We’re only in March, but I can already tell this is going to be one of my favorite reads of this year.

In this novel that is both adorable and thought provoking, we follow Imogen, a high school senior and dedicated ally to the LGBT community. Imogen may be straight but she’s extremely supportive of her queer friends and sister. She loves queer media and is active in her school’s pride club.

But is she straight? A visit to her best friend’s college leaves her questioning everything.

The romance in this was adorable. I don’t usually find myself too invested in YA romances, but here I found the characters to have great chemistry and hilarious banter. They were so stinking cute.

What really set this novel apart for me was the discourse. Imogen finds herself wondering if she’s really bi or if she’s simply “appropriating queerness.” Her inner monologue and the conversations between her and her friends lead to really interesting discussions on what it means to be queer and who gets to decide who you are. A lot of the discussions focus on biphobia. I found these conversations to be insightful and relevant to a lot of discourse we see these days.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in LGBT literature, even if you don’t normally read YA. It’s an extremely important book and I hope it gets the recognition it deserves when it’s published.

Thank you so much to HarperCollins and NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for my honest review.

Albertalli, you did it again. I LOVED this book, just as much as I loved Simon vs. The Homosapiens Agenda. Maybe even a teeeeeeny bit more because Imogen just resonated so much with me with her people pleasing and overthinking and being afraid to offend or take up space. I thought this book was so wonderfully done and brought up a lot of great conversations and questions about the queer community and identity. I thought Imogen’s journey to herself felt really genuine and authentic. Also I loved Albertalli’s note at the beginning about her own experience with finding her sexual identity. I absolutely adored Lilli and her friends. It was such a cute found family. Gretchen absolutely infuriated me, but she was written so well and I found her really interesting because I haven’t read a character like her before. And TESSA. Ugh Tessa was amazing. I would honestly LOVE a follow up to this book set when Imogen is in college with the group and maybe some closure/a big conversation with Gretchen. I don’t want to be done with these characters or this story yet. Honestly, just a top notch book that I can’t wait to own in physical form.


Thank you to NetGalley, Harperteen and Balzar + Bray for an advanced digital reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book. In particular, I love all the queer joy and how this shows the side of erasure even within the LGBTQ community. As a queer woman with a very similar experience to Imogen (though I was much older!) I appreciate her story's gripping honesty as an ally trying to find her space, experiencing imposture syndrome and first love.

My only complaint is that the love interest (whose name I can't even remember, and I read this last week) is one-dimensional. I would have loved to know more about her struggles, challenges, and how she grows throughout the novel.

All in all, I will recommend it. Thank you, Albertalli!

4.5 stars, rounded up
Becky Albertalli has done it again!
This is an incredibly personal book to her, and you can tell from the very first page how much she cares about the characters and the story they are a part of. I truly think that this is a story that every queer person can see some of themselves in. From the exploration of sexuality to the found family of queer students to the toxic discourse within the queer community, I found a lot of my self-acceptance journey within these pages.
Imogen is an incredibly likable character, and the story Albertalli has crafted surrounding her self-discovery is one that I'm sure is going to stick in the library of queer YA literature of the decade. The way she approaches allyship and queerness is endearing, and the way that she has to deal with constant judgment as she tries to understand herself makes her impossible to root for. The side characters, who are there to support her, are also very fleshed-out. I enjoyed them and their antics a lot, and they added much-needed bursts of lightness to what could have easily become an overly heavy story. The only critique I have for this book is the fact that it ends quickly with little closing for Imogen's romantic arc. I would have loved to feel a little more satisfied once I finished reading.
In the vein of heaviness, though, it is impossible to talk about this book without talking about Gretchen, biphobia, and real-person queerbaiting. A lot of the harder things to read in this book revolve around Imogen's toxic friendship with Gretchen, who is biphobic and at times cruel under the guise of being gay and traumatized. There are very valid reasons for Gretchen's actions, but she is very much the embodiment of toxic queer Twitter -- going around forcing people out of the closet so they are actually authentic, because, otherwise, they're lying to the people who follow them online. She has an arc that is all too common in today's society that has forced too many people to come out before they are ready to do so, including Albertalli herself. She is young, and I do think she could change in the future, but she is deeply unhelpful and harmful to Imogen.
I think reading a book where the sort of person like Gretchen is not in the right (because, let's be real, she's not -- real people can't queerbait even if they are in the public eye) is going to be lifechanging for young people questioning their identity. Becky Albertalli has long been a staple in queer YA fiction, and she has cemented herself with this book as someone who has and will change lives and make the world just a little brighter and more accepting.

Out May 2, 2023 [Thank you so much the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!]

Rating: 5/5 stars

Imogen Scott is straight, and an ally to the queer community. But then her best friend Lili admits that she told everyone she and Imogen used to date, and Imogen gets introduced to a friendship group (and one specific girl) that just might have her questioning everything she thought she knew about herself.

Becky Albertalli is one of my original auto-buy authors and I truly think I would read her grocery list if she published it. Fortunately, she keeps publishing amazing books so I don’t have to resort to such levels.

IMOGEN, OBVIOUSLY is a delight of a book—a real, raw, touching coming-of-age story about a young woman figuring out who she is in multiple senses, including the sexuality she never realized was in question. Each of the characters was perfectly crafted and added a layer to the story (we love a good ensemble cast!) and I’m absolutely obsessed with the way the central tension in this book was written—for anyone who has ever struggled with a friendship that just isn’t good for you (even if the other person might genuinely mean well), this one’s for you.

I could go on, but really all I can say is that I can’t wait for this book to be out in the world. I’m so excited for everyone who sees a bit of themselves in Imogen (whatever that might mean on a personal level) to be able to hold her story in their hands.

Recommended to anyone, but especially if you like: YA romance; coming-of-age stories; LGBTQ stories

CW: Biphobia (and mentions of queerphobia/homophobia more generally)

Becky Albertalli CONTINUES to be one of the most amazing writers. She pulls you into a story immediately and her writing manages to make you laugh and tear up on the same page. Her sense of humor and ability to create characters that a reader cares about so quickly is uncanny.

As a librarian, this book is proof of why all kids should be able to find books about people like them in their school library. Representation MATTERS, and a book like this could change a kid’s life. Relating to a character like Imogen could truly help them understand who they are and let them know that they’re not alone.

The author's note at the beginning of the book had me in tears - hearing how Albertalli's own experiences (that so closely match my own) inspired the novel had me itching to read every word!

Thanks to Balzer + Bray and NetGalley for the ARC of this book!

Becky Albertalli is one of my go-to YA authors, and so I was instantly intrigued by Imogen, Obviously. Told in a compelling first-person narrative, the language is so relatable, authentic and vulnerable. While Imogen, Obviously does read quite quickly (aka I could hardly put it down), the story line is so intriguing, interesting and honest. While Imogen, Obviously does feature a serious story about coming out, it does so in a fun, sweet and adorable package. Another well-done read for Albertalli, that's for sure.

I absolutely love this book. It’s not only whip smart and literally laugh out loud hilarious, it’s beautiful and thoughtfully written. Imogene’s slow, careful exploration of her sexuality is completely relatable and important for kids still figuring it all out. I loved this book and so wished it was around when I was a kid.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. As a 52 yo allocishet "ally" who has always consumed all sorts of media and pop culture (gay, straight and in-between), I was a little nervous about this book. Was it going to make me question calling myself an "ally"? Was it going to make me question how I consume and approach queer media? This book is about Imogen's journey, one of discovery and awakening. I'm an overthinker, so I can appreciate and understand how much Imogen is in her head. It's so eye-opening to be in Imogen's head as she navigates her internal discourse, and the outside influences as she figures out her identity. I love that she really thinks about the way people present as they move through the world; but she does it with an awkward grace and humor that is utterly charming. The further I got into the narrative, the less I worried about ally awareness and the more I just loved Imogen. I can't relate to her story on a personal level; nor can I understand the complexities of questioning ones identity or what it is like to "come out". I can continue to consume and love queer literature as it helps me change, grow, and hopefully continue to evolve as an ally.

Oh my god. Sweet baby Imogen!
I loved this book!!
My heart was clenching for Imogen the whole time. She tries to hard and she is so relatable with her anxiety and trying to not hurt anyone ever.
The discourse and dialogue that comes up about safe spaces and identity was important.
You could definitely feel the authors heart in this one.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an EARC of this book.

I’m feeling all the warm and mushy feelings, Becky really tucks you in tight, snug as a bug in a rug, and plants a sweet kiss on your forehead before wishing you sweet dreams and turning on your rainbow nightlight & white noise machine.

Imogen was a fresh voice, equal parts quirky and cringe and relatable and I loved reading along through her tentative exploration of attraction and feelings. There was something so distinctly YA about this novel, with it’s goofy & chaotic premise and deeply relatable introspection.

While you can expect to have an absolute blast, there are also profound discussions and insights artfully woven throughout the story. The conversations surrounding queerbaiting and biphobia are so important and are handled and explored with such tenderness and care. Becky’s author’s note had me choking back sobs, demonstrating just how significant these conversations are, and many moments during Imogen’s journey tugged painfully at my heartstrings.

A truly, beautifully raw and validating narrative of self discovery & queerness.

5⭐️

**big big thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins Children’s Publishing for this eARC**

Wow I have ALL the feelings about this book. Like, for one, this was SO cute! I have all the love for these too! Also LOL at this girl thinking she’s an “ally” with 3 copies of One Last Stop! Like seriously so funny and something akin to what lots of us did before coming out. This book encapsulates the feeling of: huh, how did I not know?
Is it adorable and funny and amazing? Yes. Is it also incredibly thought-provoking and well written? Also yes. I love this so much.

Becky Albertalli put so much of herself in this books and you can tell. I really appreciated how it highlights the insular issues the queer community can struggle with Also, the idea that there’s one way to be queer at all. This book and the beginning author’s note, highlights such an important point about the queer experience of letting someone be queer in their own way and coming to terms with it whenever they’re actually ready. I cried several times and laughed out loud in others. Just all the love and appreciation for this book.

I go back and forth with Albertalli books--I seem to either love them or find them miserable...

Happy to report I like this one! This book is directed to those who question how, when, and if someone comes out, and specifically targets biphobic people. Make sure you read the author's note to understand the author's intent before proceeding.

I am very happy to see this POV represented in YA LGBTQ+ literature. I definitely think this book will hit home for so many people, and I know I will be recommending it to others. Imogen is such a sweetie, and I was rooting for her so much! The other characters were likewise fun. Some seemed to be a little too forced and the book did drag at times, but, overall, I really enjoyed reading this.

4⭐

⭐️Rating: 4/5
✍🏼Author: Becky Albertalli
📖Genre: YA

::My thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book, it’s very different than anything I’ve read and the offered the readers an inside look at some issues affecting the queer community. You cant help but love the characters and they were all unique and different. I think this was a refreshing story and a big thumbs up for coming up with a story revolving around these topics.


*Thank you to the Author, NetGalley for the ARC copy in exchange for my review.

I think this is a book that is important for teens who are discovering who they are and their sexuality. I also think it's an important read because it shows that there is no right or wrong way to be queer. Not only is Imogen relatable as someone who is figuring out their sexuality but also as someone who overthinks everything and is a people pleaser. I loved the relationship Imogen has with her sister and also with her best friend Lili. The romance was super cute and the dialogue is so adorable and funny.

The audacity of this book to know what it was like in my brain in high school!

Ok, so I didn't love the plethora of people introduced at the start (and I'm still not sure who Mel is?). Otherwise, this was a very cute story about fake exes, questioning sexuality, and a taste of college life. There's anxiety, nonbinary, lesbian, bi and ADHD rep.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review!

Thanks Balzer & Bray and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. I enjoyed Imogen’s journey to discovering her identity and queerness! Imogen is finally visiting her friend Lili at college, she’s nervous because all Lili’s friends are queer and as a straight girl she doesn’t want to encroach on their space. Imogen is the worlds greatest ally but as a result she becomes hyper aware of what she’s doing and second guessing herself! But she’s having a great time with Lili’s friends, especially Tessa. When the two grow close Imogen starts to wonder who she is? She’ll wonder if she’s missed something about herself. Is she queerbaiting or culturally appropriating? Imogen is charming, sweet, and so earnest! I love that Becky Albertalli discuss relevant topics to today like queerbaiting, who decides what is and isn’t queer, and first loves! I also love that Becky wrote a book that was relevant to her life, how she felt, and things that people felt and told her about herself! I think knowing all that helped me, as a reader, to feel Imogen’s struggles that much more! I highly recommend reading this especially if your queer, we could all use a reminder that there is no one right way to be queer, that it doesn’t have to be stagnant, and that you don’t have to have it all figured out from an early age! Can’t wait to read it again!

My experience of queer self-discovery was essentially the opposite of Imogen's. I never really thought I was straight, as soon as I learned that was a possibility, and I didn't face much pushback from anyone I knew when I told them. But somehow, I related more to Imogen than I have to any other main character of a Becky Albertalli book. I felt for her so hard as she tried to figure herself out; I laughed, I cried, and I thought long and hard about the reason why this book exists in the first place, and now I am angry. More than anything, I hope this book reaches the kids who need it most.

Imogens story was great! I really like Albertallis writing and just find it so easy to read. My only critique is that there is too much of her internal monologue. Some of it definitely could be cut down.

Albertalli can do no wrong and Imogen's story is no different. It was funny and it was important. Highlighting the turbulence that can affect anyone and marking the importance of having a good support system. Great characters who make you believe they people you know for real.