A review by kait_sixcrowsbooks
Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I don’t know what to say except…wow. What a truly wonderful book. Imogen, Obviously is a book that simply took my breath away. Reading Imogen’s internal conflict as she tried so so hard to be the “perfect” ally according to Gretchen’s ever changing ideas and then having to overcome the thought that she is somehow “appropriating” queer culture when she finds herself crushing on another girl….it was hard. It was hard because it hit so close to home in so many different ways while also being a distinct experience apart from my own. But it was also so so amazing, and I felt such a connection to Imogen.

It’s also pretty heartbreaking because throughout the story, I saw Gretchen as this humanized version of the twitter discourse that surrounded the whole thing about the author feeling forced to come out due to harassment from readers because they assumed she was allocishet. It was just…monstrous. And I’m so glad she wasn’t redeemed at the end because Imogen deserved a friend that would actually care about and support her like Lili did with her.

Just…man. What a book.