3.5 of 5 stars

I’m glad I finally got around to reading this. It’s just as heartwarming as everyone says, but what I really like about it is how refreshing it is. Besides the fact that the main character is accepted by his family and friends without question, not all the characters are white. Imagine that, an actually diverse cast.

This is also just straight up entertaining, with funny lines like: “I don’t even know. I’m just so sick of straight people who can’t get their shit together.” You and me both, Simon. You and me both.

I’ve heard this described as a high school romantic comedy with a gay kid at the center, and I don’t think that’s entirely accurate, but the description does hint at how this is different in the realm of YA about LGBTQ+ kids. There is coming out, but it’s not a coming out story. It’s a story about friendship and the way the world can be if we give it a chance. It’s also a story about self-acceptance, about learning to be who we are, without apology.

So pick this up for an ace first person narrative with some funny one-liners and a hopeful perspective.