Title: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
Author: Becky Albertalli
Narrator(s): Michael Crouch
Series: stand-alone
Length: 6 hrs 45 mins
Publisher: Harper Audio
Publication Date: April 7, 2015
Source: received from publisher via Edelweiss, borrowed audiobook from library
Purchase: Amazon |
Barnes & Noble |
Audible
Sixteen-year-old and not-so-openly gay Simon Spier prefers to save his drama for the school musical. But when an email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight. Now Simon is actually being blackmailed: if he doesn’t play wingman for class clown Martin, his sexual identity will become everyone’s business. Worse, the privacy of Blue, the pen name of the boy he’s been emailing, will be compromised.
With some messy dynamics emerging in his once tight-knit group of friends, and his email correspondence with Blue growing more flirtatious every day, Simon’s junior year has suddenly gotten all kinds of complicated. Now, change-averse Simon has to find a way to step out of his comfort zone before he’s pushed out—without alienating his friends, compromising himself, or fumbling a shot at happiness with the most confusing, adorable guy he’s never met.
I'll admit it: I didn't think this book could be as adorable as everyone was saying. There was just no way it could be that cute and funny while also dealing with a tough subject like this. But it
was and it did…and in a way that felt genuine and realistic.
As is often the case, I had a review copy but never found the time to get to it, so I opted for an audiobook version from my library. Waiting to listen to this book instead of reading the copy I had was probably the best decision because the narrator totally sounds like Jesse Eisenberg, and I think I loved the story even more because of that. Because I could totally see him playing a character like Simon, so articulate and slightly awkward and completely adorable. I think the narration made this novel even more fun, if that's possible.
I loved their grammatically correct email correspondence between Simon and "Blue", getting to know each of them as they were getting to know each other over the course of months. It was so sweet to see them falling for each other, and yet each scared of fully investing themselves in this thing that was developing between them. Despite that, I was glad to see that they'd forged a friendship first, even if they were hesitant to name what they were becoming to each other and where that might lead.
This story was just so touching and thoughtful, even if the matter at hand was delicate and a little scary. I think the author did a fabulous job of portraying how difficult coming out is and how many relationships can be affected by doing so. I have someone in my life who has still not come out to his family and friends, despite all evidence pointing to it, but I get it, and I'll still love him either way. And I understood Simon's decision to wait until he was ready, even if others decided to make that decision for him.
The blackmail aspect left me more than slightly angry, especially since the kid doing the blackmailing could have been a nice guy and someone Simon might have been friends with, if not for the situation he'd forced Simon into. But taking that decision away from Simon was wrong in the worst possible way. His owning up to it and apologizing later in the story abated my anger somewhat, but the damage was done.
It's lucky for that kid that Simon had such awesome friends and family surrounding him. They didn't exactly make coming out
easy, but they were there to support him. I actually really appreciated all of the relationships in this book, familial and otherwise. They were realistic, full of drama and genuine love, and they were honest. They were messy and complicated, just like in real life, and I loved them for it.
Honestly, I loved everything about this story. It was witty and adorkable and everything I'd already been told it was. I can't imagine that anyone with a heart could do anything
but love this story. I can't believe this is the author's debut. May everything else she writes be as obscenely adorable as this.
GIF it to me straight:
About the author:
Becky Albertalli currently lives in Roswell, Georgia with her husband and two sons. She spends her days writing about teenagers and reading board books about trucks. She is a licensed clinical psychologist who got to work with the most amazing kids, teenagers, and adults. She is not currently practicing as a psychologist.
Find Becky:
Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Tumblr | Instagram
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Celebrating FOUR Years With a Giveaway...or THREE!
When I started this blog, I didn't think it would become anything more than an online journal where I recorded my thoughts and feels on books and movies and the like. Never did I imagine that I'd meet so many awesome bookish people and find my little niche in this community.
There was a period where I wasn't sure if I'd continue, though. And then lo and behold, April mentioned wanting to blog WITH someone, and the rest, as they say, is history.
I felt the same way about blogging as Jen did early on. Just a little space to jot down my thoughts, but who cold have guessed all the amazing friends I would make. While I've only been blogging with her for a little over a year, I started up my own blog around the same time as she did. So we've been in this together from day one. The best experiences I've had blogging so far have been here with The Starry-Eyed Revue.
You have all been so wonderful and welcoming. The blogging community has changed so much over the last couple years. Just the feel of it all, but your love and support has remained steady and for that we are so grateful.
Truly. We know we haven't been around as much to respond to your lovely comments or to visit you at your own blogs, and we apologize for that. It's a struggle to find time to do all of that AND create new content on the blog, work full-time, and be awesome moms, too. :) We're not trying to make excuses...we just want you to know that we still value your thoughts and miss you guys terribly.
Anyway, that's not why we're here today. (We'll get back to doing all of that and it will be like old times. :D) No...we're here to celebrate! We've both been blogging for FOUR years, some of that together and some of that separately, but dammit, we deserve to party like it's our birthday. [Incidentally, it is my birthday on Friday. ;0) ] And what better way to celebrate our FOURth blogoversary than by having Four dance a little jig for us?!? All in favor, say aye!
Whew, it's hard to follow up Four dancing, but I think we have something that will be just as enticing. For being the best followers ever, we have a few giveaways for you!
Last year for Jen's Bday, I sent her Jenny Hans' Summer series. It's one of my favorites and perfect reading for this time of year. So these are what I'm offering up...
Rules:
And I've just been over here collecting ARCs and little goodies for you guys. Some I've read and absolutely adored and others I've heard great things about and can't wait till I can read them myself. And, of course, I had to share some of my favorite bookish things with y'all, too. This giveaway is US only, so the same rules apply as above.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
But we didn't forget about all of our international followers. For those of you outside of the States, we're offering up your choice of any book from TBD, up to $15 USD.
Rules:
Just our way of saying thanks for following and reading our rambling thoughts over these last four years. Here's to many more!
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
{Blog Tour} The Game of Love and Death by Martha Brockenbrough: Review & Giveaway
Welcome to my stop on The Game of Love and Death Blog Tour, hosted by the ladies of Rockstar Book Tours. I've got a review and giveaway for you, but be sure to check out the rest of the stops (schedule at the end of the post) for more awesome content, including interviews and guest posts from the author!
Author: Martha Brockenbrough
Series: n/a
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
Publication Date: April 28, 2015
Source: ARC received from publisher
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
The Game of Love and Death was absolutely exquisite. It was eloquent and beautiful, and you can't help but be pulled into the love story of Henry and Flora. But this story wasn't just about the romance; there's also a lesson or two in there about overcoming fear, among other things.
The book itself was incredibly atmospheric, set in 1937 after the Great Depression, when practically everyone but the rich white male was oppressed in some way or another. I found the depictions of life in this time period to be beautiful -- if not heartbreaking -- in their portrayal, and it all felt authentic based on what I know of the period from history texts and stories from my own grandparents. The inclusion of music as a common interest between the players but also as the soul-searing source of their bond was a brilliant touch.
I was completely engrossed as the game unfolded, and as the details of the game -- and some from previous games -- were revealed, I found myself drawn as much to the characters of Love and Death as I was to the players. They were so enigmatic and yet I felt I knew the truth of them from the very first page. But it was Henry and Flora's souls that captured my heart. Okay, and maybe Ethan's, too, for he stole my heart more completely with every page turned. None of them had an easy go of it, especially considering the times and what was considered taboo in those days. And taboo is probably putting it a little too mildly.
I came to love these characters and longed for them to beat Love and Death at their own game. Still, I never really felt that connection to the characters, that certain something that means I am 100% invested in the story. I knew them. And I would want to know them in real life. But the only time I felt that emotional pull toward them was when they were on the page together. Their chemistry was palpable, even when it was the lightest, most innocent of touches bringing it out of them. Yet, I felt a lot like Flora must have throughout the story: there and in the moment and yet not a part of it.
This story was gorgeous in execution and brilliantly told, the kind of love story that you can get swept away in without risking too much. Love and Death's past is haunting and slightly horrifying, and Henry and Flora's future is bleak, and yet the story as a whole is just so achingly beautiful. And terribly romantic. It's not just the story of two people falling in love but one of overcoming the odds and conquering fear. In a word: exquisite.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tour Schedule:
Waiting on Wednesday: The White Rose & Slasher Girls & Monster Boys
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's WoW selections are...
's Pick:
Author: Amy Ewing
Series: The Lone City #2
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Publication Date: October 6th, 2015
I read The Jewel last Summer and I really enjoyed it. It was fun. Also, I think I like this cover even more than the first. So pretty.
's Pick:
Title: Slasher Girls & Monster Boys
Author: various, stories selected by April Genevieve Tucholke
Series: anthology
Publisher: Dial
Publication Date: August 18, 2015
I don't read all that many anthologies, but I loved April's series about delicious devil boys with sparks and burns, so I know she won't fail to impress with this collection of thrillers. And some of my other favorite authors' works are included, which makes me doubly excited to get my hands on this.
What are you desperately waiting for this Wednesday? Let us know in the comments or share a link to your own WoW post!
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
An Ember in the Ashes Release Day Blitz
Title: An Ember in the Ashes
Author: Sabaa Tahir
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication Date: April 28, 2015
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Giveaway Details:
Top Ten Tuesday: They See Dead People
Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the awesome ladies at The Broke and the Bookish. Apparently, they are overly fond of list-making and love to share their bookish lists with the rest of us book nerds. =) We're game.
I realize while doing this, I haven't read too many books with ghosts. This was a hard one. There was actually 2 that I wanted to add, but by adding them on here.. it spoiled the book. So I stuck with these 5. Anna Dressed in Blood may be my favorite ghost related book. I really need to read the second book. Harry Potter, well who doesn't love moaning Mertle! lol. The Summoning and Dark House has lots of Ghosty activity. And If I Stay, well that's kind of a stretch, but its a fabulous book so I'm using it.
Jen's Picks:
Hehe, April and I had a little fun with this TTT since we got to pick it for ourselves. =) Of course, The Raven Cycle and The Archived books are among my favorites ever, but I love the less serious vibe of the Hex Hall and Soul Screamers series, too. And the Shade series is a little bit funny, a little bit dangerous, and a whole lot romantic.
Do you enjoy books featuring the undead? :P What subject did you pick for today's open-ended topic? Be sure to share a link to your TTT post so we can visit!
Monday, April 27, 2015
{Audiobook} Review: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
Author: Becky Albertalli
Narrator(s): Michael Crouch
Series: stand-alone
Length: 6 hrs 45 mins
Publisher: Harper Audio
Publication Date: April 7, 2015
Source: received from publisher via Edelweiss, borrowed audiobook from library
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible
I'll admit it: I didn't think this book could be as adorable as everyone was saying. There was just no way it could be that cute and funny while also dealing with a tough subject like this. But it was and it did…and in a way that felt genuine and realistic.
As is often the case, I had a review copy but never found the time to get to it, so I opted for an audiobook version from my library. Waiting to listen to this book instead of reading the copy I had was probably the best decision because the narrator totally sounds like Jesse Eisenberg, and I think I loved the story even more because of that. Because I could totally see him playing a character like Simon, so articulate and slightly awkward and completely adorable. I think the narration made this novel even more fun, if that's possible.
I loved their grammatically correct email correspondence between Simon and "Blue", getting to know each of them as they were getting to know each other over the course of months. It was so sweet to see them falling for each other, and yet each scared of fully investing themselves in this thing that was developing between them. Despite that, I was glad to see that they'd forged a friendship first, even if they were hesitant to name what they were becoming to each other and where that might lead.
This story was just so touching and thoughtful, even if the matter at hand was delicate and a little scary. I think the author did a fabulous job of portraying how difficult coming out is and how many relationships can be affected by doing so. I have someone in my life who has still not come out to his family and friends, despite all evidence pointing to it, but I get it, and I'll still love him either way. And I understood Simon's decision to wait until he was ready, even if others decided to make that decision for him.
The blackmail aspect left me more than slightly angry, especially since the kid doing the blackmailing could have been a nice guy and someone Simon might have been friends with, if not for the situation he'd forced Simon into. But taking that decision away from Simon was wrong in the worst possible way. His owning up to it and apologizing later in the story abated my anger somewhat, but the damage was done.
It's lucky for that kid that Simon had such awesome friends and family surrounding him. They didn't exactly make coming out easy, but they were there to support him. I actually really appreciated all of the relationships in this book, familial and otherwise. They were realistic, full of drama and genuine love, and they were honest. They were messy and complicated, just like in real life, and I loved them for it.
Honestly, I loved everything about this story. It was witty and adorkable and everything I'd already been told it was. I can't imagine that anyone with a heart could do anything but love this story. I can't believe this is the author's debut. May everything else she writes be as obscenely adorable as this.
Current Giveaways
A Starry-Eyed Prize Pack!
Subscribe by Email
Follow Via Bloglovin
Follow Jen on Instagram
Jen's Currently Reading
Sabrina's Currently Reading
2019 Reading Challenge
Followers
Search This Blog
Ratings
Twitter
Quotes We ♥
Blog Archive
Labels
About Me