Published: April 7, 2015
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Author: Becky Albertalli
Pages: 303
Genres: Romance, Young Adult, Contemporary
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.
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.
Wow, I really enjoyed this story!
The characters were very real and relatable. The writing was exquisite and on point. The music choices were more than perfect (eg. Elliot Smith, Lennon, McCartney) and I want to hug Beck Albertalli for the effort and because this is one brilliant debut novel.
I was sold ever since I saw the cover and the title. They are beautiful. After that I only had to get my hands on a copy.
This is one of the only books I have read recently hat has left an impression on me. It's not one of the very exaggerated novels where one or more aspects are so over the top that you lose not only credibility but also interest.
Every single character (or at least the main ones, 'cause there were quite a lot of names) have evident flaws and are working towards making themselves better. You don't see them flat but almost 3D. You get to see different personalities clash and the still fresh wounds that Middle school leaves on everyone.
Simon Spier has an adorable dog (just thought it's a good selling point). And he is a superstar. (Simon, not the dog.) The title suggests that there would be clashes between him and the other homo sapiens and it's true - you get them wrapped with multiple bows.
I don't want to say a lot more about the plot just because I believe it will be better if you know less.
I recommend this book with both hands and if you are a bit sceptical about reading it - just give it a chance and keep in mind that the author is a clinical psychologist of teenagers. That combined with a great storytelling and a very good writing style is bomb!
The characters were very real and relatable. The writing was exquisite and on point. The music choices were more than perfect (eg. Elliot Smith, Lennon, McCartney) and I want to hug Beck Albertalli for the effort and because this is one brilliant debut novel.
I was sold ever since I saw the cover and the title. They are beautiful. After that I only had to get my hands on a copy.
This is one of the only books I have read recently hat has left an impression on me. It's not one of the very exaggerated novels where one or more aspects are so over the top that you lose not only credibility but also interest.
Every single character (or at least the main ones, 'cause there were quite a lot of names) have evident flaws and are working towards making themselves better. You don't see them flat but almost 3D. You get to see different personalities clash and the still fresh wounds that Middle school leaves on everyone.
Simon Spier has an adorable dog (just thought it's a good selling point). And he is a superstar. (Simon, not the dog.) The title suggests that there would be clashes between him and the other homo sapiens and it's true - you get them wrapped with multiple bows.
"So, which one did it?"
"Did what?"
"Turned you off women. Was it the one with the eyebrows, the eye makeup, or the overbite?"
I don't want to say a lot more about the plot just because I believe it will be better if you know less.
I recommend this book with both hands and if you are a bit sceptical about reading it - just give it a chance and keep in mind that the author is a clinical psychologist of teenagers. That combined with a great storytelling and a very good writing style is bomb!
Here is my non-spoilery book review in video form:
Overall feelings:
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