Journey Thru Pages: Book Review: Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli

Author: Becky Albertalli

Publisher: Balzer & Bray

Published: May 2, 2023

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance

Age Group: 14 - 17 years

Representation: LGBTQ+ (lesbian, bisexual, and pansexual), Brazilian friend, Jewish friend

Trigger Warnings: Homophobia, biphobia, lesbophobia, bullying, pressure to come out, teen drinking, and toxic relationships

Romance/Sexual Content: No spice, two girls kissing

Page Turning Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Page Turner!

👉🏽 Check out this book on Goodreads or buy the book on Amazon

I received an ARC from HarperCollins Children’s Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was AMAZING! This was my first book by Becky Albertalli and it won't be my last. This story was so adorable and wholesome. It had me relating to the characters, laughing, and getting upset. The LGBT representation was so well done and realistic. I felt that Albertalli was on point with the queer experiences and their inner struggles.

Let's talk about Imogen, boy did love her. I'm usually not one to like fmc, they usually annoy me. However, Imogen has become hands down a favorite of mine. There were moments where I was screaming at her because she was a total pushover, always apologizing for things. However, I didn't mind it because that's a part of her growth as a character, which was pleasant to read. The journey and inner struggles she faced with finding her true identity and discovering herself was so refreshing to read. Imogen made me fall in love with her, which made me become fully invested in her. She was so layered, funny, and fearless. I think that her experiences with discovering her sexuality is one that many people can relate to, including myself.

Now Tessa, she is just so amazing and the perfect match for Imogen. She was just this glorious soft-butch lesbian that had me swooning with all her little, but significant gestures. Ugh, she is such a sweetheart. I loved every moment I spent with her and seeing Imogen and her relationship develop. Just like Imogen, I was full of anticipation when I'd be seeing (reading) Tessa again. Listen, I think I myself developed a crush on Tessa. Just her being the cinnamon roll that she is had me giggling, smiling, and feeling butterflies. She made my little bitty heart full with happiness and all the "awww" vibes.

Although Imogen is a fictional character, I could tell that Albertalli was speaking about her experiences through her. The words on those pages felt so real and raw. I'm so grateful for this story and the words that the author wrote. This should be a book read in school curriculums, as I know a lot of teens struggle with this. This is a book I NEEEEEDDD a physical copy of, so I can reread it, heavily annotate it, and have it sit gloriously on my shelf. *cough, cough Harper send one my way lol* I'd highly recommend this book HANDS DOWN. I'd highly recommend this book HANDS DOWN.