Imogen, Obviously

Becky Albertalli has an amazing way of telling deep stories in an everyday setting. A College, a few teens, maybe a Party or two,... It doesn't exactly seem spectacular, but it serves as the stage for a story of self-discouvery, questioning one's own identity, friendship dynamics, queer community and identities and a lovely romance. All the while the dialogues and inner monologues are so lifelike, that sometimes while reading I felt as though these characters couldn't possibly be made up. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who, questions themselves and the ideas other people have of them, who have a tendency to peopleplease or who do not feel heard. Or to simply anyone who wants to read a good teen novel.

The book follows Imogen Scott, a self-proclaimed “hopelessly straight” ally who prides herself on being supportive of her queer friends. When she visits her best friend Lili at college, she discovers that Lili has told everyone Imogen is bisexual. At first, Imogen goes along with the lie—but as she spends more time with Lili’s charming friend Tessa, she begins to question her assumptions about herself, her identity, and what she really wants. Albertalli captures the confusion, joy, and vulnerability of questioning your sexuality with authenticity and sensitivity. Imogen is a relatable protagonist: anxious, loyal, funny, and flawed in ways that feel real. Her inner monologue is full of self-doubt but also humor, and readers see her gradually untangle her feelings about labels, attraction, and honesty. Tender, funny, and affirming, Imogen, Obviously is a beautifully written coming-of-age story about identity and love. It’s both a joyful rom-com and a thoughtful exploration of self-discovery—perfect for fans of Albertalli’s earlier work and anyone navigating what it means to figure yourself out.

This was so sweet and fun! I could really relate to Imogen, as I am also overthinkng everything. But especially the parts about identities and figuring oneself out were super relatable. Becky Albertalli wrote a YA RomCom thats so much more. I loved the dicussions about queer intercourse and community a lot and relly enjoyed having this as a focus opposed to other themes many queer YA novels focus on. Also I too would have questioned my sexuality if I met Tessa, she is so funny!

Imogen was always convinced that she was hetero, she never was obsessed with a girl and she certainly is not on the same queer level as her friend Gretchen who’s whole personality is about being bisexual. That is until Imogen visits her best friend Lily in College, who is one year older than her, there Imogen meets Lily's queer friends. Imogen really likes this one girl Tessa who also thinks Imogen is queer since Lily was insecure about being a "baby gay" and lied to everyone that Imogen is her ex. Imogen begins to really like Tessa and they text constantly. Since Imogen feels really close and connected to Tessa and they test 24/7 Imogen isn’t sure anymore if her feelings for Tessa are simply platonic or if she is interested on a romantic level. The reader follows Imogen on her thought process, experiences and feelings about realizing being queer. It’s lovely to see how Imogen falls for Tessa and her whole world suddenly changes, Unfortunately her experiences and the reactions of the people around her aren’t exclusively positiv and she has to ask herself who her real friends are and how much she has pretended to be someone else in the past just to fit in and please the people that are important to her. I obviously loved Imogen obviously, ;) it’s such a cute and wholesome love story which covers really important topics. I could relate to this story on so many levels and it made me quite emotional to see how Imogen struggled to comprehend her feelings. I would absolutely recommend this book, it’s perfect for everyone who likes YA romance novels, the books includes so many feelings, topics and experiences, I really think anyone finds something in this book to relate to. Huge recommendation. #queer #wlw #romance #fake dating #friends to lovers

This book is so lovely! It's perfect for everyone who craves a book with sweet queer characters, a cute love story and a warm hug.