Review: Simon Vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Simon Vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
Series: Standalone
Published by Penguin Books Australia on April 7th 2015
Pages: 320
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
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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.

Every now and again you stumble onto a book that’s just magical, and for me, this one was it.

In it, Simon Spier is being blackmailed by a student because Simon is gay. If Simon doesn’t help Martin, then Martin will publish his personal emails with Blue, an anonymous boy from his school who he’s quickly falling in love with.

Simon has to deal with Martin, his burgeoning attraction to Blue, his close-knit family and his friends. It’s all a lot to take in but makes for a very rounded, fulfilling story. Everyone in this novel has agendas and secrets.

This is a well written book, Simon has a strong narrative voice that is realistic and still whimsical. I really felt for Simon’s struggles and the position he was in. This book deals with race, sexuality and gender and blends it all in beautifully.

This book was exactly what I needed. Something light, fluffy and satisfying. If you’re looking for something deeper with more angst, maybe skip this one. But if you’re looking to walk away on cloud 9 feeling amazing about life than this is the book for you.

Its writing was solid though felt a little rushed in some parts. Toward the end, Simon’s narration became less precise and more general as the book raced toward an ending.

But over all, a really solid book from Albertalli and I’m excited to see what she does next. This book gave me all the feels and I’m sure it’ll do the same for you.

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Kat Kennedy

Co-blogger at Cuddlebuggery

Kat Kennedy is a book reviewer and aspiring author in the Young Adult genre. She reviews critically but humorously and get super excited about great books. Find her on GoodReads.

@_KatKennedy

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