By Jason Kwan

Staff Writer

Five Stars

In 2015, author Becky Albertalli stepped onto the literary scene, debuting her award-winning novel, “Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda.” The book revolves around 16-year-old Simon Spier, a gay high school junior struggling with coming out.

When Simon’s anonymous and flirtatious emails with classmate Blue fall into the hands of class clown Martin Addison, he blackmails Simon, threatening to reveal his sexual identity to the entire school unless he becomes his wingman. Torn between helping Martin and protecting Blue’s identity, Simon struggles to deal with the ultimatum without alienating his friends or losing his chance at happiness with Blue.

Simon’s sweet, funny, and goofy characteristics make him a protagonist that we can all love. One of my favorite parts about this book were the emails between Simon and Blue. The enticing remarks between the two in their emails brought it all together because it showed the cute tenderness to innocent young love. The suspense and anonymity to their love made it so much better because it made me wonder whether or not Simon and Blue would ever meet in person.

One thing Albertalli does well is portray the awkwardness and struggle that some teens have to go through when they decide to come out. Simon’s main concern with coming out was not how his friends and family would react; instead, it was his own conflicting thoughts that restrained him from telling those he trusts. Through Simon’s experiences, Albertalli sends the message that despite judgement and homophobia, no matter how frightening it may be, there will be people who will support the decision regardless.

Another thing I admired about this book were the conversations and observations about sensitive, yet important topics for teens such as sex, sexuality, race and more. Like Simon, I think it is important to wonder why everyone should not have to come out as whatever their attraction or identity is. Albertalli emphasized these things in the book because when it comes to sexual orientation or gender, there should not be a set standard that is expected of everyone.

Admittedly, coming out and letting the world know is easier when one is straight—that’s the default, as Simon points out, but the narrative of when Simon will come out and whether or not he will ever discover the identity of Blue is not what makes this book lovable. Rather, it is the accurate depiction of a struggling high school student trying to discover who they really are.

Albertalli shows readers the stress, drama, and love that average teenagers are both blessed and cursed to feel. Whether one is torn between coming out to friends and family, struggling to get the attention of a crush, or are regretful over an argument with a best friend, this book has a similar set of growing pains that every teen in high school can relate to.

The highly anticipated movie “Love, Simon,” which released in theatres on March 16 is based on the novel. The film features a cast of Nick Robinson, Katherine Langford, Jennifer Garner, Josh Duhamel, and more. Even though I have not watched the film yet, if it serves any resemblance to the book, then it is definitely a must see movie.