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Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli is a book I have been excited for ever since I finished Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda long ago. This book is everything I had hoped for, and it follows Leah who is navigating senior year and bisexuality. Leah is so likeable, and the friendship in the book is goals. It is safe to say that this story does not disappoint.
Series: Simonverse #3
Author: Becky Albertalli
Also by this author: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda (Creekwood #1)
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: April 24, 2018
Rating:
Series Rating:
Leah Burke—girl-band drummer, master of deadpan, and Simon Spier’s best friend from the award-winning Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda—takes center stage in this novel of first love and senior-year angst.
When it comes to drumming, Leah Burke is usually on beat—but real life isn’t always so rhythmic. An anomaly in her friend group, she’s the only child of a young, single mom, and her life is decidedly less privileged. She loves to draw but is too self-conscious to show it. And even though her mom knows she’s bisexual, she hasn’t mustered the courage to tell her friends—not even her openly gay BFF, Simon.
So Leah really doesn’t know what to do when her rock-solid friend group starts to fracture in unexpected ways. With prom and college on the horizon, tensions are running high. It’s hard for Leah to strike the right note while the people she loves are fighting—especially when she realizes she might love one of them more than she ever intended.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli
This addition to the Creekwood series tells the story of Leah, who is going through her last year of high school. She is dealing with a lot of drama with her relationships and friends. Leah is also struggling to come out as bisexual, and she is receiving mixed signals from a love interest. I loved how realistic this book is and how it has the right mix of fluff and angst. It is truly an emotional rollercoaster, and it kept me coming back for more.
❀ A Perfect Narrator
I have loved Leah since I was first introduced to her in Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda. Her character is hilarious, and I especially enjoyed how her voice actually sounds like a teenager’s. I also loved how Leah embraces herself and doesn’t let anyone tell her she should change. She is such a developed character, and she is the perfect narrator.
❀ Friendship Theme
One of the main themes in the book is friendship, which I always love to read. The original squad is back, and there are so many cameos that I couldn’t help but smile. Of course, Simon makes many appearances, and I was thrilled to see him and Bram again. The friendship in this story is supportive beyond belief, and I hope there is another book in the series so I can read more about it.
❀ Relatable Story
Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli is a relatable story about navigating senior year and sexuality. The main character is loveable, and the friendship is so sweet. I would definitely recommend this book, especially if you loved Simon!
About Becky Albertalli
Becky Albertalli is the author of the acclaimed novels Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda (film: Love, Simon), The Upside of Unrequited, and Leah on the Offbeat. She is also the co-author of What If It's Us with Adam Silvera. A former clinical psychologist who specialized in working with children and teens, Becky lives with her family in Atlanta
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.