This terrific book was the basis for the recent film, Love Simon.
A treat to read a future focused book where who you love is not an issue and everyone is included. Sure, it's the Rom-Com version of high school, where unlike stories such as Precious or Matthew Shepard's, the drama comes from a rained out homecoming game, or not being invited to Waffle House, but it also presents a world where being gay is not at all the issue, as family and friends are completely supportive. I have read far too many gay novels where the drama is gay-bashing and alienation, it's nice to know the next generation has stories that have moved past that.
When Simon isn't at school, or hanging out with his three best friends at Drama Club, he reads the school blog. Someone using the name Blue attracts him and they begin texting and emailing. It's easier to reveal yourself anonymously, and they quickly become enamoured with each other. Here comes drama when another student finds out Simon is gay and blackmails him into getting a date with Simon's girl friend. Simon doesn't care if anyone knows he's gay, but Blue will be revealed as well and that's not right. Simon's circle of friends also have problems and teen angst ensues as they deal with the world in general that is just so uncool, I mean I can't even.
The focus is keeping Blue's identity safe, while wondering incessantly which student at school he could be. Rest assured, if you are looking for the super romantic thrill of their first kiss on the night of the carnival, you won't be disappointed.
I thought the idea of interrupting the novel with texts and emails would be distracting, but it flowed. Simon's friend Leah is a dark horse who likes to drum in a band and has her own spin-off novel by author Becky Albertalli. There is a lot to like about this novel, she describes perfectly the confusion and support of teen relationships well.
Funny, romantic, touching. Highly recommended.
2015 / Tradeback / 303 pages
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