Kyera (8 KP) rated Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda in Books
Jan 31, 2018
Simon and his friends are typical, relatable high school students that deal with relationships, family dynamics and the difficulty of navigating adolescence. The students at the school have a tumblr in which they can gossip or post secrets. It was there that Simon stumbles across a post that he relates to and decides to contact the author. Throughout the novel, Simon is corresponding the other boy in his school although neither know the other’s identity. It was nice to experience them getting to know one another before they’ve ever even met.
I read the Upside of Unrequited prior to reading Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, so I had a reverse experience with the character cameos. We hear a little from Abby through her conversations with Molly, so it was nice to see her as an important character in Simon’s tale. One funny scene in Upside was when Molly and Abby were skyping while Simon was over. He asked her a very important question, which House did Abby belong to. It wasn’t important to the plot, but after reading this book and getting to know Simon I loved it even more.
Despite life’s ups and downs, the conclusion to this novel was the happy end that you can expect from a YA contemporary. I would highly recommend it to young adult/teen fans of contemporary books that are set in high school and have diverse characters.
I can’t honestly tell you which parts I liked best: the thoughts of the miners as they trudged to the mine and worked there; the sociologists researching the history and decline of the town; and Simon, who works in a call centre by day and has a drag act in local clubs and bars at night. Each part blended with and gave explanations for every other component of this book, and explained the impact on the next generation.
Simon’s sections and the preparation for his show, where he would dress as Margaret Thatcher were particularly engaging. Her impact on ex-mining towns are clearly still apparent, and Simons alter ego, Puttana Short Dress, appears dressed as the Iron Lady with the slogan “This turn is not a lady!” - it’s a genius act!
I was left wondering where Simon and Ryan’s relationship would go, as Ryan seemed unhappy about Simon wearing his makeup on the journey home after his act had finished. Could he accept Simon - ALL of Simon?
This was a short read, that I would happily have read if it was twice (or more!) the length - it was all over too soon!
Recommended.
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