Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli

Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli - 343 pages

Leah feels as if she doesn't fit in.  Her family is just her mom who is obsessed with Leah and her friends high school experience.  Her friends are paired off into couples making her always feel like a third wheel.  And she can't seem to let anyone know that she is bisexual . . . especially Abby the girl she's had a crush on for a couple years.

This is the sequel to Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda.  It focuses on Leah and Abby, two of Simon's best friends.  While I did enjoy this story, I didn't like it as much as the first story.  This is probably because Leah just isn't as likable a character.  She's very awkward and uncomfortable in her skin.

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli - 303 pages

Simon is being blackmailed. 

Simon has been communicating through email with another closeted boy at his school.  He has quickly fallen in love with him even though he only knows him by the alias Blue.  They email each constantly.

Now Marty has accidentally discovered these emails and is blackmailing Simon into hooking him up with Simon's best friend Abby . . . .


I really enjoyed this book.  Simon was a very likable main character who was trying hard to make the best of several bad situations.  The secondary characters were also well developed and drew you further into the story.  I picked this book up after catching the movie version on tv the other night and I'm glad I did.

Keeping You a Secret by Julie Anne Peters

Keeping You a Secret by Julie Anne Peters-256 pages

I decided to read an LGBTQIA book since it's the challenge. I am not into it myself, but the book was okay. It was a coming out story for a teen girl who seemed to have it all, but met and soon fell in love with the new girl in school. It is somewhat dated and cliche, but it is a decent read, overall.