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A review by wildbuiltrobot
Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I adore this book! Queer YA has a special place in my heart--books like these didn't exist for me growing up. And so, to read a story that felt relatable to my experience, despite it taking place in a very different environment and for a very different generation, was healing for my inner child.
I enjoyed the characters (except one, you know who you are!), the dialogue was fun, and the banter made me laugh many times throughout the story.
On top of that, Albertalli did a great job touching on topics like internalized biphobia,
compulsory heterosexuality, and gatekeeping
within the queer community
I've enjoyed all of Becky Albertalli's books, and
this one continues that trend! It's definitely going
on my list of favourites.
ETA: I like to read the reviews of others who have different opinions than me about the books I love or hate. It's interesting to see differing perspectives, and many times, I have discovered something I hadn't considered, which I always appreciate.
So, I did read some low reviews of Imogen, Obviously. And I have more thoughts I'd like to share.
Straight-passing privilege is such a weird idea to me. Like, I get that by "passing" as straight someone might avoid direct, immediate harm... but also, what harm is it causing to the person who is only "passing" because they are terrified to be their true selves. The person who doesn’t get to explore outward expressions of their queer identity, or the relationships they want to have, and is only protected by pretending to be someone they aren't. We may be safer from physical violence, which fair, but we are not safer from the harm caused by hateful rhetoric and the slurs hurled in other directions because we *know* that they are directed at us, too. It's just that no one else knows it.
It's not better to pass, just a different way to hurt. I know because I lived it. Thankfully, I am at a place in life where I am SAFE and secure enough in who I am to let my queer flag fly, and because of that, I no longer "pass."
I enjoyed the characters (except one, you know who you are!), the dialogue was fun, and the banter made me laugh many times throughout the story.
On top of that, Albertalli did a great job touching on topics like internalized biphobia,
compulsory heterosexuality, and gatekeeping
within the queer community
I've enjoyed all of Becky Albertalli's books, and
this one continues that trend! It's definitely going
on my list of favourites.
ETA: I like to read the reviews of others who have different opinions than me about the books I love or hate. It's interesting to see differing perspectives, and many times, I have discovered something I hadn't considered, which I always appreciate.
So, I did read some low reviews of Imogen, Obviously. And I have more thoughts I'd like to share.
Straight-passing privilege is such a weird idea to me. Like, I get that by "passing" as straight someone might avoid direct, immediate harm... but also, what harm is it causing to the person who is only "passing" because they are terrified to be their true selves. The person who doesn’t get to explore outward expressions of their queer identity, or the relationships they want to have, and is only protected by pretending to be someone they aren't. We may be safer from physical violence, which fair, but we are not safer from the harm caused by hateful rhetoric and the slurs hurled in other directions because we *know* that they are directed at us, too. It's just that no one else knows it.
It's not better to pass, just a different way to hurt. I know because I lived it. Thankfully, I am at a place in life where I am SAFE and secure enough in who I am to let my queer flag fly, and because of that, I no longer "pass."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Lesbophobia, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Cursing and Alcohol