The Book Guy

One of the unexpected joys of the movies so far this year has been Love, Simon, Greg Berlanti’s touching and heartfelt adaptation of Becky Albertalli’s bestselling YA novel, Simon Vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda. The first mainstream teen rom-com with an LGBT character at its core, the film took huge pleasure in wholeheartedly engaging with the standard tropes of the romantic comedy genre, rather than expending much of its energy or charm in trying to subvert them.

Leah On The Of beat

(Penguin)

Set one year after the events of that book, Leah On The Of eat shifts the focus onto Leah Burke, Simon’s best childhood friend who harboured not-a-little crush on our hero. Leah is out as bi to her Mom, but nobody else, which is beginning to cause her no end of stress as she develops a crush on her friend Abby, who is still romantically involved with their mutual friend, Nick. Leah is also dealing with a complicated home life as her Mom’s relationship with her new boyfriend heads to the next level.

A number of familiar touchstones from the first book return – the students are again rehearsing for a musical (Joseph in this case, versus Cabaret last time), and super-liberal supportive parents are legion, however, this book gives the characters more room to breathe and develop.

Like with Simon, there is a huge amount to admire about this book. It’s charming, funny and well-written, with Albertalli well able to juggle the enlarged cast of characters. She’s also not afraid to dip her toes in murkier waters. A schism occurs in the group when a classmate suggests the only reason Abby got into college ahead of her is because of positive discrimination, the fallout of Simon’s outing is still present in the various dynamics, and Leah constantly battles with self-confidence, her weight, and body image. In contrast to the big houses portrayed in the film, Leah’s family also struggles with money, and the search for her dream prom dress is another thorn in her side.

Leah is a kick-ass protagonist who, although inexperienced, is well able to handle the complicated sexual politics that increasingly come into play. A lot gets thrown at her in this book and, despite her own reservations, we’re constantly reminded of how much of a rock she is for those around her. Leah is a fantastic counter-balance for Simon, and fingers crossed a film studio is ready to take a chance on her life too.

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Clean

by Juno Dawson

(Quercus)

Starting as a horror writer, Juno Dawson has more recently turned her versatile hand to non-fiction, historical fiction, and Doctor Who tie-ins. In Clean, she tackles the increasingly prevalent phenomenon of teenage drug addiction through the eyes of 17 year-old socialite Lexi, who’s packed off to an exclusive rehab facility after overdosing. There she meets a gang of similar folk looking to kick their own habits. A book that doesn’t pull any punches, Clean is a must-read for older teens.

All We Can Do Is Wait

by Richard Lawso

(Razorbill)

The début novel of Vanity Fair critic Richard Lawson was published this year with an eerily prescient plot. When a bridge collapses without warning in Boston, brother and sister Jason and Alexa rush to the hospital to hear news of their parents. There they meet Skyler, who is waiting on news of her sister, and Scott, whose girlfriend was on a bus when the tragedy happened. A slow-burning, engaging read, Lawson depicts each of the characters trying to make it through their longest day.