Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

If there's one word that describes how I felt with this book, it'd be "underwhelmed." I know that's partially because of the hype and constant love for this book that's spread all over social media, but I just... didn't feel it. At times, I was actually bored with it. It wasn't a bad book, but it's not one I think I'll reread in the future. The book had some great moments. I loved that Simon had a life outside of his sexuality. He had interests and extra-curricular activities and friends - omg, so many friends. At times, it reminded me of my high school circle - friends dating friends, drama within the circle, etc. It was real and authentic, as was the voice of this book. His family was quirky but cool. But then there was so much this book lacked. Did Simon even have feelings? There was no serious panic over the blackmail. There was no serious panic over the Tumblr post during Christmas break. There was no real emotion, and I NEED emotion in books. I need to feel something. There was no real plot, no major action. Even the conflict was lackluster. Everything wrapped up too neatly and easily. It was so unrealistic. I live in the deep south. People aren't this accepting. (Some, yes, but the majority, no) It just all fell so flat. We walked through day by day life with Simon, watched him obsess over a boy while he had no other real feelings, and then we had this super lackluster Blue reveal. Like I said, it wasn't a *bad* book at all. I actually finished it, which says more for it than 75% of the books I attempt to read. It held my attention (for the most part), but about 160 pages in, it just started to falter. In all honesty, it didn't even feel like an LGBT book to me. It was just too light and breezy. It wasn't heavy, even in moments that could've (and maybe even should've) been heavy. For me, it's a one time read. If you're looking to branch into LGBT books, you can start here. It's not uncomfortable, and it fits the typical YA romance quota. Other people seem to absolutely love it.

This book was soooo good as an introduction into MLM books and media especially with it being a wholesome teen romance however there were a few things I couldn't look past after reading. (Spoiler Alert) First off there should be a warning about there being a m@sterbation scene in it, I also absolutely cannot stand the friend group and how easily they give up on Simon and how easily Simon ends up forgiving them even when they were being terrible friends. I also didn't like that the dude that was blackmailing Simon got away with it and we got a hint at a friendship forming when it either should have been further explored or not mentioned since he ended up freaking out and throwing everything that him and Simon created (with their friendship) for a misunderstanding that has very little group at being a realistic miscommunication for them to have. I do enjoy how we got to see Blue and Simon together as a couple but I wanted more! Altogether I enjoyed reading this book, but after a while it starts to grade on you how the scenes play out.

After listening to the audiobook, I immediately asked for this book for my birthday. It was adorable and honest and so relevant. I can't wait to read Leah on the Offbeat, which is also on my birthday list.