I Read 'Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda' and Hated It (I'm Gay, I'm Allowed)

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Treat me mean but keep it clean please

[@jeromewilson1048]

So I think a big reason you didn’t like it is because you have forgotten what’s it was like to be a teenager and you couldn’t understand the type of person Simon is. Teenagers are flip flopy, emotional, kinda all about themselves, except they can’t understand themselves even if for a moment they think they do. And Marty grew on Simon a bit because Marty isn’t all bad and Simon thinks he’s kinda cute so to a teenage mind, that sends mixed signals.

[@BooksToAshes]

I didn't like it either so I can't even say anything against what you said lol

[@KarlieMaher3]

Personally i love this book, but eveyone has their opinion and you are very entitled to dislike this book, and I support you for this decision.

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Karlie Anne Maher I totally understand why it’s such a beloved book ❤️

[@muskansaraf4774]

Finally someone agrees with me. I didn't like this book and everyone was like you're homophobic

[@GavinReadsItAll]

I legit get those kinds of comments because of this and I have to laugh at the audacity 😂

[@NothernBunny]

It hurts my heart when booktubers have to plead with their audiences for no hate when they give a solid, well thought out "negative" review that is backed up with examples. You are a sweetheart and shouldn't have to apologise so much. 🖤

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Aw thank you, I need to stop apologising for my opinions I just hate thinking I'll upset anybody. But thank you, I needed to hear this 💜

[@lovekatie3528]

I love hearing roasts of books, even ones that I like, so I greatly enjoyed this video! The way I view Simon's back-and-forth way of thinking is that he's an unreliable narrator. I remember as a Baby Gay trying to convince myself it was fine if people found out, but really it felt like it would be a catastrophe. I definitely see why that was off putting to you, but it resonated with my personal experience. Just goes to show there's a book for every reader, a reader for every book, etc 😁

[@GavinReadsItAll]

patronusaurus reads that’s very true, I didn’t see it like that so that’s really interesting!

[@lilobutt625]

I hated simons friends so god damn much like I don’t remember the scene exactly because I read it over a year ago, but when Simon gets outed and his friend show up at his door and are like have you heard the news? And then they just like leave?????? Who?? Why? Who would freckin leave their friend after something so horrible has just happened?? It seriously made me so mad 😂

[@rufus.sy8]

I have real mixed opinions about this one. I felt really good while reading it and felt happy and fuzzy near the end, but I understand that the writing quality is not the best and the messages are a bit jumbled. But, I had fun with it and loved reading it so I guess that's what counts for me ♥️♥️ (great review)

[@bubbliefrost8958]

I remember telling my first person about that I was transgender. I was so afraid that he would tell the whole school. This book really helped me as I realized there is hope. It kinda helped me come out to my mom. I know there’s flaws but still. I like it. I respect your opinion.

[@rachaelmarie3194]

I FELT ALL OF THIS. Plus leah was AWFUL in leah on the offbeat.

[@rachaelmarie3194]

she has so much internalised bi-phobia.

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Rachael Marie I am not touching that hot dumpster fire with a 10 foot pole

[@conifercrow]

She was awful in *this* book, too, though, to be fair. She's a bitchy, crappy friend. I think the only reason she doesn't come off *as* bad is because Simon's horrifying, and there's no additional disgust to spare on her.

[@hayleycat4899]

I felt the same way about Leah on the offbeat! Leah was my least favorite character of Simon vs and she frustrated me to no end! I read Leah on the offbeat and hated the fact she was a main character! She is selfish and pissed off at the world! And she was a complete bitch to her friends and family! I feel like everyone loves the book for no other reason than it’s a Simon book but Leah is horrific!

[@annamarie1914]

Ok, I actually like this book, but I 1000% agree. I hate Leah so much. She is a terrible friend and I....I just hate her. In the movie she is fine but they changed her character completely in the movie and they also made the rest of his friends be non-supportive and bad friends.

[@mrboyd720]

I couldn’t agree more with everything you said. The way mental struggles of a gay teen are portrayed in this book are toxic and not relatable. In the movie you can tell that there was own voices representation in the production of the film and I really enjoyed it.

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Matthew Boyd very true and I really enjoyed the film too! ❤️

[@LanaToriana]

A little late to the game here, but the movie is just as bad. The unchecked internalized homophobia that is played up for laughs. The forced outing at the end. The way how most of the movie is build around a straight romance etc...

[@barbaraedwards8410]

I'm a Lesbian and it was just as hard to come out all them years ago , I didn't like the writing at all . Didn't agree with alot of the book

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Barbara Edwards the comment about lesbians in the book really rubbed me up the wrong way, as well as the actions by a lot of the characters. Ugh. It’s just... I found it difficult.

[@barbaraedwards8410]

@@GavinReadsItAll tottaly agree

[@sabrina.lnd95]

"The more Simon talks, the more I don't like him." Me, with any man ever. (except you, Gav, I could listen to you talk all day 💙)

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Sabrina Lindholm haha this is so true though

[@marthejohansson7073]

Is it bad that I love this review because I am not alone anymore in not liking the book😂 I stand you Gavin

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Marthe Johansson honestly I thought I was alone too, so I’m glad I’m not the only one. We join together 💪🏼

[@ميم-ش6ع2م]

me too! :"D

[@Stella_Le2772]

I feel like everything you said about the book is one of the reasons I love this book so much. I listen to the audiobook multiple times a week. I love the way Simon tells things and how confused and fickle he is and also the whole thing about Martin is so realistic and reminded me a lot of my own life. Sometimes people do horrible things, but they’re also sympathetic sometimes and your brain separates those two versions of the same person. At least that’s what I feel sometimes. So I think people just think differently, that’s why I can relate to it and you don’t.

[@Nicoleheartsbooks]

I used to cringe when people would ask my fave books and I’d be like TMI, the selection and vampire academy. I know a lot of people love to hate on them but I love them. They may not be the best written book ever but to me they’re great and that’s all that matters at the end of the day. Loved the honest review 🙌🏻

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Nicole no one can ever take your favourite books away from you 💙

[@lisashibest8926]

Haven’t read this. I will say that I haven’t gelled with a single book by the author. I have seen tons of reviews of this book and you are not alone!!!!! Tons upon tons of people don’t like the book! As usual, love and enjoy your content! 💜

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Lisa Shibest Aw thank you! I feel better for sharing this now haha, I always see the positive, I barely see the negative 💙

[@lisashibest8926]

How to Train Your Gavin you do always see the positives!! Glad you feel better at expressing your opinion. Hopefully you will get positivity in return, even if others disagree.

[@livemoller792]

when I read this book back in middle school, I realized that I'm some kind of sapphic - therefore its really important to me. I actually do love it even though I hated the movie. its physically impossible for me to not look up reviews of books I read and I appreciate hearing other peoples viewpoints. :)

[@GavinReadsItAll]

I totally appreciate what this book did for so many people discovering who they are. As much as I didn't like the book, I always appreciate that

[@tjandthestars]

Well... this was amazing! Freaking love this book, but it sure as heck ain’t perfect. As a writer, Becki is super inconsistent. And well... if you think this book was bad, The Upside of Unrequited and Leah On the Offbeat are even worse for inconsistencies and harmful relationships and mindsets that aren’t challenged. Such a fantastic video, and it’s so refreshing to hear negative reviews, especially of a book this popular! 💙✨

[@GavinReadsItAll]

T.J. Reads the Stars aw thanks TJ! I’m sorry for bashing a book you love. I think I’ll stay away from her other books then if they’re not an improvement from this one 😂

[@BreakevenBooks]

I liked the book a lot but it was nice to hear your perspective on it! Don't be sorry about having your opinion man! You brought light to a lot of parts of the story that I kind of just brushed off while reading it which was nice. I felt similar about Leah. She deserved better friends 😶

[@traceyvince258]

never apologise for not liking a certain book it would be a very boring world if we all liked the same things. oh yeah book haul

[@GavinReadsItAll]

tracey vince that’s very true!

[@HowlingLibraries]

I'm so late to viewing this video but I honestly think this is one of the best negative reviews I've ever seen for any book, EVER, and it's just the icing on the cake that I also kind of hate this book 😂

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Thank you for the reassurance of my opinions, I always worry

[@katieedmondson900]

This was a middle of the road book for me. What I HATED about it was Leah. I thought she was just a down right horrible friend. She has a mean, snarly personality, and it is no wonder her friends wanted to do things without her. I felt like she needed to take a look at herself before she started getting mad at everyone else. Simon should have been a good friend and talked through that with her, but like you said, he was too self centered to see beyond the end of his nose.

[@velvetshock]

I liked Simon vs. but I understand where you’re coming from. The movie is also great but I feel that Albertallis writing isn’t the best, she contradicts herself a lot. Don’t get me wrong I felt bad that this does happen to real people but it just wasn’t portrayed in the right way. Reflecting on what you said I feel this is not as good as I thought it was in the moment.

[@GavinReadsItAll]

VelvetShock it might have been better if someone else wrote it 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@bookswmadi]

Kevin (irishreader) is heartbroken

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Madison Peck 😭😭

[@LadetteM]

Your passion for fictional friends that deserved better is why I think you're an angel.

[@GavinReadsItAll]

LadetteM awww thank you haha I definitely do hate the way friends treated each other in this book. Just make new friends who will appreciate you!

[@LadetteM]

@@GavinReadsItAll Have you ever read Lily B on the Brink of Cool? It's about a girl who makes a best friend who is obviously really bad for her and completely takes advantage. I thought it was interesting because she was always looking up to this friend and wanting to be like her. But for me the dynamic has to be that way around. If the protagonist thinks they're better than their friend or not taking their friends feelings into consideration it irks me.

[@confuzzledbev3862]

Simon is literally the worst friend ever to Leah. Practically every time he interacted with or thought about her he was so bitchy. I was like if that's how you think about your friends I'd hate to be your enemy!

[@rachaelmarie3194]

I'm soooo ready for this

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Rachael Marie someone had to say it

[@priyankatanvashi5378]

Omg thank you for this video!! I thought I was the only one who can see Simon being so judgmental about everyone around him from Taylor to Leah. I do like Simon with his family and Bram but, he's so weird to his friends. And he's such a moody hypocrite in the book! Do you hate Martin or think he's funny and is "growing on you?" AND WHY ARE YOU SO MEAN TO LEAH???? Movie >>>>>>>> book!!

[@WhatVictoriaRead]

I haven’t read this book but I think that you were fair and balanced in your review and everything that you didn’t like was backed up and really well explained. Also, you shouldn’t be worried about expressing your views! As long as it’s done in a respectful and calm way - which you did - you are perfectly entitled to your opinion!

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Thank you so much Victoria, I needed to hear that 💙

[@forestofpages]

I cant comment on the book or the movie because I havent read or seen either, but I can say I love hearing people's honest opinions! Too often we feel like we have to hide our true opinions because of other people's judgement and I hate that. There are ways to share your true opinions while still being respectful to those who disagree, and I think you did this well. :)

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Forest of pages and print thank you very much, I’m glad I came across that way cause I really wanted to. It is scary when 98% of the book community loves this book 😬

[@forestofpages]

@@GavinReadsItAll yeah that is really intimidating

[@meganmclaughlin538]

I remember liking this when I read it, but I HATED Leah on the Offbeat and that put me off any of Albertalli's other books. If I reread Simon now I think I would hate it too.

[@logann-mackenziefroste563]

Awesome video! I totally agree with you and this book.

[@theycallmelulu454]

I’m so excited for your detailed review of this! Also nobody should be upset with you over your opinion.

[@simonreeves2017]

You have to remember that Simons’ character is 16 going on 17. The book explores relationships at all levels, friendship, family, love and how difficult it is to deal with the transition from child to adulthood. Simon makes lots of mistakes, it’s not just about his sexuality.

[@OutlanderImagination]

While I've never read this book, this review highlights a lot of why I gaze longingly at LGBTQ+ YA books on my GoodReads to be read shelf and then look away. Many don't age well and are glaringly seen as toxic when reading as an adult who is secure in oneself and their own sexuality. (I also have disliked a lot of LGBTQ+ YA that I've read so definitely supporting you here. Bonus is the point you bring up about own voices & how lesbians are viewed or not viewed in these books.)

[@GavinReadsItAll]

OutlanderImagination yeah I don’t think this one has aged well at all 😅

[@OutlanderImagination]

@@GavinReadsItAll exactly! Sounds very 2010s Tumblr-esque with identity politics debating and "Am I really gay???" questioning

[@sabrina.lnd95]

When I read the book I liked it well enough, but seeing your review now I definitely agree with everything you said (I'm not gonna change my rating tho as that is the rating I felt was right for the book at the time)

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Sabrina Lindholm oooo I’m like that, I don’t change my past star ratings unless something dramatic happens

[@DerrickSylvesterJamesJr]

As someone who was blacked mailed and outed( outed by a closeted gay friend who was in the process of coming out to a bisexual girl who blackmailed me), I can actually relate to the Simon character. I get that he can hate Martin for what he is doing but still acknowledge that he likes the person he is outside of the blackmail.

[@ashleyrhy5722]

Looks like I'm even later to this party. I read the book in one sitting and watched the movie within 24 hours of finishing. I personally enjoyed the movie more, which is unusual for me. But I really enjoyed the book. You make a lot of good points about the writing. This was a fun book for me and with fun books, I don't pay as close attention to detail. Rather, I judge it based on enjoyment. Maybe I enjoyed this book so much because it is so relevant to my current situation. I don't read fiction books often so this is my first LGBTQ book in years. I recently realized that I like other women. And matters are made worse because I have feelings for a woman who is in a relationship. But not only that. My entire family (minus one sister who lives far away) and community are extremely homophobic. This is the first book I've picked up while all this has been happening. This has been an extremely emotional journey for me and with everything else going on, I feel like I've been on an emotional rollercoaster. I have felt extremely alone since all of this started. I think reading about someone who I can relate to was really enjoyable. I cried several times while reading the book, not because of what was happening in it, but because it came so freaking close to my thoughts and feelings. I don't know. This book just really comforted me.

[@amirahsgotavoice7508]

I'm a lesbian and my family was fully accepting and, I knew they would be. However, I still took FOREVER to come out. While reading this I couldn't relate to any of Simon's reasons for not coming out.

[@ComeUndun.]

This was so refreshing to hear. I only ever hear people raving about Becky Albertalli books and I've read three and didn't like any of them. For a while I was wondering what I was missing. Maybe I wasn't missing anything. Haha

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Yep maybe it isn't us, maybe it is just Becky Albertalli haha

[@riankoch9126]

So you and I have the same feelings about this and I wrote a pretty good review for it, but still giving it two stars and explaining why. I also included how in the book Martin is made to feel like someone you can like and forgive and in the movie he’s an absolute creep. I got told by someone who saw it “that I hate sapphic women and I just want them all to die.” Yeah. So I deleted the review and have just left it as a 2 star and literally never talk about it. I read Upside of Unrequited before Simon and liked it but knew after that comment and not liking Simon I wouldn’t ever read another Becky Albertalli book again.

[@kathycoleman4648]

There is no book, movie, tv show, game, or piece of music that anyone should feel obligated to like. Ever. Art is a personal experience and when a viewer, player, reader, etc. engages with something someone has made it is akin to someone reactivating the paint on a water color painting. Your experiences, preferences and personal interpretation are going to impact how you connect or do not connect with something. The shortened listings of availability of stories for people who are L;GBTQ+, of various races, disabled, or whatever other topic we want to touch is a real thing and a challenge to be overcome. But if we try to make the argument that people must like any media made with regard to these things we zero sum anything related to this down to its identity politics and essentially disqualify it as art. Because art MUST be subjective. There are people who consciously avoid things that cover these topics for this specific reason and that's a shame. But so long as we are worried about making stories about these things, rather than incorporating them into characters stories as part of who the character is, this kinda nonsense will continue. You can totally have a story where something like sexuality, culture, disability, etc. plays a key role. It's when anything about a character about these things must always put the thing first and the character second that we generally do a disservice.

[@JasReads]

I literally just read that book yesterday in it’s entirety... Omg 1:36 😂😭 that’s just SAD! OMG YOU’RE RIGHT!! There is literally nothing in the screenshot that links the email to Simon 🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️ I TOTALLY did feel weird about Simon going back forth with his thoughts toward Martin You make a lot of good points 👀👀 The part where Simon assumed Blue was white smh... I kinda shipped Simon more with Cal 😬 The part where Simon said that it might be easier for lesbians and bi girls stuck out to me and I was like 🙃 what? When you say all the flaws with the book for 30 minutes AND I AGREE WITH YOU, I’m reconsidering my rating 😬😂

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Lamour De Books YES I love that you agree! And wow you really did just read the book in its entirety at pretty much the same time as me? I need your review too haha. SO many problems that are overlooked in this book 😭

[@AlwaysTheStoryCollector]

I liked it but to be honest I also didn't take it very serious. I did recommend it to a student of mine and she didn't enjoy it because she thought it was boring! 🤣 I did not expected that at all! She also loved the movie though...

[@GavinReadsItAll]

The Story Collector I think it will still be a good book for teens looking for representation, but I don’t think I’d recommend it. Movie is great!

[@lessariel914]

I’m with you on Simon, loved the film but the book was bleurgh. I also came to it later as I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy it. However, I loved Leah on the offbeat. I think her writing gets less problematic as you read through the three connected books.

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Thanks for the heads up on Leah and glad we agree on Simon haha

[@pink16ful]

Omg finally somebody that hates this book as much as me. I read it last year and can't believe how over-hyped it is. It's so bad!

[@wandguardnoodle]

So, I come here from your Worst Books of 2020 video, months later :D Excellent video and all very good points! tbh I read this book on audiobook (which always makes a lot of stuff just go in one ear and out the other for me lol), like two years ago, and I had a good time. But I think partly why I had a good time was *because* the whole blackmail story felt like it had no stakes lol If there were stakes I would've been anxious for Simon, etc. And would've been more invested. But since there weren't any real stakes, it was just silly high school drama. idk if that makes sense. Anyhow, I love videos like this b/c they make me see books in a new light and evaluate them critically. Like, all too often in booktube people just be like "X representation in this book is great" or "Y is really bad", but like explain how/why is it good/bad, show me receipts, give me quotes and examples. Sometimes, I can argue against points made in these videos, but in this case, all the points absolutely make sense in my eyes.

[@penbeatssword7350]

This sounds so riddled with plot holes and inconsistencies that I would never touch it! I applaud you for getting through the book; when a main character starts to piss me off I just can't carry on..... Looking at you Eleanor Oliphant....

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Jodie S Becky tries to make the drama happen... it’s not gonna happen 😂

[@vivianwakoff]

First of all, I'm a straight cis woman so I feel like my opinions here should be taken with a grain of salt! Having said that, I liked the book while I was reading it but the more I thought about it, the more I caught myself thinking "waaaaait a minute...". All in all, I ended up lumping this book with all those 80s teen movies I loved so much, but got progressively more complicated the more I thought about them! Also, I liked the movie better than the book, too. And you have every right to not like it! People really have to take a chill pill (or 10) and accept not everyone will like the same things they do. I think a lot of what you're saying is super valid! In fact, you made me think of things that had bugged me about it but I hadn't pinpointed. Thank you for your review!

[@GavinReadsItAll]

vivian wolkoff your opinions are 100% valid too! And glad I can voice the things you hasn’t quite managed to say too. Most of the response to this review has been positive, fortunately 😅

[@zara6472]

You explain your opinions well. I havent read the book yet but this put it lower on my TBR if i read it at all because if I ever met someone like Simon I would social distance so fast and so far because I value myself and do not need a friend like Simon. It also sounds like really bad rep of the gay community and what is with liking the person blackmailing you?? These characters are messed up and it sounds a lot like the author dumped in things that market well without writing something good. Great friendship rep and mental health rep is in 'Am I Normal Yet?' by Holly Bourne which didnt have a love interest fixing a mental health problem or a 'cure'. It focused more on friends and relapse and I loved Holly Bourne for that. It really empowered me when I read it a few years back and need to read the rest of her books.

[@zara6472]

Also dont apologise for having a different opinion on a book. I usually dont like the books my book club enjoy but our different opinions make conversations interesting.

[@GavinReadsItAll]

oh thanks for the Holly Bourne recommendation Zara! But yeah, if you don't want to read this one you won't be missing out haha but if you do, don't let me put you off 💜

[@Tarasreadingnook]

I found this book as mindless read. But your reviews just made me realize that it wasnt that good as I thought it was.

[@kjandherbooks]

“I can already feel the dislikes” has no dislikes 😂 I loved this book but I totally respect your opinion. It’s great when people share their thoughts whether positive or negative. It’s boring if everyone liked the same book 😂

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Haha I have a dislike now! YAY!! 😂

[@kjandherbooks]

How to Train Your Gavin so close ! 😂

[@Atalinay]

I remember loving this book, but all the points you made are so true! I remember enjoying Leah on the Offbeat, but that has similar negativity that I really don't think you'll like. Everyone who has lower rating on these books make great points and these characters aren't the best people. I remember relating to the high school part of these books. I was a shit teenager so it checks out I guess. If I read them now hopefully I'd be more critical.

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Thanks for understanding my opinion on this one, I know it's so beloved! I most likely won't be picking up Leah on the Offbeat either haha

[@barbara2371]

I couldn’t agree more with this! I read this book over a year ago because everybody seemed to love it but unfortunately, I didn’t. I hated Simon, I hated Leah and I completely forgot there were more characters in the book 🙈

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Haha this'll be me in a year's time wondering if there was anyone else in this book besides Simon and Leah 😂

[@SabinesBookNook]

I felt like I was one of the only people who didn't love Simon vs. The Homosapiens Agenda. It has been a couple of years since I read it so I don't have as strong of an opinion that you have, but you highlighting all of these points makes me dislike the book more and more lol 😂 you made a really awesome review video!!

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Aw thanks so much, glad you liked my video, and glad we're aren't the only ones in the world who didn't love the book

[@BeccaandTheBooks]

TEA

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Becca and The Books try not to scald your mouth drinking this

[@PageswithPaige]

Gav - you know how much I love romance focused books so my ratings are always skewed cause I’m in love with love. I am so thankful for the time and effort you put in to explain your thoughts and feelings! It is so important that all opinions are articulated and respected and I can see how problematic it is - I remember the bi comment and being like “ah yes, my own coming out was completely smooth sailing and didn’t give me 5 years of repressed feelings at all! It was hot!” But let’s not dwell on that and sweep it under the rug because *romance*. God you are such a wonderful human and every day I appreciate what you do for the wider world. If anyone gives you hate for this send them to Australia and I’ll sort them out 😉

[@GavinReadsItAll]

PageswithPaige Paige I love ya! And yeah it’s not easy for anyone so that quote can go in the bin! ❤️

[@danecobain]

I didn't particularly like it, although for me it was because it was too American for me ;D And I didn't like any of the characters unfortunately

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Dane Reads if the characters aren’t likeable, what’s the point

[@danecobain]

@@GavinReadsItAll To be fair, that can work sometimes! But maybe not in a book where you can tell that you're supposed to like the protagonist but you just don't.

[@readingwithcatsandtea3354]

The bit about it being easier for girls to come out 😬😬😬 I read this years ago and had kinda forgotten most of it. I don’t think I’m ever gonna read Leah on the Upbeat, I don’t remember liking Leah and don’t think I could get through another book of continuous references to Oreos 😂

[@GavinReadsItAll]

I don't think I'm ever gonna read that either! The Oreo references were getting on my nerves too haha 💙

[@maartjedegroot9598]

You made me see the book in a whole other way. I think I have to reread it now.

[@GavinReadsItAll]

It might make you see things differently if you read it

[@chizzlebizzle1150]

We’re reading it in form it’s defo not for our age group but head of English decided we read it so we read it I’m spoiling the end lezzz gooooo

[@danie2729]

Ohh im so excited to see your opinion about this, I didn't enjoy the book very much when I read it a while ago... Completely unrelated but your editing is really yayy great in the beginning 💙👌🏻😏

[@danie2729]

Oh God I FUCKING AGREE with the Harry Potter references, I *detest* that so much I can't even express it properly. It annoys me to no end, life maybe make up your own stuff and don't use that shit to score points with your readers 😶😶😶 ... After finishing the video I really agree with your points and liked hearing your review 💙 and please don't feel bad about voicing your opinion, if anything it's more valuable! If anyone gets mean I'm gonna use your copy (because I don't have one) of the book and whack them in the head with it 😂💙

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Danie Aw thanks for watching and enjoying. Honestly I hate hate hate references to Harry Potter. It really does feel like they’re trying to score points with the fandom. It’s irritating!

[@moontoosoon2152]

i understand your opinion completely. i dont share it but i get it. i like the book though.

[@introvertedreader4432]

I did love this book and the movie made me cry, cos I would not be able to say I am asexual without it. However. Never, ever feel that your opinion is not valid. Cos it is. The book is not perfect, is Simon a shitty friend OMG YES so nothing you said was wrong, so do not feel bad!!

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Introverted Reader Aw thanks so much! I need to hear that sometimes ☺️

[@stayathomereader]

I really want you hate read Leah on the Offbeat so we can get another rant video! Lol. I did like Simon, but I absolutely HATED Leah. I don't get all the love for it 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Alex- stay.at.home.reader haha there’s nothing like rage reading. I might re-read What If It’s Us too so i can get it off my chest in one video cause it’s stayed with me that one at how much I hate it. Filming this video was therapeutic

[@stayathomereader]

@@GavinReadsItAll whatever you do, stay away from Upside of Unrequited because I actually adore that book 🤣

[@MinaReads]

i definitely agree the book has no idea how it truly feels about Martin and that's so annoying. Abby was amazing and she deserved better, and I wish Simon had told Abby and explained the situation, I disliked how Simon never considered Abby's agency. I get his feelings of self-preservation but the way it's all convey kinda sucks

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Mina Reads all of the drama that happened could have been avoided if people just talked. It was so unnecessary. And Abby definitely deserves better, she should have got her own book, not Leah!

[@laras.7670]

I went back to my notes about this book before wathing this - trying to remeber more clearly my opinions about it - and apparently i really liked simon because "after having to deal with Michael (heretics anonymous) and Charlie (The perks of being a Wallflower), it was a relief to read about someone who's normal" 🤣 So yeah. I guess my view of this book will be forever influenced by the other two books that i read before it.

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Lara G that’s interesting! Also I need to read those two books, would you recommend them?

[@laras.7670]

@@GavinReadsItAll Not really. I know everyone loves The Perks of Being a Wallflower, but I truly hated it. It was so problematic for me. And Heretics Anonymous is ok, but the main character is kind of annoying. I believe those are mine unpopular opinions. So maybe the best would be reading them anyway. If you hated it just know that you are not the only one 😅

[@emmyrose77]

PREACH! another perfect example of the film is better than the book.☕

[@ruby3.14]

While I do get that there was a better way to execute this bookbut as a big Albertalli fan I have to back her up a little bit. This was Albertalli's first ever book so there is a bit of room for growing. Albertalli's books honestly get better with time. I mean thats what you can expect, if you've never fryed an egg before, it's not gonna be perfect, it's the same with writing. She went from being a clinical phycologist to writing a book. So yeah, there's mistakes but she learned from most of them. Respect to your views, they are in no way, shape or form wrong, but that's how I see it.

[@GavinReadsItAll]

And that’s absolutely okay! I’m sure Becky did get better with time. But I’m reviewing “this” book so I had to be honest about what I thought about “this” book. And I’ve read books by debut authors all the time that were fantastic. Becky’s unfortunately wasn’t one of them.

[@Andrea-qr7ne]

You shouldn't feel compelled to like a book just because it's LGBTQ. Thank you for being honest! In my case, I'm straight, and I feel bad whenever I don't like an LGBTQ book because it seems like it's an obligation to like them all, and it isn't. And regarding the book, it was pretty meh for me haha the ending was the only part that I liked, but I found Simon very annoying throughout the entire story.

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Andrea Barraza yeah it’s so important to just go into a story and be honest with the feelings towards it regardless of what it is and it’s themes or content.

[@nationssunshinefelix4482]

I hate Simon's friends with a vengeance like your friend just got outed and mind you, being bullied by dimwit homophobes and hmmm your first thought is to abandon him for not telling you all first? Like come on and Leah was absolutely horrible with the why did you tell Abby first blah³ I don't agree with you but yuh there were aspects of the book that I didn't like, for example Simon having to apologise to for not coming out to his friends

[@prettyinpink1222]

New here and I just have to say, your intro was absolutely everything.

[@GavinReadsItAll]

missy farni it didn’t put you off? Haha

[@prettyinpink1222]

😂😂😂 not at all! Lmao

[@Iorelyn]

I realized after reading this, Leah on the offbeat, and What if it's Us, that basically Becky Albertalli is definately and author I wont pick anything up from. I rarely do that, because you never know when they might have something wonderful, but her books just make me grimace. I'm so glad you didn't like What if it's Us though, makes me feel so much better knowing someone else couldn't stand that book.

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Iorelyn What If It’s Us is definitely one of the worst books I’ve ever read. And I’m the same, I like to give authors the benefit of the doubt but... when they produce this much rubbish, it’s better not to waste our time!

[@tracyjohnson4478]

If I had to guess, the reason you liked the movie more than the book is that we the audience are not getting Simon's thoughts. His actions have to make more sense too, so they probably changed (it's been a while since I've read the book) some of the scenes to fit more naturally with what would happen.

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Yeah definitely because we don't get Simon constantly telling us his thoughts and that's such a relief haha.

[@Jadeyraereads]

I hated it before you made it cool to hate it 😂

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Jadeyraereads my inspiration ❤️

[@StreetsOfLovee]

btw i love your thumbnail!

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Thank you!! I never feel satisfied with my thumbnails, I'm not the best, but I'm glad you liked it!

[@theycallmelulu454]

Oh my god Simon seems like a complete dim wit. Call out shitty people & shitty “friends” !!! Yess I love this video

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Theycallmelulu I genuinely don’t know why people are friends with him

[@siobhanlouisereadsalot4836]

Awww you have nothing to apologise for, everyone’s opinion is valid, and I totally agree with you that Simon is selfish ☺️ 💙

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Siobhan Louise Reads A Lot thanks Siobhan 💙

[@becsmacdonald]

Abby was my favourite character. Also I hated Leah on the Offbeat. It’s so much worse (I think)

[@GavinReadsItAll]

rebecca macdonald I’ll keep far away from that one then 😂

[@cleg78]

Loving the title to this video before it even starts...just be honest if the book is crap. People should appreciate your opinion and it’s each to their own. Anyone picks on Gav over this I will go mad. Everyone will have their own opinions

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Booksnink if anyone picks on me I’ll send them your way, I’ll need protecting

[@cleg78]

Gavin can I just ask, is the author gay? I don’t know much about her really, not saying that every author has to let their sexual preference be public obviously everyone has the right to their privacy if they don’t want people to know but I just think and no one shoot me but I struggle to see how a “straight” person can accurately write a book of this nature...

[@cleg78]

I have to say I really like what you’ve done with this video, yes it’s great to hear about “great” books but it is also a good thing to hear about books that have major flaws in them and the reasons why 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@cleg78]

Gav, No way are you a bad person for having these feelings and opinions on this book. Everyone is entitled to an opinion regardless of what the book is. I think the video was a fantastic idea and I really do hope you do another video like this if you come across a book that boils your p*ss the way this one has xx 😘

[@cleg78]

How to Train Your Gavin if anyone does have anything bad to say about you Gav definitely send them my way on Bookstagram so they can try and justify their actions. What you’ve done IS a GOOD thing and you are free to say what you like. Crikey I done a book review today and it was a 1🌟 and I had it out with his publicist in the end as the book was utter sh*t and to start his book writing off this way was appalling. It will bite him on the arse for a long time as a lot of people will only remember how sh*t his first book was...)9!

[@hildejan79]

I have never felt the urge to read this book, don't know why... Now I know for sure lol

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Hillybilly beauty haha yeah if you don’t want to read it, you’re not missing out

[@hildejan79]

Lol 😂😂

[@hollykelly7400]

My boyfriend got me this book as a present and I really wanted to love it but I just didn’t, I had a lot of the same thoughts as you. Probably gonna unhaul it😬

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Holly Kelly let’s unhaul it together ☺️

[@Ivielynn123]

I thought Simon was selfish too. I didnt like the movie at all either. I really wanted to love it but I'm not going to be biased bc I'm gay lol.

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Ivie Withers that’s what I thought with the book, I didn’t want to give it a pass just cause it’s a gay book. However I did like the movie. It’s been a year and a half since I last saw it though

[@helene9299]

I agree so much with this. There needs to be more own voices LGBTQ+ books. So many m/m romances are written by straight women. I'm asexual and I've never seen a good representation of that in a book. In most it's just dropped in there with no impact on the story other than being inclusive, or used as a reason why someone is cold and distant. Randomly saying, oh by the way this character is asexual, shouldn't be the extent of representation. Ok rant over!

[@climbinguphill]

Helen E Have you read The Montague Siblings series by Mackenzi Lee (specifically A Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy)? The main character’s sister Felicity is asexual, and she is the main character of the sequel. While I am not asexual personally, I have read reviews of people who are and they really liked the representation.

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Helen E Fiction representation still has such a long way to come 😢

[@helene9299]

@@climbinguphill Thanks, I have read it, unfortunately I didn't feel like the representation was very good. For me personally it fell in to the cold category.

[@abbiealwaysreading]

YES! Agree 10000% I read this a few years ago and thought I was the only one with these views! 😂

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Abbie Day we’re rare but we’re there 😂

[@joyahawkrose3984]

I actually enjoyed the movie more than the book. I still liked the book, but the movie was better to me

[@Booksandothernerdthings]

I only watched the movie but I thought it was rather mediocre. I hate lack of consistency in internal logic

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Books and other nerd things and it’s contemporary as well so it’s not hard to keep the logic logical - but wow does this book miss the mark

[@kristie2182]

This book gives you emotional whiplash for sure 🙃

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Kristie my neck still hurts

[@kristie2182]

How to Train Your Gavin lol 😂 🤣🤣🥴🥴🥴🤕

[@quasi8180]

Sometimes the movies better than the books

[@foolishdragonbacon]

I absolutely hated this book. Simon is incredibly selfish and I hated the way all of the characters treated Leah. I thought it was leading to a learning moment at the end of the book....that never happened. I read the book first and I much preferred the movie

[@GavinReadsItAll]

foolishdragonbacon Yep, no big learning moment at the end. There’s a reconciliation with Leah and Simon but then I’m sure the cycle continues and they go back to being rubbish friends.

[@TheBookFinch]

At least you can keep your rebel status in pristine condition by not liking this book. :D

[@GavinReadsItAll]

The Book Finch woohoo 🙌🏼

[@ميم-ش6ع2م]

I read The Upside of Unreqited and it was just annoying and overrated, didn't like it at all and didn't get why people hype over it, after reading it I was like "NO MORE OF BECKY" but all those people keep talking about Simone made me think about reading it even tho I know Becky will make me suffer but I felt like I'm the only one who didn't read it or give it the chance to love it! so I was in need to know that there are people who didn't really like this book, it makes me feel that my choice of not reading it was the right choice lol!

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Yep no more Becky books for us

[@ميم-ش6ع2م]

@@GavinReadsItAll Amen for that! :D

[@theycallmelulu454]

I was going to read this but now I’m not sure I want to 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Theycallmelulu if you really want to read it you absolutely should! You may not think the same as me and love it 😄

[@theycallmelulu454]

How to Train Your Gavin nahh I love the movie and if I even slightly dislike the book I’ll avoid the movie forever lol

[@werdvdgvgch]

I hated Simon. He is so self centred and doesn't care about anyone but himself. I feel that he forced blue out of the proverbial closet. Dont know if I'd recommend it to LGBTQ+ members. I did like the movie though xx

[@GavinReadsItAll]

rambo Tambo movie was good, book was rubbish. I also didn’t like that. Simon is... not not not a good character.

[@Aiyume7]

Honestly, just eff everybody who judges you for not reading something gay on the basis of "bUt YoU'rE gAy". Or any basis whatsoever. Are you supposed to read everything containing a gay character right away? Also, I find it fascinating that people preface their "i don't like X" by apologising a hundred times and stating it's just their opinion over and over; not just you, everyone. Tells heaps about or shitty culture.

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Hayyelle Yep we are scared for going against the grain, especially with something so beloved. And honestly it would rub me up the wrong way every time someone judged me for not reading Simon Vs. At least now I can tell them I have!

[@Aiyume7]

@@GavinReadsItAll I just hope no one gets salty about you not liking it :D

[@jmbogert1]

I also loved the movie but was very meh about the book!

[@GavinReadsItAll]

The movie is so precious

[@nerdbase8558]

I really dont like the book. One of the most boring and most bad books i have ever read

[@dreammix9430]

I LOVED that book! And i read and LOVED all the books in the series!!!! How can anyone not love it??

[@diwatera]

Is it just me, or does he look a little bit like Lin-Manuel Miranda? Irrelevant, I know, but humor me. 😅

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Haha not just you, a lot of people tell me this and it's the biggest compliment so THANK YOU 💜

[@sillyslicker1]

There's no way a bunch of high-schoolers are going to ignore something like that until Simon confirms it... that's just unrealistic. And omg, I had the opposite feelings on the Simon/Leah situation. I couldn't stand Leah; she made everything about her, Simon couldn't do anything without her throwing a fit, and she was selfish and petty as hell. I could go into detail, but I think I should stop ranting 😂 Simon definitely needed to show more interest and care to those in his life, but he realizes that and it's something he works on. The same goes for the automatically assuming someone is white quote. We all have things that need improvement... recognizing those things and trying to fix them is what's important. I won't dislike the video, though 😉

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Haha honestly that's okay! You do raise very valid points