Title: Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda
Author: Becky Albertalli
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
First published: April 7th 2015
Finished reading: November 13th 2015
Pages: 303
“He talked about the ocean between people. And how the whole point of everything is to find a shore worth swimming to.”
I want to hit myself in the head for not reading this one sooner, because Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda is probably one of my favorite reads this year. People kept recommending tihs novel by Becky Albertalli to me and I can definitely see why: this book is simply brilliant. The characters, the plot, the prose… It’s hard to pick just one favorite element, because this story is without doubt a masterpiece. Simon and Blue are so cute together! And I loved how Becky Albertalli is able to switch seamlessly between funny moments and serious dialogue, addressing some very important topics. I have a lot of gay friends and I have experienced how people treat them differently just because they don’t fit the ‘standard’ norm. I just hate to see that glbt people or anyone who is different is forced to feel awkward and afraid they don’t fit in. Becky Albertalli explains my feelings exactly: “White shouldn’t be the default any more than straight should be the default. There shouldn’t even be a default.” If you are looking for a solid YA contempary novel, Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda is more than recommended.
Sixteen-year-old Simon is gay, but he is not ready to share his sexual identity with the world yet. He has been writing emails with another gay teenager, and when an email falls into the wrong hands both identities are in danger. Simon is actually being blackmailed, and he wants to try and do everything to prevent anyone finding out about him and his Blue. Simon is slowly falling in love with Blue even though he doesn’t know his real identity, only knowing that Blue goes to the same school… And Simon spends his time not only guessing who Blue really is, but also dealing with his blackmailer and class clown Martin. Will Simon find a way to deal with it all?
Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda turned out to be everything I was hoping for and more. This novel is brilliantly written and I absolutely loved the characters! It’s one of the best stories with glbt characters I’ve read to this date and I will be looking out for any future novels Becky Albertalli publishes. If you like the genre, you should definitely give this one a go! You won’t be disappointed.
I’m so glad you loved this!!!! I was kicking myself for waiting so long to read it as well! Simon and Blue are literally the cutest! Your review made me want to go reread it 🙂
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Simon and Blue are probably one of my favorite MM couples ever… I already want to read this book and it hasn’t been a month since I finished it haha. 😀
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I think I may make sure to re-read it next year!
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Same here! I don’t reread a lot of books but this one is definitely worth it!
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I love to reread it’s just that there’s like never any time when there’s just SO MANY BOOKS on my TBR shelf!
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I know the feeling! Mine is over 200 and no matter how many I read the number doesn’t seem to go down haha.
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You read so fast as well!! You’d think your number would reduce faster then others but just goes to show you TBR curse is a real thing that doesn’t discriminate! Haha
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Haha I know! 170 books read this year and my TBR has actually increased. xD
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Omg that’s like over double my number!! You actually have a super power!
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Last year I read 90 books, so I honestly don’t understand how I have been able to read this many books in 2015… I guess I have been reading a lot of YA and easy reads, which does help. 😉
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No what’s happen is that you’ve obviously been bitten by a radioactive bookworm and now have the power to fly through books!
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Haha that does sound like an awesome superpower! 😀
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Well you have it so it’s a good thing you like it!
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Awesome review! Simon is my favorite YA debut of 2015. 🙂
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I voted for Simon as my favorite YA Fiction! I absolutely loved this book. 😀
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Omg I’m in the same boat as you – I can’t believe I didn’t read this book sooner! It’s so fantastic and one of my top reads this year too. So glad you loved it!
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Good to hear you loved this one as well! 😀
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i keep reading positive reviews about this so i think i might get it soon to see what all the buzz is about !! and ur review made me want to get it asap !!
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I’ve heard nothing but great things about Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda and if you like the genre I’m sure you will enjoy it as well. 🙂
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