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A review by novelty_reads
Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
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
4.25
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
It has been a while since I read a Becky Albertalli book so it was definitely long overdue. Simon vs the Homosapien's Agendawas my favourite book of 2017 when I first read it and I've read it over and over again since. When Imogen, Obviouslywas announced I was sure that I'd love it so I preordered right away and claimed it as (one of, or if not) my most anticipated book of the year.
Imogen Obviously is a light-hearted romcom with very deep themes. The book focuses a lot on discovering and questioning your sexuality and what it means to be queer. There were prominent discussions about queer discourse specifically “what makes a person queer?” “What does a queer person look like?” “What if I’m queer baiting?” “Am I actually queer or am I just influenced by the people around me?” It was interesting to go through Imogen's mind and see her question everything about queer discourse from coming out to queer baiting to stereotypes. There were also discussions surrounding gatekeeping, safe spaces and queer validation which were very prominent throughout the book.
Topics and deep themes aside, this book had a great cast of characters. Imogen was such a sweet, cinnamon roll kind of character who just wanted to be there for her friends and wanted to do the right thing. This book really took you into her thoughts and feelings especially towards her friends, the queer community and with her crush on college friend, Tessa. Another great thing about this book was that it showed different types of friendships and what true ally ship looks like. Lili, Edith and Imogen's new friends were so supportive of her and accepting, embracing Imogen without question and validating her sexuality without judgement. Gretchen on the other hand, was a very passionate member of the LGBTQ+ community yet her treatment of Imogen was inconsiderate even if she thought she had good intentions.
I also loved the cameos we got from Love Victor and Simon vs the Homosapien's Agenda I'm pretty sure the cameos were Nora and Andrew.
The only thing I can think of that could be improved is that it took me a while to get into Imogen’s character and feel that chemistry between her and Tessa. It definitely took more of a build up than with Simon vs (which is one of my favourite books of all time).
Overall, this book was an eye-opener and really opened up that discussion surrounding queer culture, the LGBTQ+ community and stereotypes. I loved how we got glimpses into how each character explores their sexuality from Edith to Gretchen to Lili and how the book showcases that there is no right or wrong way to be queer. You just have to be yourself.
ACTUAL RATING: 4.3 STARS
It has been a while since I read a Becky Albertalli book so it was definitely long overdue. Simon vs the Homosapien's Agendawas my favourite book of 2017 when I first read it and I've read it over and over again since. When Imogen, Obviouslywas announced I was sure that I'd love it so I preordered right away and claimed it as (one of, or if not) my most anticipated book of the year.
Imogen Obviously is a light-hearted romcom with very deep themes. The book focuses a lot on discovering and questioning your sexuality and what it means to be queer. There were prominent discussions about queer discourse specifically “what makes a person queer?” “What does a queer person look like?” “What if I’m queer baiting?” “Am I actually queer or am I just influenced by the people around me?” It was interesting to go through Imogen's mind and see her question everything about queer discourse from coming out to queer baiting to stereotypes. There were also discussions surrounding gatekeeping, safe spaces and queer validation which were very prominent throughout the book.
Topics and deep themes aside, this book had a great cast of characters. Imogen was such a sweet, cinnamon roll kind of character who just wanted to be there for her friends and wanted to do the right thing. This book really took you into her thoughts and feelings especially towards her friends, the queer community and with her crush on college friend, Tessa. Another great thing about this book was that it showed different types of friendships and what true ally ship looks like. Lili, Edith and Imogen's new friends were so supportive of her and accepting, embracing Imogen without question and validating her sexuality without judgement. Gretchen on the other hand, was a very passionate member of the LGBTQ+ community yet her treatment of Imogen was inconsiderate even if she thought she had good intentions.
I also loved the cameos we got from Love Victor and Simon vs the Homosapien's Agenda I'm pretty sure the cameos were Nora and Andrew.
The only thing I can think of that could be improved is that it took me a while to get into Imogen’s character and feel that chemistry between her and Tessa. It definitely took more of a build up than with Simon vs (which is one of my favourite books of all time).
Overall, this book was an eye-opener and really opened up that discussion surrounding queer culture, the LGBTQ+ community and stereotypes. I loved how we got glimpses into how each character explores their sexuality from Edith to Gretchen to Lili and how the book showcases that there is no right or wrong way to be queer. You just have to be yourself.
ACTUAL RATING: 4.3 STARS
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Emotional abuse, Lesbophobia, Outing, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship