Review: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
Title: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens AgendaAuthor: Becky Albertalli
Series: Simonverse #1
Genre(s): Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance, YA
Pages: 325
Source: Library
For: Play Book Tag
Rating:
Sexual Content:
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Goodreads Synopsis
Sixteen-year-old and not-so-openly gay Simon Spier prefers to save his drama for the school musical. But when an email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight.
My Thoughts
I grew up in a very conservative religious family. Like many Christian religions, my religion believes acting on “same-sex attraction” is a sin. Because of this, I knew about SIMON VS. THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA. But, because it’s about a closeted gay teenager, I’ve always shied away from reading it. I began questioning my own sexuality about eight years ago and I came out as queer on June 1. I’m now ready to embrace that part of me without feeling shame, which includes reading LGBTQ+ literature.
Last year, I watched LOVE, SIMON on Hulu and fell in love with Simon Spier and his story. Because of the movie, I wanted to read SIMON VS. THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA. I decided to read it as part of Pride Month.
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.
SIMON VS. THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA is a heart-warming story of love and acceptance in all its forms. Simon’s coming out felt familiar. When I read about his fear of rejection and/or disappointing those he loved if he came out, I felt like I understood.
I really felt for him when he was outed without his consent and bullied at the hands of other students in his school. I actually really love how Albertalli used the bullying Simon faced as a way for him to feel supported by his friends, family, and teachers as they rallied around him.
I loved the characters in SIMON VS. THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA. I loved the relationship he had with Blue. I loved reading their emails to each other. They were fun and witty. I also loved his relationship with his parents and sisters. His family was protective and supportive, but not without their flaws which made the story more realistic.
Have you read SIMON VS. THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA? If so, what did you think?
Trigger Warning
There is a trigger warning for bullying.
I am devastated that so much of this literature will be banned in too many states. It sounds exactly like what kids need to read. I hope your family has been supportive of you, Jenni. I think you’re very brave and I love how self-aware you are. xoxo
I am too. I hope most states will continue to support stories like this. Thank you, Margaret! My family has been supportive enough. 😀
I have not read Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda but it sounds like a special story. I grew up in the 70s and I knew several people who struggled with bullying and not being accepted by their parents. It’s all just so sad. Kids need books like this.
It is a special story. I really related to it. 😀 Growing up in the 70s would be hard as LGBTQ+ person. Even though we still have LONG way to go, I’m glad people are more accepting now.
I’m glad you were able to find yourself and be open about it in the end, and I’m glad this story resonated with you.
Thanks, Roberta! 😀 Me too!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Jenni. I first read it back in 2016 and I’ve reread it numerous times since then. I can’t say I have much in common with Simon, but for some reason the story clicked with me and I fell in love with it. I’ve never seen the Hulu series but I watched the movie a bunch of times and thought it was an excellent adaptation. The casting was so perfect.
I’m glad the story clicked with you, Tanya! 😀 It’s such a heart-warming story. I haven’t watched the Disney+ series either. I’ve thought about it, but I haven’t read any of the other books in the Simonverse and I want to read those first.