Welcome back to The Queerly Books Podcast! In our Series Two premiere, we're tackling some complex and important topics as we sit down with the celebrated YA author Becky Albertalli.

In this first of a two-part conversation, we discuss the intersection of authorship, identity, and representation. We focus on the challenges and controversies faced by authors who pen narratives outside of their own experiences, as well as the impact of diverse representation in literature.

Becky Albertalli, known for her beloved work 'Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda' and its film adaptation 'Love, Simon', has been a pivotal figure in these discussions. In 2020, Becky publicly identified as bisexual, adding a new perspective to the dialogue around her work. In this episode, we delve into her journey, addressing the accusations around appropriating queer content and spaces, and exploring how her personal experiences have informed her writing.

Next week, in Part 2 of our deep dive, we'll turn our attention to Becky's latest book, 'Imogen, Obviously'. This novel introduces us to Imogen, a 'hopelessly heterosexual' character who finds her notions of identity challenged when immersed in a queer college environment. With Becky's characteristic warmth and humour, this story intricately explores the nuances of sexuality, identity, and friendship.

Join us as we begin Series Two with a candid and compelling conversation with Becky Albertalli. You won't want to miss it!

Guest: Becky Albertalli

Featured Book: 'Imogen, Obviously'

Next Episode: A Deep Dive with Becky Albertalli, Part 2 (Releasing Next Week)

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See you next week for Part 2 of our conversation with Becky Albertalli!