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Velshi Banned Book Club: 'Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda' - Velshi - MSNBC
“Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda” by Becky Albertalli tells the story of sixteen-year-old Simon Spier. Simon and a mysterious classmate, called Blue, have been exchanging emails using pseudonyms since the beginning of the school year. They connected after Blue posted on Tumblr confirming that he is gay.
Their secret emails have become a haven – the only place where they can both fully express their hopes, confide in one another, and explore their sexuality... even if they don't know one another's true identity. Simon is certain his warm and well-meaning parents will accept him if – and when – he comes out, but he's unsure how Blue's family and friends will react.
At its core, like so many of the best young adult novels we've featured on the Velshi Banned Book Club, “Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda” is a coming-of-age story. By grounding the novel in familiar YA motifs, Albertalli can tell a much more nuanced and complex story -- one that gracefully grapples with questions of identity and sexuality.
Depicted using first-person narration and carefully layered characterization, Simon is a typical protagonist – who also happens to be gay. This frank normalcy makes “Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda” radical, powerful, and pioneering. - Aired on 11/23/2024.