Very cute! The characters all felt realistic and believable, and the writing style made it really easy for me to finish this book in just a few days. I’ve read a few books by this author before and they weren’t my favorite, but I definitely adored this one. I could tell that she drew from her own experiences when writing this and I think it added to the realism and raw emotion the characters were feeling. Imogen was really relatable, as I also had a big problem with doubting my own identity and not feeling queer enough in the past. I think that will really resonate with a lot of people.

Grammar and character voice were great, but I noticed a small typo in chapter 38: “I think that as tight as they go, right?” Super minor and very easily fixed. Can’t wait for the official release!

Imogen, Obviously is about a teenager that all she's life she thinks that she is only an ally to the community. She had to bestfriend who are in the community and a sister. All her life she thinks that she is a straight.
The story started to when Imogen will be visiting the College she will be going and her other best friend, she bonded with her bestfriends queer friends over the weekend and have sort of messaging friend and it confuses her stand about her gender.
This book is for all the queer that is boxed by their friends as being straight. This book is for all the people who is still finding their identities. May you all not be pressured by the society and may your coming out stories be yours and not being imposed to you.

Overall will rate this book 5/5 and recommend it to every Y/A readers I know. Maybe I don't relate to Imogen's story as a queer. But I love how Becky Albertalli shows in this book that it is not easy to be firm or be certain with your sexuality. It takes time and acceptance.

“And when she talks about the queer community, who does she mean? Who gets let in? Who gets shoved out? And what do you do with the fact that no two people seem to do queerness in quite the same way?”

Imogen Scott is about to graduate high school, has a favorite adverb (it’s obviously, obviously), and is straight. Obviously. Never mind that her favorite movie is But I’m a Cheerleader. Never mind that she dutifully shows up to every Pride Alliance meeting and is surrounded by queer friends. Never mind that when she meets Tessa, a cool college lesbian, she starts feeling… feelings. Point is, she’s just an Ally with a capital A. Otherwise, she would’ve known that she was queer much sooner, surrounded by as many queer people as she is. That’s what her friend Gretchen, says, after all, and she’d know, being unashamedly bisexual. Imogen is grateful that Gretchen’s always there to check her when she says something that’s a little problematic coming from a straight person and to make sure that she never oversteps into queer territory. Gretchen knows Imogen is straight, and Imogen can’t argue with that. Then why does she find herself flirting (can she even call it that?!) back with Tessa and staying up until 2am texting her? Maybe her sexuality isn’t so obvious after all…

From critically-acclaimed author Becky Albertalli comes yet another beautiful and hilarious queer coming-of-age novel. Even though I am a voracious reader of LGBTQ+ fiction, I’ve never read a story quite like Imogen’s before, where the focus of the book is on her struggle with identifying as bisexual while being perceived as not “queer enough” (whatever that means). The book unpacks what it truly means to be queer and acknowledges the unfortunate instances when some queer individuals invalidate the existence of others who do not fit their narrow definition of queerness. While the romance was undoubtedly cute—Tess is such a sweetheart!—Imogen’s growth throughout the novel is what stood out to me the most. She realizes the toxicity of her friendship with Gretchen, who keeps insisting that she’s straight because, apparently, she isn’t queer enough. Additionally, she grapples with her people-pleasing tendencies and the paralyzing self-doubt that tends to come with being a teenager on a journey to self-discovery. Imogen’s flaws are on full display, though the way she grows into herself by the end is inspiring to read and will doubtlessly empower many teenagers who pick up this book.

As Imogen herself realizes, every queer experience is different, which is why books like Imogen, Obviously, and other queer coming-of-age stories are so crucial for every kid to have.

DNF at 20%
I can already tell that this is going to be a three star book, at best. The writing is just ok, most of the characters are one-dimensional. The main character is ok, but her inner monologue is repetitive. And I really don't like her friend Gretchen.

I was really impressed by “Imogene, Obviously.” I think the author really nailed the inner monologue of a shy/quiet overthinker, as well as the journey of someone who has discovered their queerness “late” or of someone who has to discover it at all . You can tell that the author is writing from personal experience, from the disclaimer of course, but also from the reality of the writing. I think that the overall theme of figuring out who you are and being true to that in spite of the boxes that other people try to put you in will be relevant and relatable to teens at large. I also thought that the bits about internet discourse about celebrities’ personal lives were really relevant, and I liked that it addressed the prevalence of stereotypes that can affirm queer people who fit into them but can also exclude those who don’t.

The cast of supporting characters was a little large and a little underdeveloped, and the plot wasn’t the most riveting, but in a coming out story, it made sense that it was so internal and that the depth was limited to a few close interpersonal relationships.

It’s hard for me to review Imogen, Obviously because it meant so much to me. I’m not in the same exact shoes as Imogen, but my late-20s self felt incredibly seen by her journey and especially by the way her brain works through it. This is my favorite Becky Albertalli novel since Simon, and it has her trademark humor, entertaining friend group, and a relatable heroine in Imogen. But with this one, you can really feel how personal it is, and how much emotion she put into it. Bravo to her for processing her own experience, unfortunately lived so publicly, with questioning, coming to understand, and toxicity (Gretchen is so accurately infuriating) into a book that I think will help many young readers (and ones a decade older, or more, than Imogen!).

What a delight! I can’t believe I’ve never read an Albertalli book before. Clearly I have been missing out.

This is such an important book for teens who may be questioning or otherwise trying to figure out their identities.

The characters are well-rounded, and for the most part (looking at you Gretchen) likable.

This will make an excellent addition to YA shelves this year.

This was so freaking cute! I loved it. It also reminded me how much I enjoy young adult romance. I have to read more because it’s cute and so uplifting!

Imogen is my baby! Omg, her bisexual awakening was so real. The phase of “I’m totally straight but this girl is so pretty and I’d love to kiss her” is like a universal step. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt. I loved the support system Imogen had. Not Gretchen, she can go away and never come back. Aside from her, everyone was so adorable and amazing. Lili is the best friend ever. Always validating Imogen’s feelings and anxiety, and also protecting her from Gretchen’s toxic behavior.

The romance was so sweet. This book has a full HEA, but I would consider it more like a HFN, and I’m gonna explain why: this story is about Imogen’s identity, and developing a crush on Tessa is the trigger. So, while the romance is always present, we only get the first stages of the relationship (the story lasts one week and Tessa and Imogen didn’t know each other before), and that’s perfect because I know Tessa and Imogen are together, but I also know that the most important thing is that Imogen finally got to unlock a side of herself she never thought existed.

I hugely recommend this book to everyone, and I think it’s a wonderful book for the teenagers who are starting to figure out their identities!

Rating: 4/5
Steam level: None - Young adult

ARC provided by HarperCollins and NetGalley. Opinions are my own!

Becky Albertalli is such a master at writing queer stories and this is no exception. I loved this one so much. Imogen was so relatable especially in terms of her coming out storyline and was such a fun character to read about. I loved the romance as well which felt really cute and realistic.

I absolutely adored this book. The characters were so real and I could see myself as well as people I knew in them. I applaud Albertalli because the way she took her own personal experience and weaved it so beautifully into the story was masterful. You could tell she was trying to convey a deeper meaning in regards to identity both hers and in general without it being preachy or discourse-y. I have never highlighted so many funny and/or heartfelt hit the point quotes before. All in all I loved this book.

The ideas this book explores about queerness are so important. I'm really glad that there's now more space for queer stories that don't present being queer as something you just always know, or even that you always recognize in yourself the first time you come face to face with it. A lot of readers are going to see themselves in Imogen.

CW: biphobia, forced outing of a queer character, underage drinking

This was such a beautifully queer story. I loved that it took place mainly on a college campus and I felt like the characters could have all given me a hug and I would have stayed forever. Imogen's friendship with Lilli was so meaningful and so sweet. I loved Imogen's monologues and her realness and vulnerability. Her journey as a young and unsure queer person was probably so incredibly validating and I loved reading her story. I also loved that the all the characters were queer. I also loved that Tessa was Jewish and openly talked about it. Becky's stories always feel so comforting and this one was no different. I also thought it delved into so many important topics including identity and how people navigate that. I could definitely tell there was a personal aspect here and the discussions around queerbaiting were done with so much care and this story truly was incredible. I loved these characters. I loved the conversations, I loved the texting threads, I loved everything about this and Becky absolutely nailed it. Huge thank you to Harper Collins and Netgalley for sending me an e-ARC of this book to read and review!

I first discovered Becky Albertalli with the release of Kate in Waiting. I am usually pretty picky when it comes to YA books, as it's not my preferred genre, but I loved that book! It was interesting, engaging, and had great pacing. The characters felt very real and authentic.

Based on that experience, I was excited to read Imogen, Obviously, and it did not disappoint! It definitely had a plot and message different from any book I had read before. It explored concepts and topics I had never considered surrounding queerness. I love that it opened my eyes to a human experience I had previously known nothing about.

I find Albertalli's writing to be fast-paced, easy to read, and very engaging. You get drawn into the character's stories and develop a connection with them. Albertalli writes characters very well - showing the diversity among them, while giving each of them their own arc. And I love that her dialogue feels smooth and real. I sometimes get frustrated with books that have dialogue or even characters that aren't believable, but I did not have that issue at all with this book.

One thing I liked about this book is that it wasn't predictable. I mean, yes, as the story progressed, you could definitely see where Imogen's story was going. But without giving any spoilers, there was a particular part of the plotline where I thought, "Oh okay, I see what's going to happen...", and what I expected was for it to follow a very common and predictable plotline. But the book surprised me when it didn't do that, and I appreciated that so much.

If I had one critique, it's that it took me a little while to understand who each character was in relation to Imogen (the main character). The book starts with a group of teenagers conversing, but it felt like it took several chapters to get a good grasp on who each of those characters were and how they related to Imogen. Once I got that sorted out, it became easier to read - but I think if it had be more clear from the start, that would've enhanced the reading experience even further. And if it was clear to everyone else that reads it, then it's possible I missed some key details that would've clarified it from the start, but I just know that it felt like it took me a while to understand who the supporting characters were.

That all being said, I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to seeing what Becky Albertalli writes next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins Children's Books for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

This is a very cute story. I had a fun time reading it. The plot line was interesting enough and it was easily enjoyable.

In Albertalli fashion this is a highly-readable and digestible fun, thought provoking, and interesting read. Main character Imogen struggles with sexual identity and what it means , but more importantly, the theme of being stuffed into small unforgiving and horrible boxes by society, friends, “friends,” and family is what is explored.

The most interesting theme in this book, however, is who gets to own, comment, or judge a lived experience? And what duty do we have as a society to not force people into boxes or out of closets

The book and character development are right up there with Albertalli’s books. The reason for 4 stars - it seemed the main character had a lot of stream of consciousness moments that thought while good at showing an internal struggle could have been tightened up more. Loved it overall. And as always: am so glad young people (and all) get to live in a world with literature like this.

So SO cute! I absolutely ate this up and will be recommending to everyone!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy!

I read this book back in January and have finally come back to post my official review now that Harper Collins came to an agreement with the Union!

This is actually my first Becky Albertalli read, but after reading the author’s note, I understand how this was such a personal book for the author and brought up some really interesting dilemmas in regards to queerbaiting and compulsory heterosexuality (comphet).

Imogen’s dismissal of her very real, suppressed queer feelings are sad as they are sometimes sweet at the same time:

Chap 4 - “I’ve always loved hair like that, though, especially when it wings out at the ends a bit, like Tessa’s does. I mean, if I were really bi, I bet I’d fall for her based on hair alone.”

Chap 5 - “Queerness recognizing queerness. It’s kind of beautiful when you think about it. I really do wish it was mine sometimes.”

Chap 15 - “There must be thousands of girls with crushes on Tessa. I mean, I’d be losing my mind over Tessa if I were queer.”

Gretchen is really the worst and I think she invalidates so many of Imogen’s real feelings while gatekeeping queerness. Although, I did still giggle a tiny bit at the term “sweet heteropotamus.”

Chap 59 - “I could ask her why she gets to decide what counts as questioning. And who counts as queer. And when she talks about the queer community, who does she mean? Who gets let in? Who gets shoved out? And what do you do with the fact that no two people seem to do queerness in quite the same way?”

One of the things I absolutely adored in this book were all the pop culture references:
- To the author Casey McQuiston (“TM: Can you explain to me why you have three identical copies of One Last Stop? … IS: Oh I mean … One’s signed, one’s my reading copy, and one’s for emergencies”)
- All the music (I made a <a href= “https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7mhSkzWZmQj8wAGF5cEXZM?si=Bl1l5357Tr6h4U9ZdrAAgQ&dd=1” >Spotify playlist</a> bc there were just so many excellent artist/song references that I needed to gather and listen to!)
- Just enough references to queer stereotypes (the Subaru Outbacks, cuffed jeans, and not being able to sit in a chair properly) while also showing all the different ways to be queer that don’t fit into those boxes.

This book also takes place local to me, in the Penn Yan / Finger Lakes area, and it was so fun to see references to some fave places, including Keuka Lake, Wegmans, the Windmill, and a very popular ice cream shop (shoutout Seneca Farms!).

I loved this story of identity, friendship, and belonging that warmed my heart, made me laugh, and brought a smile to my face! Thank you Netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

Genre: YA Romance
TW: Homophobia, Biophobia
Spice: Closed Door
Review written by: M
Release Date: May 2, 2023
*Thank you NetGalley & HarperCollins Children's Books for this eArc in exchange for an honest review*
 
Plot:
Imogen Scott has the title of “World’s Greatest Ally” in her pocket, never missing a Pride meeting and always creating a safe space for anyone. That includes her queer sister, and best friends Gretchen and Lily.
 
She would do anything for her friends, even bending the truth, just a tiny bit. When Imogen visits her newly out best friend Lily on campus for a weekend, Lily admits to her that she had told a small white lie; Lily and Imogen used to date. None of Lily’s college friends know that Imogen is as straight as an arrow and being the best friend she is, Imogen agrees to go along with Lily’s lie.
 
During her stay, Imogen meets Tessa, one of Lily’s best friends. As the weekend progresses, Lily not only begins to grapple with the guilt of lying about her sexuality to Tessa, but also beings to question if the truth about her sexuality, was ever as straight forward as she thought it was.
 
Thoughts:
 
This book was a cute & wholesome YA book about the struggles of questioning sexuality and coming to terms with the fact that life is not always black or white.
 
I believe this book will be very relatable for people who are grappling with the ever-mounting pressure to check a certain box when it comes to your sexuality, and then feeling the pressure that once the box has been selected it can’t change. It also shed light on the fact that even people who have a support system around them, people can still internally struggle with their choices and figuring out who they are.
 
The dialogue was on point for the age range of this book. It was fun, witty, and cute but more on point with the high-school drama. The author did an amazing job of getting into character for that age range, in my opinion. I am not a very big fan of the use of texting back-and-forth during books and it did get a bit irritating, but I do feel that it was an integral part of the book regardless of my personal opinions.
 
I enjoyed watching Imogen coming to terms with her sexuality and watching it all unfold. A few cons for me were the fact that the internal dialogue and drama did get a bit repetitive at time and the timeline of only a week felt a bit unrealistic for me.

Oh man, this book is like eating cotton candy, it's so sweet.

Imogen, Obviously follows Imogen who has always thought of herself as straight but begins to question things when her friend asks her to lie about previously dating each other. This gets more complicated when Imogen starts to question if her growing feelings for Tessa, her best friend's new friend, are based in friendship or something else. I loved everything about this book. It's sweet, it combats so many stigmas about bisexuals, and the main story is really about loving oneself and claiming your own identity, even if it evolves over time. The love story is also so well done and so wonderful that it's impossible not to root for Tessa and Imogen.

If you loved Becky Albertalli's other books, you're going to love Imogen, Obviously. That's just a fact. But I'd also encourage people who haven't read her before to give her a look or those who might have criticized her in the past. This book is also a statement about why judging people and forcing them to come out on anyone else's terms can be so harmful and painful. It reminds you that everyone is on a journey in their own time and that's completely fine.

ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to #NetGalley, Becky Albertalli and the publisher of the book for the eARC copy in echange for an honest review.

Imogen is the World's Greatest Ally! She never missed a Pride Alliance Meeting and supports her best friends and sister who identify as queer. One of her friends, Lilli, is newly out and thriving on her college campus. Imogen is thrilled for Lilli and when visiting Lilli, decides to bring her Ally A game and support her friend in any way possible. Being her ally soon means bending the truth a bit by telling a new friend of Lilli that they use to date.
As time goes on, Imogen starts to wonder if she is more than an ally.

A cute and fun YA read! Becky Albertalli never disappoints and I look forward to telling more people about this book!