In 'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda', high school junior Simon Spier navigates the complexities of coming out as gay while keeping his sexuality a secret from his friends and family. His life takes a twist when an email falls into the wrong hands, threatening to expose his secret. As Simon exchanges anonymous messages with a classmate named Blue, he is drawn into a captivating online relationship. The stakes rise as he must balance friendship, love, and the pressure of high school. This heartwarming and humorous coming-of-age story explores identity, acceptance, and the brave journey to self-discovery.
By Becky Albertalli
Published: 2016
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Jack Edwards is a British YouTuber, content creator, and author known for his videos on literature, academia, and productivity. Edwards gained popularity through his educational content, which includes book recommendations, study tips, and insights into university life. He is an advocate for reading and lifelong learning, often encouraging his audience to explore literature and improve their academic skills. Edwards has also written a book, The Uni-Verse, which offers advice to students navigating university life. His work has made him a well-known figure in the educational and literary communities, particularly among young readers and students.
View CollectionGbemi Olateru Olagbegi is a Nigerian radio personality, entrepreneur, and media executive, known for her work in entertainment and digital media. She is the co-founder of The Beat FM, one of Nigeria’s leading radio stations, and has hosted numerous popular radio shows. Gbemi is also the founder of Gbémisókè, a fashion line specializing in shoes for women with larger feet. As a prominent voice in Nigerian media, she is passionate about promoting local talent and has been an advocate for the empowerment of women in the media industry. Her entrepreneurial and media ventures have made her a key figure in Nigerian entertainment.
View CollectionJohn Green is an American author, YouTuber, and educator, best known for his best-selling novels The Fault in Our Stars and Looking for Alaska. Green's writing often explores themes of love, loss, and the complexity of adolescence, resonating with both young adults and adults alike. He is also the co-creator of the YouTube channels Vlogbrothers and CrashCourse, where he educates viewers on history, literature, and science in an engaging, accessible way. Green is known for his deep empathy and ability to connect with readers through emotionally powerful storytelling. His work in literature and online education has made him a beloved figure in both media and education circles.
View CollectionAndrew Chen is a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and thought leader in growth marketing, currently serving as a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz. Chen is known for his expertise in network effects, viral growth strategies, and marketplace dynamics, making him a sought-after advisor for startups looking to scale. Prior to joining Andreessen Horowitz, he worked in leadership roles at Uber, helping to grow the ride-sharing platform’s user base and develop key growth strategies. Chen is also a prolific writer, sharing his insights on growth, technology, and startups through his popular blog and newsletter, which has attracted a loyal following in the tech community. His work has helped shape how many startups approach user acquisition, retention, and product-market fit. As a venture capitalist, Chen focuses on early-stage companies in the consumer internet, SaaS, and marketplace sectors, and he has been involved in funding and advising several successful startups. His insights on technology and growth continue to influence both founders and investors alike.
View CollectionSophie Bakalar is a distinguished author and venture capitalist known for her adept storytelling and insightful exploration of contemporary issues. Her debut novel received critical acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of complex characters and societal dynamics. In addition to her literary achievements, Bakalar is a co-founder of a successful venture firm, where she leverages her keen understanding of market trends and innovation. Her essays and articles, often featured in prominent publications, reflect her deep engagement with cultural and technological shifts. Bakalar's multifaceted career bridges the worlds of literature and entrepreneurship, making her a unique voice in both fields.
View CollectionDan Savage is an American author, media pundit, and LGBT activist, best known for his sex advice column Savage Love and his podcast Savage Lovecast. Savage has been a prominent voice in discussions around sexuality, relationships, and LGBTQ+ rights, often using humor and frankness to tackle difficult subjects. He co-founded the "It Gets Better" project, an anti-bullying initiative aimed at supporting LGBTQ+ youth. Savage is known for challenging conventional wisdom around monogamy, marriage, and sex, making him a controversial but respected figure in the world of advice and advocacy. His work has had a significant impact on public discourse around sex and relationships.
View CollectionThe Best Beach Reads 2024 collection is your go-to for engaging, sun-soaked stories that are perfect for a day by the water. Start with Beach Read, a romantic comedy with wit and heart, or dive into Blue is the Warmest Color, an emotionally rich story of love and self-discovery. For those seeking suspense, The Devil All the Time and Verity offer thrilling, twist-filled tales that keep you on the edge of your seat. Dear Girls brings humor and life advice from comedian Ali Wong, while China Rich Girlfriend whisks you into a world of opulence and drama. In How It All Blew Up, experience a young man’s journey of identity and acceptance, and Committed offers an exploration of love, commitment, and what it means to build a life together. The Proposal provides a light-hearted romance that’s easy to sink into, while Bossypants by Tina Fey brings laughter and insights into her life in comedy. The Vagina Monologues presents a powerful exploration of womanhood, and All the Light We Cannot See offers a beautifully written tale of resilience set during World War II. This collection brings together humor, romance, drama, and insight, making it the perfect companion for a relaxing beach day.
View CollectionElizabeth Warren is an American politician, author, and former law professor, serving as the senior U.S. Senator from Massachusetts. Known for her advocacy of consumer protection, economic reform, and progressive policies, Warren has been a leading voice in American politics, particularly on issues related to income inequality and Wall Street regulation. She was a key architect of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and has authored several books on economic policy. Warren ran for the Democratic nomination in the 2020 presidential election and remains a significant figure in the progressive movement.
View CollectionGretchen Rubin is a bestselling author and happiness expert, best known for her books The Happiness Project and Better Than Before. She explores the science of habits, happiness, and human behavior, helping readers improve their everyday lives. Gretchen’s popular podcast, Happier with Gretchen Rubin, offers practical advice and personal anecdotes to cultivate a more joyful and meaningful life. Her work emphasizes small, daily changes that can lead to long-term well-being. She continues to be a sought-after speaker on topics of happiness and habit formation.
View CollectionArianna Huffington is the founder of The Huffington Post and Thrive Global, a company focused on wellness and productivity. She is a bestselling author and prominent speaker on the importance of sleep and managing stress. Arianna’s work emphasizes the importance of balance between professional success and personal well-being. Her book The Sleep Revolution has inspired a global movement to prioritize rest. She is considered one of the most influential women in media and business.
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