Book Review: Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli

Imogen, Obviously

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Imogen, Obviously 〰️

This book is near perfect, from the cover to the witty dialogue to the self-discovery story that I’m all here for, to great rep. It basically has it all, obviously. The only criticism I have, and it’s a minor nitpick, is that it may be trying a bit too hard to be super “woke,” but otherwise than that, it was awesome.

This book was such a good read. And not only that, I think this is an essential read. Imogen is straight. Or at least she thought she was until she met Tessa. And then there are people like Gretchen who basically believe that because they are part of the LGBTQ+ group, they can dictate someone’s sexuality and say they can or can’t come out later in life. (There are also non-LGBTQ+ people who think this way, but that’s beside the point). The message of this book is clear; no one can tell you when you have to come out. No one can label you. If you are a closeted bi, only liking 1% of girls, then you are still bi if that’s what you identify with, and no one can say otherwise. And if you don’t feel like it’s the right time to come out, then that is okay, too. This is your life, your body, and no one can tell you how and what you feel, even if they are part of the same community as you.

That aside, I loved how all the characters integrated with each other. I found the flirty banter between Imogen and Tesse to be well-written. I laughed a few times. Their relationship, from the start of the book to the end, made me smile. It was never toxic. It was healthy, and I love that. And I love how Lili’s friends accepted Imogen into their lives like she was there all along. I love great friendships in stories. The only toxic person was Gretchen. Gretchen’s feelings were valid but misguided. She doesn’t speak for all queer people just because she is one, even if, in her mind, she can.

This was a cute fluffy read of self-discovery, and I loved it. Reminder, at no point in your life do you have to decide, welp, I thought I was one thing so I guess I have to stay this way. People and feelings change as Imogen learns. You can grow up thinking you’re straight but later learn that maybe you’d instead identify as non-binary or that you’re ace. There is no timeline, no race.

All in all, this is a must-read.

Book Review: Here's to Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera

Here's to Us

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Here's to Us 〰️

That ending!!!

Okay, I'm getting ahead of myself.

Here's to Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera

This was the perfect sequel to a fantastic LGBT+ novel. We need more diverse books like these in the world. I'm sure they exist, but I have yet to find them. I'll be on the lookout, that's for sure.

I will admit, having most of the book with Arthur being with Mikey and Ben sorta with Mario, I was worried about how the authors would get these two back together. It was bound to happen given that the perspective was both of Ben and Arthur. I'm so glad the authors found the perfect way to have them meet-cute all over again and get back together.

This book had me going for all the feels. With Dylan and Samantha's secret life, to the will-they-won't-they of pretty much every couple, to that OMG ENDING! And how Ben proposed to Arthur!?! It was so cute!!!. I loved it from start to finish.

The only thing I didn't entirely like (and in book one, but I failed to mention that in my review of it) was that sometimes it was hard to tell who was talking. But other than that, I don't have anything negative to say about this book. Or the first one.

If you want to read a good love story where there isn't any doom and gloom (like most of the stories I read) this is the book for you. I mean you could technically count breakups as doom and gloom, but I'm not in this case. This duology is a breath of fresh air. Anyone in the LGBT+ community (or anyone in general really) would enjoy these books and I highly recommend them.