A review by bashsbooks
Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli

emotional funny hopeful 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? No

4.0

Imogen, Obviously is about a girl who is #intoodeep on the queer discourse and thus thinks she is simply a deeply devoted ally. I think some of the anxieties and doubts she has come from being chronically online - which is where the texture of a lot of the jokes come from as well. For me, as someone who is always on Tumblr, that read fine, but I find myself wondering if people who aren't on the internet like that would "get" it.

I think the overarching message about how we all have a different experience and how no one gets to decide who is and isn't queer is a good one, a much needed one. At times, it does lean heavily and pointedly on the author's own experience of being assumed straight and taken to task for it, which is understandable but somewhat jarring in certain places. In that vein, some of the discussions end up feeling preachy at times.

Also, the sausage bit is very funny. I enjoyed that a lot.

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