Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
Pros
- critique of coming out
- Positive and witty storyline
- Discussion of race and assumptions
Cons
- still features some homophobia
- removal of character's autonomy
Title: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
Author: Becky Albertalli
Original Publication Date: 2015
Original Publisher: Balzer +Bray
Queer Representation: 1 teenage gay protagonist, 1 unknown gay character, 2 gay minor characters
Page Length: 303
Simon is a lovable and witty character that we can all relate to, and his story is the first queer YA novel to be made into a major motion picture
Memorable Quote: “Why is straight the default? Everyone should have to declare one way or another, and it shouldn’t be this big awkward thing whether you’re straight, gay, bi, or whatever. I’m just saying.”
Review:
Imagine being a gay teenager dealing with life in the closet. Imagine that the only person who knows is your also closeted gay pen-pal and you don’t know each other’s names. Now imagine if someone got their hands on your emails with your pen-pal and was threatening to expose the both of you unless you help him win over one of your best friends. This is the dilemma that Simon Spier is faced with in the opening pages of this incredible novel. Not wanting to lose his pen-pal, who he knows only as Blue, Simon sees no other choice but to give into Martin’s demands and help him in his endeavor to date Abby.
While trying to bring the two together, despite the fact that it clear that Abby has feelings for another one of Simon’s friends, Nick (who just so happens to be the romantic interest of their other friend Leah). Meanwhile as Simon and Blue’s email exchange continues, it becomes clear that the two anonymous friends are beginning to fall for one another. As they bond over music and Oreos, Simon begins pressing Blue in an attempt to get him to agree to revealing their true identities. Both Simon, and the reader, cannot help but to look at everyone Simon encounters and wonder which one of them is Blue.
In many ways, Albertalli’s novel reads like every other young adult romantic comedy novel, but that is exactly what makes it so special. Albertalli makes no apology for her character’s sexuality and the characters only really discuss their sexuality when criticizing the fact that they need to do so in the first place. In fact, the entire novel reads as a critique of coming out. While Albertalli and her characters recognize the significance of coming out and the need to do it on one’s own terms, it is clear that Albertalli hopes for a future where coming out is not considered a necessity. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda is a book that belongs on every queer’s, young and old alike, bookshelf, and one that will continue to be talked about.
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