Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli is so incredibly amazing! The book is told in the male perspective of a lovable teen named Simon. This book explores the theme of LGBTQ in such a refreshing way. Also, the narrator, Michael Crouch, really gets into the skin of Simon and adds a wonderful flavour to this story.
Title: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda (Creekwood #1)Series: Simonverse #1
Author: Becky Albertalli
Also by this author: The Upside of Unrequited
Narrator: Michael Crouch
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: April 7, 2015
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Series Rating:
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.
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, Becky Albertalli
❀ Quirky Main Character
Simon Spier is one of those characters that as a reader you can totally relate to. He is quirky, lovable, flawed and has an insane addiction to anything Oreo related. A character that you can envision as one of your best friends. Albertalli has incredibly brought to life a believable male teenager, that is a testament to her ability to write in the male perspective. A great deal of research must have gone into the birth of Simon, as the descriptions of his innermost thoughts are so well written. This is a character that will speak to you as you listen or read.
❀ Realistic Story
Along with this fantastic character is the important theme that surrounds him. Simon is a gay teen struggling with the idea of coming out to the world. From the start of the story, you are privy to emails that Simon is sharing with his love interest, Blue. Right away, Albertalli draws you into Simon’s world and makes you feel a part of the dynamic. As the story progresses, you meet the cast of characters that include his supportive family and friends. This portrayal is very believable and realistic.
❀ Amazing Narration
Michael Crouch, our narrator, portrays all of the characters in Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda. His vocal characterizations are amazing and I can totally imagine Simon as he speaks. Crouch also adds his unique element of humour to the story as he is acting out the scenes in the book. There are some real laugh out loud moments that make listening a fun experience.
❀ Wonderfully Written
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli is a wonderfully written book that is both inspirational, eye opening and entertaining. One that most definitely leaves you with a book hangover that even the tastiest of Oreos can’t cure! Add this one to your audio must haves.
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 ❀ YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, novice New Yorker, & professional bibliophile.
Great review. I’m looking forward to reading this one. I’ve heard so many good things about it.
Great review but when I was reading this book I just couldn’t connect with characters… It just felt a little bit flat to me it was nothing original
Having only experienced the audio version, I am not sure if I would enjoy the book as much. A narrator can really add dynamics to the story.
I am soooo excited for this book! I previewed the audiobook on goodreads, and I was BLOWN away! The narrator was spot on, which makes me want to pick up both the physical and audio edition. I’ve heard nothing but amazing things, so I will be getting this VERY soon. Great review girl! I added you to my favorite lists on bloglovin so I can frequent your blog more often 😀
Thanks, Tika! I know that you will enjoy this one:)
I really want to read this book but I’ve heard people say they do not relate to the characters… You have such a high opinion of the audiobook that I think I’ll listen to it instead, the right narrator can change everything 🙂
I’ve been curious about this one since I heard about it and reading your review only makes me want to read it more!
great review! I absolutely loved it and some of my favourite book quotes come from it. The characters were very diverse and even the villiain was likeable to me.
Great review sounds like an exciting book!