The Upside of Unrequited is a 2017 young-adult novel[1] by American author Becky Albertalli.[2] It is her second novel and the second novel in the "Simonverse," the shared universe in which Albertalli's books take place. [3]
 First edition | |
| Author | Becky Albertalli |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Young Adult, Romance, Drama, LGBT, Coming Of Age |
| Publisher | Balzer & Bray, HarperCollins |
Publication date | April 11, 2017 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print (hardcover and paperback), e-book, audiobook |
| Pages | 336 |
| ISBN | 9780062348708 |
| Preceded by | Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda |
It revolves around the insecure Molly Peskin-Suso, who has had 26 unrequited crushes. Albertalli was loosely inspired by the novel Emma by Jane Austen and the film Clueless.[4]
The novel has been challenged due to its frank discussions and depictions of sexuality and LGBTQ+ content.
Connection to other works by Becky Albertalli
editMolly Peskin-Suso is the cousin of Abby Suso, who appears in the book Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda. There are references to characters from Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda and some make cameos in the book. This book is part of the “Simon-verse" along with Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda and Leah on the Offbeat.[5]
Synopsis
editMolly Peskin-Suso is seventeen, and despite having had 26 crushes, has yet to have had her first kiss or romantic relationship. This is in stark contrast to her twin sister, Cassie, who has not only kissed plenty of girls, but has her first girlfriend, Mina. Meanwhile, Molly's mothers' are planning their wedding following the Supreme Court's Decision on gay marriage.
Feeling left behind, Molly sets out, with the help of Mina and Cassie, to get her first kiss. Molly finds herself between two boys. The first is Mina's best friend Will, a cute hipster boy who will bring her closer to Cassie. The second is her nerdy co-worker, Reid, who liked antiques and Cadbury Mini Eggs. Molly must then figure out which of these two boys she wants to be with.
Characters
edit- Molly Peskin-Suso: Seventeen-year-old protagonist with 26 unrequited crushes. She is described as being introverted and crafty.
- Cassie Peskin-Suso: Molly's twin sister who is the extroverted twin and a lesbian.
- Mina Choi: Cassie's girlfriend who is Korean-American and pansexual. She is more outgoing than either Cassie or Molly.
- Will: Mina's best friend.
- Reid Wertheim: Molly's co-worker who likes Game of Thrones and Cadbury Mini Eggs.
- Patricia "Patty" Peskin-Suso: Molly, Cassie, and Xavier's mother; a midwife
- Nadine Suso: Molly, Cassie, and Xavier's mother; a teacher
- Xavier: Molly and Cassie's little brother.
Reception
editThe Young Adult Library Services Association included The Upside of Unrequited on their 2018 Best Fiction for Young Adults list.[6]
Writing for The Booklist, Michael Cart notes that Albertalli has captured "the agonies and ecstasies of adolescent love." He also writes that Molly is a "sympathetic", although sometimes "exasperating" character.[7] The ALA includes the book on its 2018 Best List.[8]
NPR's Caitlyn Paxson writes that The Upside of Unrequited is a "snappy romance" and "fresh, snarky, and poignant."[9] She highlights that its strength is in the characters and diverse cast. She also states that Molly is relatable and the story is timeless, minus the pop culture references.
Book banning and censorship
editIn 2023, The Upside of Unrequited was removed from middle-school libraries in New Jersey's Sparta School District. The Sparta Board of Education voted to have the book removed in a 5-2 vote after a parent complaint. The board cited the book's use of words like "orgy" and "sex" as basis for its banning. A petition of over 500 signatures was compiled by local residents to repeal the ban, but the school board stands behind the ban.[10]
The Upside of Unrequited has been banned from school districts in Florida including Clay County, Escambia County, and Flagler County due to its themes of sexuality and LGBTQ+ content.[11]
Reader's Digest features The Upside of Unrequited as one of America's most banned books of 2023.[12]
Film
editThe film rights were acquired by UK production company Shakespeare Sisters. It is to be written and directed by Hillary Shakespeare and Anna-Elizabeth Shakespeare, with Albertalli joining as executive producer.[13] In July 2024, Variety reported Ayvan Williams, Jessica Belkin, and Savannah Lee Smith are set to portray the principal cast, with the film entering production summer 2024.[14] Later in July, Deadline reported that Siena Agudong, Luke Eisner, Noah Lomax, Patrick Luwis, and Matthew Sato joined the cast.[15]
References
edit- ^ "'Upside Of Unrequited' Is A Fresh, Fun, Snarky Spring Fling". NPR.org. Retrieved 2017-04-21.
- ^ "After 26 crushes, Now What? 'The Upside of Unrequited,' Reviewed". EW.com. 2017-04-18. Retrieved 2017-04-21.
- ^ "'The Upside of Unrequited' by Becky Albertalli is as adorable as 'Simon'". Hypable. 2017-04-12. Retrieved 2017-04-21.
- ^ "Becky Albertalli on How 'Upside of Unrequited' Adds to the 'Simon'-Verse". EW.com. 2017-04-12. Retrieved 2017-04-21.
- ^ "Becky Albertalli on How 'Upside of Unrequited' Adds to the 'Simon'-Verse". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 17 August 2018.
- ^ "2018 Best Fiction for Young Adults". Young Adult Library Services Association. 2018-02-13. Retrieved 2023-11-29.
- ^ Cart, Michael (January 2017). "The Upside of Unrequited". Booklist. 113 (9): 198–200. doi:10.1016/0014-5793(86)80084-9. ISSN 0014-5793 – via ProQuest.
- ^ Van Rijn, Inge (April 1, 2018). "ALA's 2018 Best Lists". The Booklist. 114 (15): 32–33. doi:10.1007/s41189-018-0015-7. ISSN 0926-0838 – via ProQuest.
- ^ Paxson, Caitlyn (Apr 15, 2017). "'Upside Of Unrequited' Is A Fresh, Fun, Snarky Spring Fling". npr.
- ^ "Young adult book featuring diversity removed from Sparta middle school library". New Jersey Herald. Retrieved 2023-11-29.
- ^ Finkel, Alex DeLuca, Tom (Apr 25, 2023). "Updated List: Every Known Florida School District Book Ban, July 2021 Through June 2023". Miami New Times. Retrieved 2023-11-27.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Hill, Heather. "The 50 Most Banned Books in America Right Now". Reader's Digest. Retrieved 2023-11-29.
- ^ Barraclough, Leo (2021-04-13). "'Love, Simon' Writer Becky Albertalli's 'The Upside of Unrequited' to Be Adapted for Film (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 2022-06-16.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (2024-07-09). "Ayvan Williams, Jessica Belkin & Savannah Lee Smith Set For Coming-Of-Age Comedy 'The Upside Of Unrequited' From Shakespeare Sisters". Deadline. Retrieved 2024-07-09.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (2024-07-16). "Siena Agudong, Luke Eisner & Noah Lomax Join Coming-Of-Age Comedy 'The Upside Of Unrequited' From The Shakespeare Sisters". Deadline. Retrieved 2024-07-20.