Actual rating: 4.5 
 First line: "It's a weirdly subtle conversation. I almost don't notice I'm being blackmailed." 
 Let me just say, I was very nervous going into this story because of the hype surrounding it. But seeing everyone lose their minds over how good it is and the upcoming movie that's being filmed finally pushed me into checking it out. I'm SO happy I did because I love it so much! 
 Simon has such a good narrative voice. I instantly connected with it and it is so effortless to get a feel of who Simon really is as a character. I don't know how Becky does it but Simon sounds perfectly like a teenager. He's witty and sassy and swears like a sailor, and I'm all about it. His relationships with his family, his friends, and Blue are so realistic, full of happiness, awkwardness, sadness, and everything in between. 
 His process of figuring out who he is and the shitstorm surrounding his biggest secret is handled so well. There's a web of complexities around coming out and I love how Simon challenged them. The line about how everyone should have to come is fucking brilliant. 
 One book by Becky Albertalli and I'm already a huge fan. I also can't freaking wait for this movie to come out so I can see all my little babies come to life!