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Diverse Reads: ‘Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda’ by Becky Albertalli

Grab this book and a plate of Oreos ASAP

Haley Watson

May 22, 2017

Drew University

102

Diverse Reads: ‘Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda’ by Becky Albertalli

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Becky Albertalli's Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda is a LGBTQ young-adult novel following sixteen-year old Simon Spier. Not so openly gay Simon just wants to work on the school musical, hang out with his friends, and keep his email pen-pal, Blue, a secret. Like Simon, Blue is also secretly gay. When a fellow classmate, Martin, discovers Simon’s emails, he blackmails Simon into helping him with his own relationship troubles. If Simon doesn’t help, his relationship with blue and their sexualities will be exposed.

One of the reasons why Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda feels so realistic is because the novel does not solely focus on Simon's sexuality. We follow alongside Simon, the average, yet quite hilarious, teenager, as he navigates life in general. We see him perform in the school musical, hang out with his friends, watch The Bachelor with his family, and so on. He has a love for Oreos that would rival your own, and anyone who considers Golden Oreos can step aside. Simon feels like he could be your own best friend.

Overall, the novel is filled with heart and humor. However, one of the more upsetting aspects of the novel is that Simon is forced to come out as a result of Martin’s blackmailing. Simon is comfortable with being gay, but he is unsure of how his friends and family will react to his coming out while living in more conservative Georgia. Yet, it is the support Simon receives from his family and friends that makes the novel as a whole a great LGBTQ read. While he unfortunately receives some backlash at school, his sisters, parents, and best friends encourage Simon to ignore the hate.

Since its publication in 2015, Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda has received numerous awards, including the William C. Morris Award Winner: Best Young Adult Debut of the Year. Becky Albertalli’s next novel, coming out in 2018, will be the sequel to to the title, following the perspective of Simon’s friend, Leah. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda is currently being produced as a film adaptation, starring Nick Robinson, Josh Duhamel, and Jennifer Garner. The film is set for release in 2018.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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25 Beatles Lyrics: Your Go-To Guide for Every Situation

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Diverse Reads: ‘Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda’ by Becky Albertalli

Grab this book and a plate of Oreos ASAP

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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