Reviews

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

gkaltam's review

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hopeful inspiring tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0


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mbbb72's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny informative inspiring reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

caitmae03's review

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

sakura_'s review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

flowerhatprincess's review

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2.0

I think I have the odd opinion of thinking the movie was better...

Anyways, I hated that the author said, "THE Tumblr" it pulled me out of it every time! There were a few comparisons that I thought were too strange to relate too. Overall, it did get better as it went but the reason the movie is better than the book in my personal opinion is that in the movie the other characters get a personality too. Becky kind of wrote Simon like he was an old man... he didn't like TV, he listened to old music, he liked to read, he said "the Tumblr," he made weird comparisons, and they emailed instead of using an anonymous app or instant messaging over Tumblr! At the same time, she tried to make him nerdy by liking Harry Potter, but not so nerdy that he could embrace being a nerd or be bullied for it. The character was just weird and old for a 17-year-old and not very relatable. Him getting grounded for drinking was the most real moment this character had, after an unreal moment of him not getting ID'd at a gay bar and then being hit on by college dudes.

PS: Something I know EVERYONE on the planet who has read or watched this story would disagree with, but I think it would have exceptionally interesting if it was Leah behind the messages all along! HELLO HEARTBREAK! Can you imagine the domino effect that would have in that world? [b:Leah on the Offbeat|31180248|Leah on the Offbeat (Creekwood, #2)|Becky Albertalli|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1510886704l/31180248._SY75_.jpg|51820754] would have been a 100% different book!

librarydoc's review

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5.0

I had no idea what to expect from this book. I received it in an order from Junior Library Guild, and grabbed it to read over the summer.

Short synopsis: 17-year old Simon is a pretty normal guy. He is in the drama club, he hangs out with his best friends and plays video games, and he loves listening to music on his iPod. He is also gay, and that is not something he is ready to share. He meets "Blue" anonymously online, and they develop a close friendship and eventually an online romance. They know that they go to the same school, but other than that they keep their identities private. Who is Blue? And what happens when they finally meet?

WOW. It was so not what I expected. In all honesty, I have never really read YA LGBTQ fiction before. I was really blown away. The characters are well-developed, and I truly had no idea who Blue really was until the last chapter of the book. And I have to say that I did a little internal cheer when Blue's identity was revealed. This was a very sweet and tender romance, and I really appreciate the perspective in this novel.

For those who are uncomfortable or wary about LGBTQ YA, this is a good one to try.

niccinite's review

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4.0

I have found that I'm no good at writing a review when I like a book. I have no problem saying what I don't like about a book, but it's harder for me to articulate what I like about books. Anyway.... I really love this story, you should read it :)

I can't wait to see the movie!

alexy_lynx's review against another edition

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3.0

No fue mi mejor lectura PERO fue el primer libro en meses que pude terminar sin que lo abandonara o que fuera un manga/comic/novela gráfica. Tal vez lea otro de este estilo porque realmente no se me hizo una lectura nada pesada.

liketheverb's review

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5.0

"It's a weirdly subtle conversation. I almost didn't notice I'm being blackmailed."
~•~•~•~•~•~
THE FEELS. Albertalli is truly remarkable. To write a character so thoroughly and a plot that is richly authentic and so heart-cruahingly intimate is breathtaking to behold. SvtHSA is an inspiring coming-of-age story in the absolute best way. With witty dialogue, gorgeously-developed characters, page-turning plot, and such incredible nuance, Albertalli astounds and inspires. This book is important and relevant for absolutely EVERYONE, regardless of their own sexual identity or personal situation. Albertalli inspires empathy, understanding, tolerance, and admiration with this novel, and it is completely unsurprising that it's movie adaptation Love, Simon is a hit. I make a point to read the source material before it's adaptation because I believe a story is most powerful in it's original and intended format, and I am incredibly eager to experience Simon's story on the screen.

emeszee's review

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5.0

OKAY.
So, this is possibly the best lgbt-related book I've read.
It was really freaking good. OH MY.
I loved that the characters weren't annoying (something I find uncommon in contemporaries). Even the friends were awesome. And what a wonderful ship...I would absolutely read a book in Blue's point of view.

"I didn't realize you and Blue
Spoiler Bram
were such good friends."
(pg. 272)
Blue's
Spoiler Bram's
gone too. How strange ;) (pg. 275)