Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda. (Mindscape Reviews!)
Posted On March 31, 2018
Hello Readers!
It all began when I saw this tweet some time back. I’m not sure who had written it, but it had an overview of ‘Love, Simon’. It was written, “Don’t Let this movie become a flop.” I did some research after reading that. And that’s how I found out about the book Simon vs, the Homo Sapiens Agenda. And after 2 days, here I
am done reading it and writing its review!
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Introduction:
In Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, the protagonist is Simon (obviously) and this is a story of his coming out as gay along with a cute love story. There are many ups and downs along the story line. The nice part is that it’s easy to read. It seemed a bit more on the young scale than a Young-Adult.
About Author:
The author, Becky Albertalli does a good job presenting the whole story. From a YA standpoint, it’s even good, if you like to read happy things. She has managed to make it multi-faceted, funny and interesting. The writing is very simplistic as is the story. It has a normal bell curve, meaning that it starts well, then there are heartbreaks and burnout, and then it ends well. It’s fun for light reading. I have already started reading her book, ‘The Upside of Unrequited’ because I do enjoy light reading at times.
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Characters:
Simon:
Simon is like your boy next door. He’s friendly and cute. He has a lot of people who he calls friends, but he barely knows anything real about them. But, he cares deeply about a few people. If it is in fact his mistake, he knows that and tries to correct it. He is such a sweetheart of a people-person that it’s impossible to not like him.
The Friends:
Nick is SImon’s closest and also oldest friend. They have known each other since they were 4 year olds. So, there was supposed to be a strong bond shown there. But, there aren’t much heart-to-hear conversations or even your typical guy discussions that happen between them, which was a bit weird. I guess the main focus was on the 2 girl best friends – Leah & Abby. Leah is the girl best friend. She’s pretty, smart and has a thing about priorities. She has had a crush on Nick for a long time. So, when Abby comes into picture, she gets jealous easily. Not only is she a great friend, she is also super talented. And then, Abby is this really cool chick who has joined school just 4 months ago and has become a part of Simon’s tighter friend circle. She’s honest, caring, kind-hearted. While Leah might sometimes come off as bitchy, Abby always comes off as sweet. Nonetheless, I can’t decide who I like more. They are both awesome female characters and I loved both of theirs personalities.
Blue:
bluegreen118 (Blue) is his account name and Simon’s (Jacques) is hourtohour.notetonote. Their email exchanges are always a new chapter and I found myself awaiting those chapters. It’s amazing how precise Blue is. He is careful, a Grammar nerd and he also is very sensitive. Almost all of the time, he says how he doesn’t want to meet Jacques in person because he was afraid. He figures out who Jacques is which leaves Simon vulnerable. But, yes, I think that they both are really a perfect couple.
Others:
I think Martin is the kind of character you essentially need to keep things interesting. In the beginning, he really wants to date Abby which is why he blackmails Simon. Even though he is kind of a creep, he is also funny and sensitive. He regrets his actions later on. So, that’s kind of unexpected from a bully, but it does happen with all sincerity and integrity.
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Story Line:
Simon is aware about his sexual orientation right from the beginning of the novel. So, there isn’t a big moment as to that. Simon is a seventeen year old kid with a cool group of friends with a love triangle kind of a situation, an interesting family that takes a lot of interest in him, and one stranger who he mails everyday – Blue.
They both love each other, but they’re both unaware as to who exactly the other person is. They go to the same school, they email each other things that they don’t talk about with anyone else, they know each other inside out and yet they don’t really know their real names or faces. So, on one of the days, Martin comes across these mails and blackmails Simon. Simon agrees, but he only partially helps him. So, then Martin goes on and posts about Simon being gay on Tumblr in a very douche-y way. He is kind of forced to come out then. He tells his parents and they are okay with it, as are his friends. But, I guess he was left with no option. Coming out should be something a person must have full control over, its timing, its audience and literally everything. So, yes, that didn’t happen with him.
As the story progresses, everything gets sorted out, more or less. All is okay with Simon & Leah. All is great with Abby & Nick. Blue & Simon finally meet. I really cannot reveal who Blue might be. But, I think you’ll like it! So, all is great with Blue & Jacques. Martin feels like crap for blackmailing Simon. It ends on a happy note.
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Overall Thoughts:
I think I’d give this book a 3/5 stars.
The main topic of this book is coming out and about being equally respectful of people from all sexual orientations. It also focuses on how homosexuals are bullied in school, but it also shows how parents can be easily accepting of it. Since this was the main theme and there was an important message to this novel, that is the reason I have rated it at 3. Other that this awareness, I thought that the story was quite predictable and simplistic. It was a cliche friends’ circle, And, of course, it had to end on a happy note. At times, I thought it might end up with Blue being a whole made-up person. But, if that were the case, the whole point of the book would have been wasted. Even though there was bullying from Martin and a few others, it was still not extreme. There was never a “Oh, Wow!” moment. There were a lot of, “Oh, well..” moments.
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Quotes:
1. It’s really amazing, isn’t it? Someone can trigger your sexual identity crises and not have a clue they’re doing it.
2. It’s strange, because in reality, I’m not the leading guy. Maybe I’m the best friend.
3. I take a sip of my beer, and it’s – I mean, it’s just astonishingly disgusting. I don’t think I was expecting it to taste like ice cream, but holy fucking hell. People lie and get fake IDs and sneak into bars, and for this?
4. So here’s the thing: Simon means “the one who hears” and Spier means “the one who watches.” Which means I was basically destined to be nosy.
5. The closest thing I’ve ever had to a journal is probably you.
6. I’m too busy trying not to be in love with someone who isn’t real.
7. “I want to hold your hand,” I say softly.
“So hold it,” he says.
And I do.
8. “I’m all in, if you are,” he says.
“All in?” I say. “Like what? Like boyfriend?”
“I mean, yeah. If that’s what you want.”
“That’s what I want,” I say. My boyfriend.
Until next time,
About The Author
Aishwarya Shenolikar
Hello! I'm Aishwarya, an Introverted bookworm & writer. I have been reviewing books since 6 years on my blog - Mindscape in Words. My favourite genres are Historical Fiction, Mystery, Thrillers, Magical Realism, Poetry, Fantasy & Memoirs. I like the kind of books which evoke emotions on several levels leaving me wrecked, but also incredibly content. I'm dreaming for the world to paint a landscape full of words, more like Mindscape in Words. Hope you enjoy the view.