Review: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Title: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
Author: Becky Allbertalli
Genre: YA Contemporary
Pages: 320
Format: E-ARC
Received: For Review via Edelweiss (Thank you!)
Releases: April 7th 2015 by Balzer & Bray
Stars: 5/5

Book Description:

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. Now Simon is actually being blackmailed: if he doesn’t play wingman for class clown Martin, his sexual identity will become everyone’s business. Worse, the privacy of Blue, the pen name of the boy he’s been emailing, will be compromised. With some messy dynamics emerging in his once tight-knit group of friends, and his email correspondence with Blue growing more flirtatious every day, Simon’s junior year has suddenly gotten all kinds of complicated. Now, change-averse Simon has to find a way to step out of his comfort zone before he’s pushed out—without alienating his friends, compromising himself, or fumbling a shot at happiness with the most confusing, adorable guy he’s never met.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda is one the best books I have ever read. Becky Albertalli's debut YA is pure perfection. I absolutely adored every minute of this book. This book is so unique and unlike any book I have read in a long time. It is awkward, funny, romantic, and perfect. A book hasn't affected me emotionally like Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda since The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I started this book one night and I couldn't go to sleep until I finished it which was at about 7 a.m and I never went to sleep that day. I had heard such great things going into this book that I didn't even fully know what it was about and once I started it I was in love. This may be one of the books that you just need to throw yourself into and let it sweep you away. 

Becky's writing is incredible. This book is fun and romantic. It is a breath of fresh air for anything in YA. Simon's voice was wonderfully written and just so natural. These characters were all so developed and dynamic. Becky brought humor and raw emotions all rolled up in one. This book is everything I never knew I needed in my life. 

I loved the mystery surrounding who Blue could be. I loved guessing who it could be. About half way through I was pretty sure who it was, or rather who I wanted it to be, and when I found out I was so happy that I was right. However predictable it may be I loved it anyway. 

 I loved that Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens doesn't deal with homosexuality as an issue book but as just a part of the story. I personally never read issue books because they are so dark and depressing. I read for entertainment and as an escape from reality. I think Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens perfectly has diversity and issues in it whilst still being able to have a lightness that we haven't seen much. There were some really great mundane parts of this book that we rarely see in depth in YA ever such as a great family, characters regularly participating in school and school activities.

The romance between Simon and Blue was incredible and completely swoon worthy all through emails. I was so invested in them and their virtual relationship that I was ready to cry if things didn't work out for the two of them. Spending the whole book shipping everyone was amazing, but when we finally found out who it was it was the cutest thing in the world. 

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens is a must read for fans of YA contemporary. It is unlike anything you have read. Becky Albertalli deserves all of the praise she gets for this book. It truly is magical and I couldn't put this book down however much I wanted to sleep. I am ready to push this book on everyone I know. This book is not to be missed. Sometimes books that I love beyond words are the hardest reviews to write i.e Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda. 

Have you read Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda early? What did you think? If not, I would love to know why you are excited to read?