a little less subtle - I love guessing the ending of a book and being correct.

Cover Critique: I like how the cover shows a faceless person, anonymous, just like Simon and Blue’s emails (until the end).

Star Rating: 5+/5

Additional Comments: Being one of my favorites and getting a film adaptation (Love, Simon) I wished to reread it again, and post a review. I’m excited (albeit nervous) to see how they take the book and transform it into a film.