A review by grace_koalateareads
Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli

challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A reread of Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli was much needed. Especially in anticipation of meeting Becky in May in Sydney!!! My first read and review sums up everything so well, so I’ve included it again just to really drive the point home that “Underlined, bold, giant-font”: THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING! I also need to mention my actual literal Visceral reactions while reading this: butterflies, anxious chest tightness, eyes welling up and pure angry wasp feels - especially when Gretchen was in the picture. 

August 2023 review:
“One girl can’t topple your entire sexuality, right?” 

Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli was a freaking delight to read. Focusing on the importance of not jumping to the immediate “queer baiting” or “only own voices” stand point, and giving people the space to figure out their own sexuality. “[She] doesn’t need to set her coming-out timeline according to your weird parasocial entitlement." Especially as this exact thing happened to Becky! 

"It's like there's this idea that you have to earn your label through suffering. And then you have to prove it with who you date, how you dress, how other people perceive you."

I cannot put into words just how much I loved this book! Having already been such an avid fan of Becky’s writing style, this was no different.. and yet.. it was. I suppose because the topic was so personal to her, it radiated off the page. I wish I’d had an awesome group of college friends to help me navigate my sexuality, like Imogen had. Sometimes you just don’t realise your queerness, and when you do it’s like “ohhhhh this makes so much sense now”. Remember kids: there’s no one way to be gay! 

“I kissed a girl.
She kissed me back.”

I highly recommend this book to everyone! It’s a really special read and if you cannot already tell, I’m obsessed, obviously. All the stars for ever and ever!