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 five star 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.
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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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 by 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 to this audiobook a fun experience.
❀ Wonderfully Written
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli is a wonderfully written feel-good book that is 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 YA book series to your list of audio must haves and your YA book club picks.
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
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About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.