2021 REEDIT: Read 'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda' a second time, and it remains just as good. A very cute and positive LBGTQ YA book with lots of swearing and understated yet "indeed, it's a big deal" drama, that can be binge-read (is that a thing?) in a day. The family, and the individual friendships, are awesome, and the romance is beautiful. My heart! The pop culture references are adorable (I'm also amused that Tumblr is called "the Tumblr" instead of just "Tumblr". 2014 is such a long time ago now).
I'm happy this has received the attention it deserves.
Final Score: 4/5
2021 EDIT: Finally I remembered to update! Yes, the film adaptation is very good, thank goodness. Great job, everyone!
2018 EDIT: Yep, this is now a movie. I only hope it's as good as the book, no watered-down, downplaying BS.
Original Review:
Here, for my 300th book review, I have decided to shine the spotlight on an important YA novel for this day and age: 'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda' by Becky Albertalli.
Such positive representation of the LBGQ community; particularly for young people during such a vulnerable and scary time in their lives: high school - the "coming out" issue, and why should it even be an issue? In the book there is a cast of endearing, likeable and diverse characters included like it's nothing. 'Simon vs.' is a great holiday read, as well.
'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda' is like a box of chocolates. That's the best way I can describe it in one sentence. You're bound to find something which suits your tastes in this charming little coming-of-age teen book. It's like the mature spiritual successor to middle-school/YA books such as 'Wonder' and 'The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl'.
The highest of fives for the one 'Fruits Basket' reference, too.
I can confidently tell you right now that, whatever your sexual orientation, you will fall in love with Simon Spier. He is real, soulful, spontaneous, not too awkward, quirky without being annoying, and awesomely-sweet. He's a gay teenage boy given a chocolate box-variety of likes and dislikes and totally believable character traits - his favourite flavour is Oreos, for a start. He loves music, 'Harry Potter', and performing impressions for his loved ones' entertainment.
Simon's friends and family are equally funny - their dialogue is delicious - and they each bounce off the pages like in a feel-good musical movie. Everyone has an arc, not just Simon. I cared about them almost instantly.
Simon's contemporary story is sweet and cute. This adds to its charm while also discussing vitally important issues of human equality. In 'Simon vs.', every action leads to consequences - often devastating ones - and unlike in a lot of YA contemporaries, no "quirk" is thrown in for the sake of it and as a lazy afterthought in place of genuine character development. Everything is in this book for a reason.
Straight white male should not be the default, indeed. There's a hopeful and original romance in 'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda'; beginning its progress as first love in its awkwardness, confusion, strong caring compassion, and heartbreak.
It's an absolute shame that this won't likely receive a film adaptation anytime soon. Culture has been favouring things like 'Grease' for far too long.
Homophobia needs to be viewed as an all-out atrocity and embarrassment in society, no excuses. And as an amusement, logically. I mean, why is being attracted to another person anyone's business but that of the couple themselves?
No one deserves ignorance and hatred in their lives. No one should be made to feel like they shouldn't exist.
Let us believe in hope, now more than ever. Hope that things will get better.
This is 2016. Happy 300th review.
Final Score: 4/5
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