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3 stars? Maybe less, but I want to be generous because I loved the movie. This is spoiler free!
Synopsis:
Simon Spier’s got a caring close family, an amazing set of friends, and a decently jolly life. He’s your average high school boy, except… nobody knows he’s gay. Simon’s secret is known only to Blue, the penname of another boy that goes to his school and is in a similar situation. That is until, Simon’s emails falls into the hands of another student willing to blackmail Simon with the threat of exposing his sexual identity (and worse, Blue’s). “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.”
Thoughts:
This story is undeniably cute! But also incredibly overrated... Simon is cute. Blue is so freakin’ cute. They are just SO CUTE together. And that’s about the only thing I actually cared about in this book. Everything else was rather dull...
Plot:
If I’m being honest, the entire book is more of a 2 star read. But those last few chapters after you find out who Blue is, were SO addicting and filled my heart with endless joy. Likely because I'm addicted to M/M romance.
Given that this is contemporary, there isn’t much I have to talk about. The blackmailing plot line was so dirty in retrospect, but I guess I can understand how it was a useful tool to move the plot forward. Other than those few fleeting moments when you’re reading Simon and Blue’s emails, you really are just reading about he life of a totally normal human being.
Yes, it was predictable as most contemporaries are. But was it still a satisfying? HECK YES. I can’t even count how many time I’ve reread the ending to this book.
*If you want to know my more spoilery thoughts (and you happened to watched the movie) I discussed my feelings about the book vs. the movie in detail in my movie review post!*
Characters:
Simon’s friends could have been… better? Leah just bothered the shit outta be the whole time. Nick is just oblivious and though Simon’s known him his whole life, he doesn’t seen to really know him? Or vice versa for that matter. Abby is likely the only other character I liked and it’s because she had spunk, she had presence in the story, and she was caring!!
Simon’s family wasn’t interesting or humorous. Nora was irrelevant until the ending. Alice had her 1 moment, but eh. Simon’s parents are incredibly ordinary.
Again, SIMON and BLUE are literally the only thing that I care about. They precarious and precious relationship/romance was the reason I stayed.
Also yay for diversity. Can we just appreciate that this group of friends isn't a clique of all white kids. Thank you for this.
Overall:
The movie was better. I can’t help it, the movie had be wayyyyy more in the feels. *See movie review* for more of my spoilery discussion kinda feels.
