I don't even know how to start. This book hit a chord with me and I saw so much of myself reflected in Imogen. This was so real and genuine that the internal monologue really felt like being in someone's mind. Imogen is such a likable person and is so sweet and you just want to hug her and help her. If you are a part of the LGBTQ+ community or an alley this book is worth reading! I cried happy tears and tears over my own experiences as events unfolded in this novel. 
Spoiler: <spoiler> I have never read a book before that has reflected my own bi-coming-out experience, so many start the story with them already confident in the knowledge of who they are. For some it takes times to see what obivously was always there and true. </spoiler> 

This book was like therapy for me!

*I got this book as an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

If you pay at all attention to Beck Albertalli's internet presence then you know just how extremely personal this book must have been for her to write. You can feel her personal journey in every page of Imogen, Obviously and there are some "ripped from the headlines" moments the book interrogates and while it had the effect of taking me out of the book in some ways, in other ways I found the conversations the book has incredibly engaging and thought provoking.

The heart of this book, though, is a YA coming of age story -- my favorite kind and the kind that Albertalli writes beautifully. Imogen is on the precipice of college and even though she is going to school relatively close to home and one where her best friend goes, college isn't only a huge step in her life but it is where she will get to be exposed to different people and opportunities outside her localized existence.

Imogen grapples throughout this book on what it means to be an ally, what it means to be queer and overall, her identity. I can't tell you how much I wished I had a book like this to read while I was growing up and I love the idea of younger people getting opportunities to read this and so many other books by queer authors.

Imogen is working through these huge questions about her identity while also trying to be a kid, growing up and questioning who she is. Throughout this journey she has supportive friends and some not as supportive and you as the reader get to figure out who is who together with Imogen which is pretty rewarding.

Imogen's anxieties and thoughts are a little repetitive but overall I found the questions she asks really interesting and thought provoking and important and I can't wait for other people to read this.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fantastic, tender, deeply personal bisexual coming of age YA story that follows 18 year old Imogen whose lived her whole life thinking she was straight but then comes to question everything after spending a weekend with a group of queer friends on a college campus visit.

The way the author explores sexual identity complexities, internalized biphobia and the confusion that comes with learning you may identify differently that society has made you believe. Incredibly moving and such an important book for young queer and questioning readers!

Great on audio too narrated by Caitlin Kinnunen and perfect for fans of authors like Rachel Lynn Solomon or Dahlia Adler. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. Also let's just all take a second to admire the GORGEOUS pink Leni Kauffman cover design!!

Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli is my most anticipated 2023 release, and I've got to say that it did not disappoint and I'm grateful to netgalley for the eARC! It's a great, heartwarming romance that packs a punch with its themes about gatekeeping and acceptance.

Imogen is a rising college freshman, excited to spend a weekend at her future school with her best friend Lili. Lili introduces Imogen to her friend group but warns her that she has to pretend to be bi. Lili lied to sound cooler to her college friends. Instead of being mad, Imogen is happy to play along and get to know these friends from college. But is it queerbaiting when she starts leaning into this lie too hard? Is it wrong when she starts talking to a girl? She's the token straight friend, and is it wrong for her to question her role? Imogen is a great character. I enjoyed being in her thoughts as she finds her world turned upside down with her questions and as she navigates the relationships she has at this turning point in her life. The writing was easy to read, threw me back into the world of Becky Albertalli's writing, and it made me cry (just a little bit).
This book tackles some great themes. I know it ties into a lot with Albertalli's own experience, and I could definitely see that. Imogen has a friend that "keeps her in check" and calls her out on her biases, but also keeps her in a predetermined box. I unfortunately know people like her. They tell you that they're more oppressed than you as if it's a pissing contest. They tell you that because you're "straight-passing" or have the option to like the opposite sex, you're not as queer as them. So unfortunately that character was all too real to me, but thankfully she's in the minority in this book. Gatekeeping is unfortunately something that a lot of people in the queer community have to deal with, but Albertalli tackles the subject well.
Once again this is a great novel that is accepting and full of queer joy. I've already been recommending this to everyone in my personal life, and I hope the rest of you pick this up as well.

This was an ultimately very kind, obviously personal, excellent young adult coming-of-age novel about discovering yourself and recognizing that queerness, by its very nature, is different for everyone. The slightly farcical "pretend ex" setup, the descriptions of all the romantic butterflies, the family and friend group relationships, and in general all the characterization are really excellent. There were times when I thought the (for lack of a better word) "villain" of the novel was too obviously telegraphed as villainous, but other times I was impressed and in fact skeptical of how sympathetically and generously this character was treated, which I feel is overall a good balance.

A book on queer representation, a coming out story that will totally resonate to anyone who reads this. 💖

Where do I start here? I love Becky Albertalli and her books. Imogen is no exception. I can totally see how personal this story is to Becky and how it reflects her forced coming out story & the controversy that came with that. Now, this is not my favorite of her books, but I appreciate how she put her soul into it.

I really liked Lili as a character and best friend to Imogen. She was strong, nonjudgmental and the best (pretty much) big sister Imogen needed. When she spiraled, Lili was there. I liked the contrast between Lili and Gretchen. Both queer women with a lot to prove, but I liked how it represented different opinions. Gretchen was infuriating sometimes, especially with her harsh judgments. But like Imogen I could always see the points she was trying to make. I understand the struggle she felts to know that her friend was being a lot but not having the vocabulary/life experience to go against Gretchen. The smack down at the end was so good & juicy tho!

Now here’s my struggle with this book. The beginning felt like it dragged a lot. I understand we needed to be on campus to establish this crush and friend group but something didn’t quite feel right at first. The other thing that was distracting to me was the amount of repetitive internal battles Imogen had in her head. Don’t get me wrong, she was questioning herself and what she knew but it felt like this happened every other chapter and it got to feeling like it just was the same thing over and over.

Overall, I think this is a solid Becky Albertalli book. She has a way that she writes that makes you want to continue reading just to find out what’s next. She always includes wit and sass that I just love. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!

Much applause to Becky Albertalli for writing this very personal ode* to BiSeXuAL cOnFuSiOn, coming of age while said confusion is happening, and the harm shitty gatekeeping queers do to other queers who are just trying to figure things out, okay!?

*Just google "Becky Albertalli forced to come out". I'm not getting into it here.

Imogen is visiting her friend Lili at college, hoping to join here there upon graduation. The days she spends in Lili's (queer) friend group sort of change her life forever. She comes away with a feeling of wanting to belong, and a crush on girl that surely can't be a crush, because she's straight, right? So straight. Except, not. She has it bad for Tessa, and they are adorable.

I loved Imogen so much. She is so thoughtful and kind in her confusion. And her arc is very satisfying as she comes into her own. The romance between her and Tessa is very good also. They are extremely cute together.

Highly recommend this, especially if you are looking for a books about questioning sexuality or with bisexual representation.

Imogen seeks to be the best ally she can to her two best friends and her little sister, all of whom are queer. When she visits Lili, one of her best friends at college, Lili shares a secret -- Lili told her group of friends that she and Imogen used to date because she was embarrassed that, unlike all her other friends, she had no dating history to speak of. Always eager to support her friends, Imogen agrees to go along with the story. As Imogen spends time with Lili's friends who think she is her ex-girlfriend, Imogen starts to wonder if there may be some truth to the story -- surprising herself most of all.

This is a perceptive story, with well drawn characters and an interesting exploration of timely themes.

Highly recommended!

When Imogen arrives on a college campus to spend a weekend with her best friend, Lili, only to discover that Lili has concocted their backstory as being ex-girlfriends instead of simply best friends, she plays along. She is an ally after all and wants to support her recently out longtime bestie. But the role makes her start to question things, especially after she is introduced to flirty tomboy Tessa. Is Imogen straight like her other friend Gretchen insists, or is it time for Imogen to define who she is herself?

I adored this one. It’s full of heart, honesty, and vulnerability. I loved the flirting and tenderness between Imogen and Tessa and the anticipation and excitement of the crush, the fierce supportiveness of Lili, Lil’s brother Otávio, and Imogen’s sister, Edith, and the entire friend group at the college. I found myself wanting to reach into the pages to give Imogen a huge hug.

Imogen obviously has found the right place for her, and I’m so glad she did.

I received an advance copy from HarperCollins Children’s Books, Balzer + Bray, and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.

I got an ARC of this book.

I liked a lot about this book in the first half (figuring yourself out later than others, first queer love, finding a home), but not enough to overcome some major issues that just kept growing. Be warned, this is very ranty. I tried to edit and make it make sense, but that may have just created even more weirdness. I have been ranting to everyone who will listen trying to digest this book for three days now.

My biggest issue is that it felt like a way for Albertalli to call out queers for being upset that she was making a name in m/m romance before she was out. It is like when Melanie Martinez was accused of rape, but then wrote a song about how the person was jealous of her instead of addressing anything. It just left a bad taste in my mouth. Surprise, the queer community has been abused and used for profits by others. They are going to be suspicious of people making it big off their stories and now that the internet makes it incredibly easy to voice opinions in a safe way (hello review sites, twitter, goodreads, etc). This is a real thing and it was explored very badly in this book. Instead of a nuanced conversation it was a terribly flat character who was just always angry and bashing straight people mouthing off again. Made me think of the feminazi stereotype of feminism, it was that intense and flat. It made it so the conversation was just another reason why that character was toxic, instead of a valid and nuanced situation. The characters who could have had the conversation, just immediately shut it down and changed the subject. Yes, people should not be forced to be out. Yes, queer stories should be told by queer people. Ever heard of the issues with cishet women being the major writers and readers of m/m romance? It could have literally been a whole thing in the book (like with The One True Me and You did!), where they realize that some things really are complicated and to support queer creators too. Instead we got: its toxic to want queer only spaces, to be suspicious of people who have abused you, and to want queer people telling queer stories. It is more complicated that this story let it be by far.

It was sad, because for the first about half the book this was the best book I had read by her. If this had any nuance to it, then I could praise her for actually calling people out and having valid points. Instead it is super flat. I can get behind petty levels to the point of publishing a book to call out people, but it has to be done well.

Heck the big “would you even date a bi person scene” didn’t even make sense. Not only did that not attack the “straight” person (straight in quotes since the person was not straight, but that character kept trying to force her to be so she could keep being awful), but it just didn’t prove her point about anything. This could have been a great time to talk about gold star lesbians and how it is biphobic and transphobic, but nope. It was just a weird line thrown in there to start a fight. It could have been amazing.

So my issue was just how flat the gatekeeper was and how none of the actual issues were addressed. If there were just a romance without Gretchen involved, then it would have been an amazing cute read (easily five stars for the romance. It was cute from the very start). If there was nuance in the arguments, then I would have eaten this book up. Albertalli was in the position to do a huge #ownvoices take on this and instead of exploring it, we got flat and moustache twirling levels of biphobia from a bi character. Hell, if Gretchen had been a lesbian then so much more of this could have made sense based on the biphobia the lesbian and gay communities have (and how that has caused so much internalized biphobia in bi people, even I am not immune. You can literally watch me learn in reviews of bi books over the last few years). It could have been a great look at that. But no. I am so annoyed. This had so much potential. The romance was PERFECT. Instead it got bogged down with all this extra stuff that wasn’t done well.

The way I devoured this book in one sitting has to be a new record for me especially after being in an awful reading slump.

Filled with modern pop culture references, Imogen Obviously is an absolute delight of a book. It’s a story of not only finding yourself and discovering your identity, but also what it means to be queer. You can tell right away from the incredible author’s note that this book means a lot to the author and reading it, there’s a lot of care and thought put into it.

Imogen is such a sweetheart I just wanted to hug her the entire time. I absolutely loved reading this book and watching her slowly put the pieces together and realize that she’s bisexual. Also the friend group is so great it was incredible to see her get along with people since her main high school friend was so rude throughout the book.

This is the second sapphic and Jewish book I’ve read this year and I just want to say I’m so glad we’re getting more representation!

Thank you so much to HarperCollins and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Becky Albertalli does it again. I don't know how she keeps doing it. Writing books that just are perfectly catered to me. This is definitely the one that does that the most though. There were several paragraphs in here, where I just feel like Becky Albertalli looked into my brain and just pulled out my thoughts and put them into more eloquent words. This book legit gave me anxiety at points because I've had those exact thought spirals that Imogen had in this book. I related to her, maybe just a little too much. I also just really liked the overall story of this book. I also really liked the cast of characters, except one character that made my blood boil but that was the purpose of the book. I also thought the romantic relationship between Imogen and Tessa was absolutely adorable, and I loved seeing that develop throughout the book. God, did I just absolutely adore this book. I do just need to talk to Becky Albertalli though, she can't keep reading my mind like this. It's getting creepy.

Before I started reading, I already assumed this would be a very personal story from Becky herself seeing as she shared that much on her social media accounts. She just pours her heart out & lets us feel her struggles.
This book is easily readable, captivating, full of banter, and very vivid. I 100% recommend this book to anyone who’s ever experienced bullying.

I am going to start by giving a warning for some serious biphobia and bi eraser so please read with care.
Alright so I have some mixed feelings for this book. I love Becky Albertalli but this book just wasn't as good as some of her other works. This book was not as warm or as sweet at Simon. The characters also just weren't as likeable.
That being said I did really love Imogen. Poor girl was definitely confused and misguided in a lot of places but she also is so pure at heart. I just wanted to go help her on her queer journey. I also wanted to protect her at all costs.
This book would have done much worse with me if I didn't love Imogen so much. So this is an iffy recommendation for me. If you like something that's really characters driven this is definitely for you. If you are hoping for something with the same vibe as Simon I would move on.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I honestly have never felt so seen and so represented by a book before. I am Imogen, Imogen is me. As a 34 year old woman who came out as bisexual around the same time as Imogen, her inner dialogue read as so real to me. Even now, I’ll have the occasional bout of internalized biphobia and wondering if I’m queer enough, if, because I’ve never been in a relationship with a woman, my bisexuality is still valid. And it IS, and this book shows that and that is so so important and beautiful. Also, there was a line I highlighted in my ebook where Imogen talked about ONLY wearing dresses for a point in elementary school, and like… that was literally me? Not to mention the overthinking everything, the anxiety, all of that.

I adored this book, because it’s exactly the book I needed when I was a young adult questioning things, and I’m so, so happy that it’s out there now for others who are just like I was, and like Imogen is.

Imogen has spent her whole life being the world’s most supportive ally to her queer sister and friends. During her senior year of high school she begins traveling to nearby schools including a stay with her friend Lili, a college freshman. Lili had told her new friends that Imogen is an ex-girlfriend, so Imogen assumes that role. This sends Imogen on a journey of self discovery and figuring out that she might not be as straight as she thought, especially when she meets Tessa.

I loved this book. I loved loved loved Imogen. I think her queer story is one that is not an uncommon one, but in a world where so many of the loudest stories are ones of those who knew their whole lives, it is often an overlooked. I loved Becky’s forward explaining that Imogen’s story is in a way her own after discovering she was bi while working on promoting the Love, Simon movie. I really liked how the book was structured with text message threads between each chapter giving an extra layer to the story. I do think that many of the pop culture references were a little too old for the age of characters but I must add that all the references to But I’m A Cheerleader made me rewatch the movie for the first time in years. This book is perfect for high school age teens and older.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Honestly, the reader letter that Becky wrote in the beginning could have been the entire book. I literally would have paid $19.99 for that letter. It spoke to my soul and also scared the shit out of me to experience Imogen’s journey. But I’m so glad I did.

Imogen, Obviously is a YA sapphic romcom about a high school senior’s journey to discovering her sexuality. Imogen is the world’s best ally. She loves her lesbian sister, queer besties, and her three copies of One Last Stop. Yep, Imogen is just cruising along, living her best straight life. But when Imogen goes to visit her bestie Lili at college and is introduced to her incredible crew of queer friends... Enter one of Lili’s lesbian friends, the adorably captivating Tessa, to make Imogen realize she might be as straight as a circle.

I loved all the members of the college crew and how they instantly took Imogen under their wing. There were so many hilarious moments in this book with the crew (insert tiny sausages here). And all of the communication between Imogen and Tessa… chef’s kiss perfection. Whether in person, texting, or FaceTime, their conversations were so organically funny. I had such a great time getting to know all the people in Imogen’s life (sans Gretchen the wretchen) and would love to see a sequel based on literally any of these amazing characters. Edith my love, are you next?

Also, huge shoutout to Becky for the amazing amount of diversity in this book, including the Jewish rep! 💕

Look for Imogen, Obviously on May 2nd!

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for this ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Imogen, Obviously is clearly a very personal work for the author. Do not skip the foreword, it adds so much to the rest of the book.

Imogen was one of the most vivid, real, and relatable characters I have ever read. Her thoughts, concerns, and actions were so well-written that she seemed like a real person. The intense anxieties and doubts Imogen had were portrayed so well that I found myself getting anxious for her. A lot.

Reading this book was not a relaxing experience. A sense of tension was present the entire time, but for good reason.

When a character is as well-drawn as Imogen, the side characters tend to fall by the wayside. In this case, they definitely did not! Lili, Edith, Tessa, and Gretchen were whole people. The only very slight criticism I might have is that there were maybe one or two characters more than were needed and they didn't have quite the same amount of development as others.

Overall, Imogen, Obviously was truly wonderful. Having the opportunity to read about Imogen's journey was a privilege. 5/5.

Becky Albertalli has become a staple for queer representation in queer literature. I have read every one of her novels and I feel seen and heard in each of them (even this one even though I’m not bi). There is heart and joy mixed with heartbreak and I find myself laughing out loud several times while reading.

I eagerly anticipate each new novel and can’t wait to see what is in store next.