Who Narrates 'Simon Sort Of Says' And Why?

I recently finished 'Simon Sort of Says' and couldn’t stop raving about its unique narrative voice. The story is told from Simon’s perspective, a sharp-witted kid with a knack for oversharing in the most hilarious ways. His narration is this perfect mix of awkward honesty and chaotic energy—like listening to your best friend ramble after too much soda. The choice of a first-person POV here isn’t just about telling a story; it’s about letting Simon’s personality bleed into every sentence. You get his tangents about cereal mascots, his dramatic retellings of playground politics, and his unfiltered takes on adult behavior. It’s immersive because Simon doesn’t feel like a character; he feels like a real kid who’s grabbed your sleeve to spill his latest drama.

What makes Simon’s narration genius is how it mirrors the book’s themes. The story tackles heavy stuff—like grief and anxiety—but Simon’s voice keeps it from feeling bleak. His humor is a defense mechanism, sure, but it also makes the emotional moments hit harder. When he casually drops a detail about his dad’s death mid-rant about cafeteria food, it lands like a punch. The book uses his voice to balance laughter and heartbreak, showing how kids process trauma in fragmented, unexpected ways. Plus, his unreliable narrator moments are gold. He’ll swear he ‘totally didn’t cry’ during a scene where you just *know* he sobbed. That gap between what he says and what you infer adds layers to his character. Honestly, the narration is the book’s secret weapon—it turns a story about loss into something weirdly uplifting.

Another layer is how Simon’s voice reflects his ADHD. The prose is jumpy, packed with hyper-specific observations and sudden shifts in focus. Sentences barrel into each other like he’s thinking faster than he can speak. It’s chaotic, but purposefully so—you’re not just reading about a kid with ADHD; you’re experiencing his brain’s whirlwind. The author could’ve gone third-person or picked an adult narrator, but Simon’s messy, vibrant voice *is* the story. Without it, 'Simon Sort of Says' would lose half its charm and all its authenticity. It’s a masterclass in how narration can shape a story’s soul.

I tend to be a mood listener. The narration for 'Simon Sort of Says' has a very specific, contemplative yet witty vibe. It's not a high-energy, plot-heavy romp. It's a thoughtful, character-driven walk with moments of panic and humor. So I'd recommend choosing your listening time accordingly. It's perfect for a long walk, a quiet evening, or a solo drive—times when you can really sink into the character's headspace. Trying to listen to it while multitasking heavily might cause you to miss the subtle vocal shifts and the power of the quieter moments. The narration rewards focused listening.

It's Gideon Emery. He does a great job. That's really all there is to it for me. Sometimes a narrator just fits, and you don't need a long analysis. I listened, I believed the character, I finished the book feeling satisfied with the performance. Not every audiobook needs a deep dive into the 'why.' Sometimes the execution is just plain good.

Hmm. I haven't gotten to that one yet. It's on my TBR list after seeing so many people talk about it. Is the audiobook the way to go? Sounds like the narrator is a key part of the experience. Might have to bump it up and use an Audible credit.