sophiehatters 's review for:

Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli

3.25

emotional hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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It feels bigger than I want it to be. Do I really have to announce this? Can't I just feel something and live inside it while it's happening and not analyze it to death?”

this book was a quick and easy read for me. i honestly did not expect to enjoy it so much because when i pick up queer romance, i tend to pick up books with characters who are already out—less chance of homophobic content (from the side characters) and more on the relationship part. or, at least, that's what i thought. i actually loved seeing imi's relationship progression with tessa. it was truly the cutest thing. following their journey felt like eating cotton candy: soft and sweet, like. i genuinely have nothing else to say except that i'm rooting for them like a supportive auntie.

all the side characters also stood out for me—each having their own distinct personalities that felt very real. lili and edith! i'm excited to read about edith's friend group in the next book.

side note: i might be in the minority here but i was so sad that gretchen never realized how severely she fucked up. i was infuriated with her the whole time because, as an adult, i thought she was very transparent in her envy. so, definitely a lot of growing up to do there before she realized the impact of her actions and vicious words.

as to why i did not give this book a higher rating, it's mostly because this book felt very young to me. from the lingo to the discourses, i actually wondered to myself if people actually talked like that? so, i just came to the conclusion that i'm too much of a granny and, therefore, not the target audience. easy peasy.

i think perhaps, if i was younger, it would be a different story because throughout my read, i kept thinking of all the teenagers who would really benefit from reading this book. and so, i am glad. so glad that all the teenagers alike could have something like imogen, obviously to put a voice to their inner struggles. i love you all, and i am rooting for you.