Summary

Chapter 1 – “It’s a weirdly subtle conversation. I almost don’t notice I’m being blackmailed” (1). With that, protagonist and narrator Simon Spier begins the description of his conversation with nerdy Martin Addison, who reveals that he accidentally saw Simon’s email to a boy named Blue, and that he will keep Simon and Blue’s secret if Simon helps him get together with popular girl Abby, with whom Simon is good friends. Martin also says he is okay with gay people: he has a gay brother.

Meanwhile, Simon reveals in narration that he is not out of the closet yet; that he does not know Blue’s real name, but does know that Blue goes to the same school; and that he feels the need to protect both himself and Blue from potential exposure and drama. That night, Simon hangs with his friends...