Leah on the Offbeat: A Bittersweet Sequel
When I first picked up "Leah on the Offbeat" by Becky Albertalli, I was buzzing with excitement. After adoring "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda," I had high hopes for Leah’s story, that unique blend of humor, heart, and realness that Albertalli captures so effortlessly. I’m all for characters that carry emotional weight, but alas, my expectations met some bumps along the road.
The story follows Leah Burke, Simon’s fiercely loyal best friend as she navigates her senior year, grappling with love, friendship, and identity. You can’t help but feel the warmth of their camaraderie and the nostalgia that comes with high school’s ups and downs. Albertalli’s vibrant writing style effortlessly draws you in—her knack for capturing the complexity of young love and the necessary messiness that comes with it felt apparent in every page.
One of my favorite quotes resonates deeply: “Imagine going about your day knowing someone’s carrying you in their mind. That has to be the best part of being in love.” This idea captures what I longed to feel in Leah’s journey, but—sadly—it didn’t resonate as powerfully as I hoped.
While the book is packed with fluffy moments and cameos from Simon and Blue that made my heart flutter, my primary struggle was with Leah herself. She had grit, yes—moral grey areas that are more relatable than one might admit—but I found myself frustrated with how she treated those around her, especially her mom and her love interest, Abby. Leah often felt dauntingly unlikable, leaving me yearning for the charm and relatability Simon exuded in the first book.
Despite the entertaining moments, I couldn’t help but notice that the chemistry between Leah and Abby didn’t spark the way I wished. In fact, the secondary characters often outshone the main leads in depth and charm. Leah’s headspace felt cluttered—a Slytherin’s paralysis in love, reminiscent of some poorly written fanfic. It almost left me more invested in Simon and Blue’s established relationship, which says something when the central romance feels overshadowed.
I must give credit, though, where it’s due: the bi and non-binary representation in this book stands out, bringing glimpses of authenticity that felt refreshing. Similarly, there are moments where Leah and Abby discuss identity that felt genuinely relevant, tackling nuances that might resonate with many readers navigating their own paths.
In conclusion, "Leah on the Offbeat" offers a mix of heartfelt moments and angst, making it a worthwhile read, albeit not the delightful follow-up fans may have hoped for after "Simon." I can see it resonating well with those who appreciated Leah’s character in "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" and are ready for her quirky, awkward journey of self-discovery. If you enjoy a lighter, relatable narrative sprinkled with humor but a touch of frustration, this book is calling your name.
Ultimately, my hope for Leah was that she would unite with her charming self, the one I felt hinted at beneath the surface. Maybe the next trip back to the Simonverse will reveal more warmth and connection. Until then, I’ll keep this book close, with a glimmer of hope for Leah’s journey in my heart.
Discover more about Leah on the Offbeat (Simonverse, #3) on GoodReads >>