The story I wish had been around when I was a closeted teen, in love with my best friend and imprisoned by heteronormativity. By KEVIN DU PLESSIS In theatres from 29 June ISBN: 9780241330135
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his is a huge freaking awesome deal! Well, that’s how Simon Spier would say it if he were writing this review. And I have to admit, I am totally feeling that description. With the release of the movie adaption of the book Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda, for the first time ever a gay story has been released into the mainstream pond for the youth, and that’s no small thing, let me tell you that. I cried my little gay eyes out both reading the book and watching the movie. Now firstly, I won’t be giving away any spoilers so you can let your guard down. And secondly, I don’t know what to say to those readers out there who are planning on experiencing both, like I did. They are both brilliant. But you will have to decide which one you want to lead you to the thrilling reveal of who Simon’s secret pen pal lover is.
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If you are anything like me, you will want to read the book first because the suspense of finding out who he is makes it a page-turner. It is special because it is so finely attune to the subtleties of today’s teen market without it being condescending. I read it with a glass of wine on a Sunday and honestly, I couldn’t put it down. This might be because I am so closely related to the subject matter but I really think everyone will feel the same. Parents, buy your kids a copy and then steal it for yourself, you won’t regret it! Then again, if you are a diehard film addict, perhaps you would rather have all the theatrics of the audio-visual experience guide you to those happy half-sobs half-yelps-ofjoy. The adaption was done exceptionally well, and for those who love to compare books and their film adaptions, you
