Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda: A Refreshing Coming Out Story
Introduction
Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda is a young adult novel written by Becky Albertalli. The book follows Simon Spier, a sixteen-year-old in high school who is in the process of coming out as gay. What sets this book apart from other coming out stories is not just the refreshing and honest representation of a gay character, but also the fact that it tackles the topic in a way that is honest and unapologetically real.
The Characters
One of the things that make Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda such a great read is the way in which the characters are portrayed. From Simon to his friends Abby, Leah, and Nick, each character is three-dimensional and fully formed. This means they have flaws, insecurities, and struggles that make them relatable and engaging.
As a protagonist, Simon is a breath of fresh air. He's a well-rounded character with his own personality and quirks that make him unique. Simon is a witty and intelligent young man who is comfortable with himself but is still in the process of coming out to his family and friends. Even though Simon's story centers around his sexuality, it's not his defining characteristic. He is more than just his sexual orientation, and this makes him all the more real and relatable.
The Plot
What makes Simon's story stand out is the way he deals with his sexuality. Instead of the typical angst-filled narrative of a young person's journey of self-discovery, Simon's story is one of humor, heart, and hope. While there are some tense moments, the story is ultimately uplifting and positive.
The plot of Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda is driven by Simon's exchanges with an anonymous boy he's been emailing under the pseudonym Blue. As their relationship deepens and grows, Simon becomes more comfortable with himself and eventually comes out to his loved ones. This isn't just a story about a boy coming out, but also about how he navigates the complexities of growing up and finding his place in the world.
The Themes
There are many themes in Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda. Some of the most prominent themes include love, friendship, identity, and finding oneself. The theme of love is central to the story, not just in terms of Simon's romantic feelings for Blue but also in terms of the love he has for his family and friends.
Friendship is another prominent theme in the story. Simon is lucky to have a circle of friends who are supportive, caring, and understanding. This support helps Simon to feel comfortable with himself and to be open about his sexuality. The theme of identity is also explored in the story. Simon is struggling to come to terms with who he is and how he wants to be seen by the world. This is something that many teenagers can relate to, as they are in the process of figuring out their own identities.
The Writing Style
Becky Albertalli's writing style is engaging and captivating. The prose is clear and concise, without being simplistic. The dialogue is believable and realistic, and the pacing of the story is spot-on. The novel is written in the first person, which allows the reader to experience Simon's story through his eyes and to feel a deeper connection to him as a character.
Conclusion
Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda is a refreshing coming out story that explores the complexities of identity, love, and friendship in a way that is relatable, honest, and real. Becky Albertalli has crafted a story that speaks to young people who are in the process of figuring out who they are and how they fit into the world. This novel is a must-read for anyone who wants to experience a touching and humorous story of self-discovery and love.