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cats33's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Acephobia/Arophobia, Outing, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
Minor: Homophobia, Sexual content, and Lesbophobia
emlittle's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Imogen, Obviously is one of those books whose mere existence just makes me smile. Albertalli draws heavily on her own experiences with outing, harassment, and navigating queer spaces to give us Imogen’s story. One of a girl who is straight (obviously), an idea that’s been reinforced by everyone in her life. But when she gets the chance to step away from expectation, she realizes maybe that’s not totally true?
This book tackles a lot of very prevelant queer discourse and dissects it from multiple angles: existing as questioning or unlabeled, how allies should navigate queer spaces, what constitutes looking gay/bi/queer, etc. However, while touching on heavy topics, the balance of the story manages to be (relatively) light, entertaining, and heartwarming.
As a bi person who didn’t necessarily feel safe expressing myself fully and embracing my entire identity until after I met my someday-husband 7 years ago, it sometimes feels disingenuous to claim space in queer spaces. It’s so easy to not feel queer enough to claim my label. But just because I’m with a man, that doesn’t make me any less bi (obviously). My experience as a bisexual person has colored my life since the first time a slur was slung at me in 7th grade. So I can only imagine how someone who is younger and less sure of themselves and their identity feels. I can only hope that reader out there finds Imogen, Obviously. (obviously)
This book tackles a lot of very prevelant queer discourse and dissects it from multiple angles: existing as questioning or unlabeled, how allies should navigate queer spaces, what constitutes looking gay/bi/queer, etc. However, while touching on heavy topics, the balance of the story manages to be (relatively) light, entertaining, and heartwarming.
As a bi person who didn’t necessarily feel safe expressing myself fully and embracing my entire identity until after I met my someday-husband 7 years ago, it sometimes feels disingenuous to claim space in queer spaces. It’s so easy to not feel queer enough to claim my label. But just because I’m with a man, that doesn’t make me any less bi (obviously). My experience as a bisexual person has colored my life since the first time a slur was slung at me in 7th grade. So I can only imagine how someone who is younger and less sure of themselves and their identity feels. I can only hope that reader out there finds Imogen, Obviously. (obviously)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Lesbophobia, Outing, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
genevieve_eggleston's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Honestly, I loved this book! I decided to read it primarily because I’ve enjoyed Becky Albertalli’s previous work and I knew there was some pansexual/panromantic representation. But, I ended up being blown away by how much I liked this book. The cast of characters is realistic, relatable, and fun to read about. The story itself is touching, funny, and great all around. The primary romance was compelling and I loved the dynamics. I loved this book and would highly recommend it!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Biphobia, Mental illness, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Bullying, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Lesbophobia, Outing, and Alcohol
wornpagesandendlesscoffey's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Ok first- I NEED ALL THE BI BOOKS. I am so insanely obsessed with this book!!! This ranks with RWRB for me- and that is a hell of a task, lemme tell you. My heart literally felt sooo much reading this book. second- I hate Gretchen and everything that comes out of her mouth and she’s awful and terrible and uses trauma to defend her narcy bs and I hate her. if you are a person who is bi/pan- this book explores it in ways I never knew I needed! Just like RWRB I feel *seen*. There is so much truth in the confusion and identity anxiety for so many queer folks, and the way Imogen navigates that is both infuriating and beautiful. I love how the idea of belonging, the idea of deserving community, is explored too. Not all experiences are the same, even within spaces where the people wear the same labels. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for this book. Literally my favorite read this year so far.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship