The Upside of Unrequited
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 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 |
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]
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.
Molly 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
Molly 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
- 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.
