Book Review: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

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Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda 〰️

This book is just so wholesome and adorable and filled with cute moments that made me actually laugh out loud. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I found it extremely relatable. I thankfully never experience any homophobia with my family and friends, so I can't relate to those aspects, but I can for sure relate to the nerves of coming out for the first time. And the second. And every time after that. (Because sadly coming out is never a one and done thing).

The emails between Simon and Blue were just too cute. I had a similar relationship with someone at that age so it was all very realistic to me. The dialogue in both emails and spoken was great.

I do feel like Nick could have had a bigger role, however. He wasn't in the story much other than to be the straight love interest to a secondary character. I think he was mentioned more than actually present in the story. I would have loved to see Simon hang out with his friends more. He talks about them a lot but he mostly pines over Blue.

Overall, this is a great debut by Albertalli. I've read her later books and love those, and when I realized I haven't read her earlier works (or seen the movie!) I knew I had to get on that. It didn't disappoint.

If you love a cute YA romance with witty banter and a coming out story, this is a great book for you. And if you really loved it, they made a movie! Love, Simon. (I'm glad they made the title shorter because this one was a mouthful). I haven't seen the movie (yet!) but I will soon!

Book Review: And They Lived... by Steven Salvatore

And They Lived...

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And They Lived... 〰️

I cannot praise this book enough. This story was exactly the type of story I love to write. I see a lot of my novel, SOUTH, in this story, from the animation to self-discovery journeys, super cute moments, the real hardships of life and mental health, and excellent characters. This story has it all; it was an honour to read.

I love how healthy all the relationships are in this novel. It's nice to read. And not only are the main characters dynamic and exciting to read, but the side characters are just as flesh-out and entertaining. (And OMG, I love Benny and Rae so much. Can we get a book on them just being the best of friends?)

And who doesn't love a good self-discovery story? I know I do. I've written one! We've got self-discovery with love, a journey of trying to love your body, and a journey of self-discovery regarding gender. And it's all handled very well. (And I'm happy the author included resources for those needing help in the book. There is no shame in seeking help when you need it).

The plot was solid, the cast was perfect, and the ending was *chef's kiss*. I can't recommend this book enough.

The only thing I have negative to say (and this is based on my own experience and is highly nitpicky) is that the animation program Chase attends seems awfully advanced for a first year. I actually went to an art school, studied animation and worked as an animator for years before changing careers. I say this to say that your first year, especially your first month of an animation program, is usually learning about the basics of animation. The program Chase is in and the work he's making sounds more like second-year work rather than first years, let alone the first semester. But maybe animation programs are just different in the US as opposed to Canada, where I went to art school.

That all being said, if you're looking for an excellent queer read, this book is 100% for you.

Book Review: I Think I Love You by Auriane Desombre

I Think I Love You

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I Think I Love You 〰️

Actual rating 4.5/5 stars.

First off, the cover of this book is stunning. I'm pretty sure I bought this book based on the cover (and the cute title) alone. And it didn't disappoint.

What a cute story. Sure it had lots of tropes and a bit of a lazy-ish plot (both of which I don't mind), but when it hits with the cute scenes, it hits hard. And thankfully, there were plenty of cute scenes.

This book has a lot of strong messages about coming out and about love in general. Coming out is never a one-and-done thing; no one should have to come out when they aren't ready or are not safe to do so. I'm glad Emma felt safe enough to come out, and I totally see why it upset her how her parents reacted. I also love how passionate Emma is about being bi, yet also not making her whole personally "the bi girl." She's a girl who happens to be bi, and that's as important to her as rom-coms are. And I love how Sophia learns to accept love in all its forms (relationship and otherwise).

However, I think the author may have just made up the plot as she went to fit around the love story between Emma and Sophia. Nothing wrong with that. It just sometimes felt like the movie-making plot was sometimes filler to get to the cute romance stuff we all came here for.

Side note, I could tell who sabotaged the whole film project long before the reveal. It was super obvious.

All in all, this was a super cute read. I love how close Emma is to her cousin. I haven't read many books where the MC is besties with their cousin, and I love the close family relationship. Even Sophia learned to be more accepting of her own family.

This was a cute and light read. This book is for you if you are looking for a little bit of gay rom-com.