Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

                Hi everyone!  Okay so first things first, don't forget there is still a little time left in the giveaway so get your entries in now for the Hardcover of I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson here.  Now on that note I am happy to share my thoughts with you on Simon Vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli. 

 

Rating: 5 Stars

                Simon Vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda, wow that's a mouth full, is about Simon out not so openly gay high school student who forgets to log out of his secret e-mail and ends up being blackmailed.  Yep, he can play wingman and try and set up Martin with his friend Abby then his secret is out.  This is more than outing him, but his pen pal who attends the school as well but for whom he only knows as Blue, making this not just his secret.  The story follows as we get to know more and more about Blue through their e-mails as well as the connection and dynamics of Simons close knit group of friends as he deals with everything. 

                I didn't know what to expect going into this story.  I didn't know a whole lot just that it involved blackmail and the main character is gay but not out.  I remember it getting lots of good buzz when it came out and team epic reads talked about it a lot with tea time *cries* I miss tea time.  I had it and was happy to have read it as a read along with the goodreads group last week.  I cheated and finished a few days early, it was just to that point where it was super hard to stop but it was that captivating.  While I was composing my thoughts on the book I thought about it and realized I think this is the first book I've read where the main character is gay (might be wrong my memory does have its moments) not a side character or something not really discussed which was a unique change for me and I like having the diversity in my reading materials.

                Anywho I really enjoyed this story because of the characters.  I liked Simon and his randomness and his connection to his friends.  Their little rituals and such were just great and yes I know all about people greeting your pet before acknowledging your presence I've been victim and perpetrator on that.  The dynamic of friendships old and new and how they suffer from internal and external conflicts that threaten the solidarity of the unit.  I also really liked getting to know Blue through the e-mails and tried to figure out who he could be through the whole book.  I also love the idea of getting to know someone online anonymously first.  To really like someone before you know their real world identity, before looks or appearance and preconceived notions color your thoughts and feelings.  You get to fall for the person for who they are with no window dressing.

Because this is awesome!

                It was a different story than what I was reading around it and it was a wonderful surprise.  I just adored it and I am both satisfied with the ending and also want more because it just had so much good stuff in it that I never wanted it to end.  I do highly recommend this book to everyone.

                Until next time…