About the Book
-
Author:
- Becky Albertalli
- Genres:
- Contemporary
- Girl-Girl Romance
Cover Story: Obviously Imogen
BFF Charm: Peas in a Pod
Talky Talk: Bunny Brain
Bonus Factor: Friendship
Anti-Bonus Factor: Hurt People Hurt People
Relationship Status: Like and Follow
Cover Story: Obviously Imogen
For a girl who describes her fashion sense as “hopelessly straight” – whatever that means – the pink outfit works. Also, it’s typical for her not to notice Tessa watching from the background.
The Deal:
Imogen Scott is a people-pleaser. As a straight girl in a mostly queer group of friends, she’s determined to be the best ally ever (even as she wonders if it’s normal for an ally to blush at the thought of girls kissing). When her friend Lili asks her to pose as an ex-girlfriend to establish Lili’s lesbian credentials at college, Imogen’s only concern is being believable. Enter Lili’s new friend Tessa, whose cute short hair and irrepressible sense of humor would have Imogen falling for her instantly. If only Imogen weren’t straight … but is she really? What does it mean to be true to yourself when you’re not even sure who that is?
BFF Charm: Peas in a Pod
I could relate to Imogen all too well. Not that I’ve ever been anyone’s fake ex-girlfriend, but overthinking things that others seem to know by instinct is very familiar. Also like Imogen, a cozy cardigan, a good book and a vine-covered campus are some of my favorite things in life.
Swoonworthy Scale: 6
Imogen’s chemistry with Tessa is instant. They can toss a joke back and forth like a ping-pong ball, until no one but them understands what they’re saying. I would have liked to learn more about Tessa as an individual, however; she doesn’t feel as three-dimensional to me as Imogen does. She’s mostly a collection of labels: lesbian, Jewish, middle child, ADHD. It doesn’t help that the story takes place over only nine days, which isn’t much time to get to know a person – even if you do spend half the night texting each other.
Talky Talk: Bunny Brain
Imogen’s friends compare her to her pet rabbit because she gets so anxious around strangers. Her narrative style reflects that. She second-guesses every word she’s saying, and is relieved when she sounds “mostly normal”. Exhausting, but relatable.
Bonus Factor: Friendship
Aside from the fake ex-girlfriend trick, which she properly regrets, Lili is the best friend Imogen could ask for. She doesn’t let college, her new friends or Imogen’s insecurities come between them for a moment; instead she leads said new friends in making Imogen feel welcome every time she visits. They include her in everything, from their group chat to a prank war involving tiny sausages. Lili also makes it clear that she’s willing to listen if Imogen wants to tell her something (i.e. come out), but with absolutely no pressure either way.
Anti-Bonus Factor: Hurt People Hurt People
Imogen’s friend Gretchen had her last school’s Pride Alliance ruined by homophobes. Since then, she’s become so defensive of her safe spaces that she doesn’t even notice when she’s the one making people feel unsafe. Imogen is so afraid of being accused of queerbaiting that she can hardly dare to think she might be queer.
Relationship Status: Like and Follow
It’s not quite up to the earlier Simonverse novels, but I’ve never yet read a book by Becky Albertalli I didn’t enjoy.
Literary Matchmaking
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston is mentioned by name as one of Imogen’s favorites.
Amelia, If Only by Becky Albertalli is another bisexual coming-of-age story by the same author.
Starworld by Audrey Coulthurst also centers on female friendship.
FTC Full Disclosure: I received no compensation for this review.
