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Simone Breaks All the Rules
Late bloomers unite! This fresh and funny #ownvoices novel from rising star Debbie Rigaud is perfect for fans of To All the Boys I've Loved Before and Booksmart.
Simone Thibodeaux's life is sealed in a boy-proof container.
Her strict Haitian immigrant parents enforce no-dating rules and curfews, and send Simone to an all-girls school. As for prom? Simone is allowed to go on one condition: her parents will select her date (a boy from a nice Haitian immigrant family, obviously).
Simone is desperate to avoid the humiliation of the set up -- especially since she's crushing on a boy she knows her parents wouldn't approve of. With senior year coming to a close, Simone makes a decision. She and her fellow late-bloomer friends will create a Senior Year Bucket List of all the things they haven't had a chance to do. On the list: kissing a boy, sneaking out of the house, skipping class (gasp!), and, oh yeah -- choosing your own prom date.
But as the list takes on a life of its own, things get more complicated than Simone expected. She'll have to discover which rules are worth breaking, and which will save her from heartbreak.
Simone Thibodeaux's life is sealed in a boy-proof container.
Her strict Haitian immigrant parents enforce no-dating rules and curfews, and send Simone to an all-girls school. As for prom? Simone is allowed to go on one condition: her parents will select her date (a boy from a nice Haitian immigrant family, obviously).
Simone is desperate to avoid the humiliation of the set up -- especially since she's crushing on a boy she knows her parents wouldn't approve of. With senior year coming to a close, Simone makes a decision. She and her fellow late-bloomer friends will create a Senior Year Bucket List of all the things they haven't had a chance to do. On the list: kissing a boy, sneaking out of the house, skipping class (gasp!), and, oh yeah -- choosing your own prom date.
But as the list takes on a life of its own, things get more complicated than Simone expected. She'll have to discover which rules are worth breaking, and which will save her from heartbreak.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2021
About the author
Debbie Rigaud
16 books211 followersStoryteller/Jersey Girl Debbie Rigaud is the author of YA coming-of-age romcoms TRULY MADLY ROYALLY (2019), SIMONE BREAKS ALL THE RULES (2021) and A GIRL'S GUIDE TO LOVE & MAGIC (August 2022). Her illustrated chapter books offerings include Alyssa Milano's HOPE series (2019-2021), THE SOUND OF MAGIC (2022) and the forthcoming second book of the BEST WISHES series (2023). Look out for her debut picture book, SEBASTIAN THE LITTLEST FOOD CRITIC, coming in 2024.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
April 2, 2022
Simone Thibodeaux is a Haitian-American teenager preparing for graduation. Her strict parents have plans for her to commute to school like her older sister and Simone is tired of following in her footsteps. She's ready to break free and start experiencing more things before high school ends. Simone has her eyes set on attending prom with Gavin, a boy from a rival school who rides the same bus as her in the mornings. But her parent's have already selected the son of a family friend, Ben to be her date. So she teams up with two other girls who also have strict parents and plans her "promancipation" along with a list of other activities they want to complete behind their parents backs.
It was nice seeing Simone form friendships with Amita and Kira as they help each other check off items on the list. She also has a really close relationship with her cousin Gabby and I enjoyed that dynamic.
As a a Black child of Caribbean immigrants with has a strict mother and also attended a very white Catholic school I was bussed to their was a lot I could identify with. There's that pressure to stay on the right path and be the good child. Constantly being reminded of how well you have it in the US compared to the islands. Also like Simone I felt the connection strong even if I wasn't getting to visit every year like some kids.
This is a light read with plenty of heart perfect for teen readers looking for something sweet.
Read full review on blog
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....
It was nice seeing Simone form friendships with Amita and Kira as they help each other check off items on the list. She also has a really close relationship with her cousin Gabby and I enjoyed that dynamic.
As a a Black child of Caribbean immigrants with has a strict mother and also attended a very white Catholic school I was bussed to their was a lot I could identify with. There's that pressure to stay on the right path and be the good child. Constantly being reminded of how well you have it in the US compared to the islands. Also like Simone I felt the connection strong even if I wasn't getting to visit every year like some kids.
This is a light read with plenty of heart perfect for teen readers looking for something sweet.
Read full review on blog
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....
August 7, 2021
Aww this was so cool. The cultural aspect of this was absolutely refreshing. Simone was really funny, and this book was just really enjoyable to read throughout. I really liked it!
October 11, 2021
Read my full review on my book blog, The Quiet Pond.
Simone Breaks All the Rules is such a fun coming-of-age contemporary and will resonate with all of those who grew up with strict parents. I loved how joyous this was and how much it seizes joy unapologetically.
- Follows Simone, a Haitian teen who decides to make a Senior Year Bucket List with her fellow 'late-bloomers' to break free from her parents strict expectations.
- Honestly, this book was so feel-good. Despite the fact that the story explores the weight of family expectations, it finds a way to be joyous and liberating. I loved Simone's story so much.
- I loved the complicated family relationships in this. Even though Simone's parents are strict, they aren't mean or awful. They are loving yet overbearing and strict, and I liked that nuance.
- The female friendships in this were so genuine and wholesome. The romance is also a nice added touch, though it isn't the main focus of the story (which I liked)!
- Ultimately, I liked that this was a simple story with plenty of emotional depth and nuance to keep me satisfied.
Simone Breaks All the Rules is such a fun coming-of-age contemporary and will resonate with all of those who grew up with strict parents. I loved how joyous this was and how much it seizes joy unapologetically.
- Follows Simone, a Haitian teen who decides to make a Senior Year Bucket List with her fellow 'late-bloomers' to break free from her parents strict expectations.
- Honestly, this book was so feel-good. Despite the fact that the story explores the weight of family expectations, it finds a way to be joyous and liberating. I loved Simone's story so much.
- I loved the complicated family relationships in this. Even though Simone's parents are strict, they aren't mean or awful. They are loving yet overbearing and strict, and I liked that nuance.
- The female friendships in this were so genuine and wholesome. The romance is also a nice added touch, though it isn't the main focus of the story (which I liked)!
- Ultimately, I liked that this was a simple story with plenty of emotional depth and nuance to keep me satisfied.
June 4, 2021
Simone and her friends live a sheltered life due to their strict parents and they're determined to start living life by their own rules (as much as possible). So they create a list of things to complete and set out on a journey full of laughs...and boys.
I'm glad this book popped up on my Twitter feed a couple of days before the come out date because it's so funny and cute.
There's no villains and there's girl power all around. I really really love the friendship the girls formed and how they're all equally interesting.
Simone's mother is actually my favourite character. She's the funniest and reminds me of Balkan mothers in a way? Maybe that's why. I love her and her sound effects.
And the Haitian music and food and Creole *chef's kiss*.
I'm glad this book popped up on my Twitter feed a couple of days before the come out date because it's so funny and cute.
There's no villains and there's girl power all around. I really really love the friendship the girls formed and how they're all equally interesting.
Simone's mother is actually my favourite character. She's the funniest and reminds me of Balkan mothers in a way? Maybe that's why. I love her and her sound effects.
And the Haitian music and food and Creole *chef's kiss*.
September 3, 2021
Thanks to Hear Our Voices and Scholastic Press for making this book available to me as part of the blog tour.
Simone Thibodeaux is a Haitian-American whose life has basically been structured and boxed by her parents. She is not allowed to date, she goes to an all-girls school to further point home the no-dating rule, she does not really have friends except her cousin and sister who do not really count. She has her late-bloomer friends who also have a stifling life like hers. She has got accepted into a prestigious university and even with that, she has to attend from home by taking the bus. So the opportunity to have normal college life is also out of the window.
Then there is prom (as someone who attended school in Nigeria, I do not understand the fuss around prom, I mean it is basically dancing to old schools, dirtying the hem of your gowns and underage students trying to drink- but what do I know), Simone really wants to have the time of her life at Prom but that dream is almost thwarted when her parents inform her that the only way she would go to Prom is if she goes with the boy they select for her. (As you can expect he was going to be what is perfect in their eyes.) - you can imagine her horror.
You can say that this was what broke the camel's back. She decides to break all the rules. This is when she and her late-bloomer friends make a list to do all the things they could not do. Ditch class, kiss a boy, sneak out of the house, travel around NYC and finally pick a prom date. She and her friends did all they could do all the things on the list and honestly, I was surprised that they were able to do everything without being completely caught. especially since the point was that their parents were stifling their joy. Anyways, Simone mother finds out about the list and things seem to hit the roof. (Will stop here to avoid further spoilers)
I really loved reading this book. I personally could not relate to Simone because my mum was not the type to prevent me from going out. Yes, she taught me to be cautious and I needed to inform her if I was going out with friends and who I was meeting (which really is the common-sense thing because of safety issues). So relating to Simone was hard for me, except the fact that she is a Black person and we share similar experiences in terms of appreciation of arts and culture and the drive to learn about Black people who have stood in the frontline in the first for equality and justice.
Simone Thibodeaux is a Haitian-American whose life has basically been structured and boxed by her parents. She is not allowed to date, she goes to an all-girls school to further point home the no-dating rule, she does not really have friends except her cousin and sister who do not really count. She has her late-bloomer friends who also have a stifling life like hers. She has got accepted into a prestigious university and even with that, she has to attend from home by taking the bus. So the opportunity to have normal college life is also out of the window.
Then there is prom (as someone who attended school in Nigeria, I do not understand the fuss around prom, I mean it is basically dancing to old schools, dirtying the hem of your gowns and underage students trying to drink- but what do I know), Simone really wants to have the time of her life at Prom but that dream is almost thwarted when her parents inform her that the only way she would go to Prom is if she goes with the boy they select for her. (As you can expect he was going to be what is perfect in their eyes.) - you can imagine her horror.
You can say that this was what broke the camel's back. She decides to break all the rules. This is when she and her late-bloomer friends make a list to do all the things they could not do. Ditch class, kiss a boy, sneak out of the house, travel around NYC and finally pick a prom date. She and her friends did all they could do all the things on the list and honestly, I was surprised that they were able to do everything without being completely caught. especially since the point was that their parents were stifling their joy. Anyways, Simone mother finds out about the list and things seem to hit the roof. (Will stop here to avoid further spoilers)
I really loved reading this book. I personally could not relate to Simone because my mum was not the type to prevent me from going out. Yes, she taught me to be cautious and I needed to inform her if I was going out with friends and who I was meeting (which really is the common-sense thing because of safety issues). So relating to Simone was hard for me, except the fact that she is a Black person and we share similar experiences in terms of appreciation of arts and culture and the drive to learn about Black people who have stood in the frontline in the first for equality and justice.
September 5, 2021
So this was a bigger let down than anticipated, but I STRUGGLED through the middle of this. The beginning was great, and then so was the final third, but everything in between was an uphill battle.
I don't like the fact we were going after the wrong guy for like 75% of the book😃
And Rigaud's voice didn't make finishing this any easier. She constantly sounds like an adult in disguise trying to be a teenager with all the hip lingo she threw at you which resulted in me not really relating to Simone at all or even rooting for her? I felt mostly indifferent.
Definitely was an okay, two star read, but a beautiful cover to add to my virtual GoodReads shelves.
I don't like the fact we were going after the wrong guy for like 75% of the book😃
And Rigaud's voice didn't make finishing this any easier. She constantly sounds like an adult in disguise trying to be a teenager with all the hip lingo she threw at you which resulted in me not really relating to Simone at all or even rooting for her? I felt mostly indifferent.
Definitely was an okay, two star read, but a beautiful cover to add to my virtual GoodReads shelves.
June 12, 2021
Full Review: https://rueisreadingcorner.blogspot.c...
Simone Thibodeaux has an overprotective mother who wants to plan out every little thing in her life from the school she goes to and her upcoming prom date. All she wants is a little freedom to try new things she's never done before heading off to college.
After meeting Kira from Simone's friend, Amita, the three decide that they have had enough of their parent's rules. They form a little group called the HomeGirls and decide to make a list of things they want to accomplish before going to college.
I loved how the girls stood together in the book. Even though they faced different challenges, they still stood together at each other's side through the ups and downs of their plans.
Overall, Simone Breaks All the Rules was an exciting book about a Haitian girl finding her freedom amidst her parent's plans for her. I enjoyed reading about her immigrant struggles and I'm looking forward to other books by the author.
**Thank you so much to Scholastic Books for sending me an Advanced Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review!**
Simone Thibodeaux has an overprotective mother who wants to plan out every little thing in her life from the school she goes to and her upcoming prom date. All she wants is a little freedom to try new things she's never done before heading off to college.
After meeting Kira from Simone's friend, Amita, the three decide that they have had enough of their parent's rules. They form a little group called the HomeGirls and decide to make a list of things they want to accomplish before going to college.
I loved how the girls stood together in the book. Even though they faced different challenges, they still stood together at each other's side through the ups and downs of their plans.
Overall, Simone Breaks All the Rules was an exciting book about a Haitian girl finding her freedom amidst her parent's plans for her. I enjoyed reading about her immigrant struggles and I'm looking forward to other books by the author.
**Thank you so much to Scholastic Books for sending me an Advanced Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review!**
June 17, 2021
i really wanted to like this book so much more than i did. such a good story to tell, but it just didn’t get delivered all that well. i was disappointed by the writing - it sounds like it was written by an older person trying to sound cool and failing at it. the language was out of touch and dated and the characters seemed so much younger than high school, making me feel like i was reading a children’s book
January 17, 2022
eh, this book was okay. i actually read a small portion of it back in july but dnf'ed it because i wasn't super into it. i decided to pick it back up and it did get better but still wasn't great.
the biggest problems that i had were that the writing was immature and the plot and characters were very cringe at times. maybe if i read this a few years ago i would have liked it more, but the writing just didn't seem to really match an 18 year old, even if part of her personality is being a "late bloomer." some of the ways some things were described and some of the things that happened just make me cringe. due to this, it made it a bit boring and hard to get through at times. i also found the story as a whole to be very unoriginal, predicable and cliché. i didn't mind this too much but i probably would have enjoyed it more if it was a bit more unique.
i will say that there was a cool vibe/aesthetic and it was a super lighthearted, easy read. the diversity was also really good. it reminded me a lot of you should see me in a crown with all the emphasis on prom and i would defintely recommend it over this book since they are similar.
the biggest problems that i had were that the writing was immature and the plot and characters were very cringe at times. maybe if i read this a few years ago i would have liked it more, but the writing just didn't seem to really match an 18 year old, even if part of her personality is being a "late bloomer." some of the ways some things were described and some of the things that happened just make me cringe. due to this, it made it a bit boring and hard to get through at times. i also found the story as a whole to be very unoriginal, predicable and cliché. i didn't mind this too much but i probably would have enjoyed it more if it was a bit more unique.
i will say that there was a cool vibe/aesthetic and it was a super lighthearted, easy read. the diversity was also really good. it reminded me a lot of you should see me in a crown with all the emphasis on prom and i would defintely recommend it over this book since they are similar.
June 3, 2021
I’m in tears as I write this review.
I’m not Haitian but I am Black, and so many of the struggles Simone faced were ones I battled too. Being the youngest in the family and, in my case, the only girl, is quite a burden to bear, despite what the older siblings may say.
We have such a high standard to uphold. To be perfect. To not rock the boat. And it’s exhausting.
I am so happy that Simone found the courage to stand up to her parents, because in the grand scheme of things, we must all live a life that we are satisfied with.
There’s a passage toward the end when Simone is standing in her custom designed prom dress, and she mentions that some day, a girl will see her photos online and pin them to a prom inspirational board...that’s when I started crying. I wish I could have seen more girls like me growing up. I can’t wait for future generations, my own nieces and nephews and (potential) kids to see me and my work as something to aspire to. To know that if TT can do it, they can too. To know that Simone can do it, and *I* can too.
Rules are meant to be broken.
—————-
Big thanks to Scholastic and Edelweiss for the print ARC and eARC, respectively. SIMONE releases June 1st and is available everywhere books are sold.
Visit https://sltrbooks.home.blog/2021/06/0... for a fun GIF style review from me as well!
I’m not Haitian but I am Black, and so many of the struggles Simone faced were ones I battled too. Being the youngest in the family and, in my case, the only girl, is quite a burden to bear, despite what the older siblings may say.
We have such a high standard to uphold. To be perfect. To not rock the boat. And it’s exhausting.
I am so happy that Simone found the courage to stand up to her parents, because in the grand scheme of things, we must all live a life that we are satisfied with.
There’s a passage toward the end when Simone is standing in her custom designed prom dress, and she mentions that some day, a girl will see her photos online and pin them to a prom inspirational board...that’s when I started crying. I wish I could have seen more girls like me growing up. I can’t wait for future generations, my own nieces and nephews and (potential) kids to see me and my work as something to aspire to. To know that if TT can do it, they can too. To know that Simone can do it, and *I* can too.
Rules are meant to be broken.
—————-
Big thanks to Scholastic and Edelweiss for the print ARC and eARC, respectively. SIMONE releases June 1st and is available everywhere books are sold.
Visit https://sltrbooks.home.blog/2021/06/0... for a fun GIF style review from me as well!
September 11, 2021
I really enjoyed getting to know Simone and see her learn how to stretch her wings. The friendship that grew between her and the HomeGirls was fabulous, but I have one complaint. I wanted MORE BEN. I loved him!
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June 11, 2021
Cute! A stifled flower gets to bloom.
4/5
4/5
May 14, 2021
Very cute read.
If you’re looking for a book that is devoid of Black trauma and a sweet and simple romance story, read this book!
If you’re looking for a book that is devoid of Black trauma and a sweet and simple romance story, read this book!
June 2, 2021
Favorite Quote:
“That umbilical cord was cut a long time ago... “That apple fell from the tree and rolled on some distance. That bird flew away from the nest. And as seniors, it’s time we lead the resistance. Let’s claim some level of independence before we graduate.”
⠀
✨Bookish Thoughts
This is Black Joy lot at its finest! I loved every single moment. And the jokes kept coming! I adored the witty commentary and relatable coming of age story about a second generation Haitian immigrant. This is a good girl breaking bad story that’s just too good to miss! I highly recommend for contemporary romantic comedy lovers!
⠀
“That umbilical cord was cut a long time ago... “That apple fell from the tree and rolled on some distance. That bird flew away from the nest. And as seniors, it’s time we lead the resistance. Let’s claim some level of independence before we graduate.”
⠀
✨Bookish Thoughts
This is Black Joy lot at its finest! I loved every single moment. And the jokes kept coming! I adored the witty commentary and relatable coming of age story about a second generation Haitian immigrant. This is a good girl breaking bad story that’s just too good to miss! I highly recommend for contemporary romantic comedy lovers!
⠀
June 1, 2021
Simone Breaks the Rules is a sweet, entertaining, and sometimes hilarious coming-of-age YA novel. The book follows an awkward teen on the path to reclaiming her life from her controlling, overprotective immigrant parents. Featuring strong connections to Haitian culture, a love of New York City, and positive female friendships, this one is perfect for fans of sweet YA with a dash of humor.
Read my full review on my blog.
Many thanks to the publisher for an eARC of this book via Edelweiss.
Read my full review on my blog.
Many thanks to the publisher for an eARC of this book via Edelweiss.
August 7, 2021
I think I must be officially too old for YA books about prom because I’m just not into them lol.
January 20, 2022
I cannot explain how much I loved this book! I’m so sad i finished it:(
August 6, 2021
I enjoyed reading this a lot. Only nitpick: I wanted a bit more development with Ben.
August 11, 2022
A wonderful YA contemporary.
February 26, 2022
4/5⭐️ Thank you to Scholastic Canada for a finished copy in exchange for an honest review!
If you’re looking for a last minute book to finish off your February reading, I would love to recommend #SimoneBreaksAllTheRules by @froandabow ! It was funny, heartfelt, and has some relatable experiences and themes 😄 In this book, Simone wants to make prom a night to remember, which includes finding the perfect date to go with since this is the one exception to her Haitian immigrant parents’ no-dating rule. Unfortunately these plans are nearly turned upside down when not only do her parents set her up with a boy of their choice, but Simone starts crushing on a boy whom she really likes and would rather go with him. Enter two more friends who have equally strict parents and the senior year bucket list is born!! What follows is shenanigans, first love, new friendships, and broken hearts. I really enjoyed this bucket-list led story a lot, especially within the context of strict parents and how it lead to a new friendship bond between these girls. Now, as much as I believe in respecting and listening to your parents, I do like the direction this author took in it not being exclusively rebellious thing. These girls choose items/experiences with purpose and nothing that is actually harmful or dangerous, which I liked, but it wasn’t totally without consequences. Yeah, I just thought it was a great balance, and I really enjoyed watching these friends grow together and have fun doing these things! Also, the romance in this was super cute and a sort-of love triangle that I thought worked well and added to the overall morals/messages of the book. I found the writing to be great and the style was perfect in telling this story and building its overall atmosphere! Finally, the experience of having immigrant parents (and in particular, from Haiti) was very much highlighted in this story and I felt I learned a lot from it as well as more about Haitian culture! Definitely worth checking out if you love a good YA coming-of-age prom story!!
If you’re looking for a last minute book to finish off your February reading, I would love to recommend #SimoneBreaksAllTheRules by @froandabow ! It was funny, heartfelt, and has some relatable experiences and themes 😄 In this book, Simone wants to make prom a night to remember, which includes finding the perfect date to go with since this is the one exception to her Haitian immigrant parents’ no-dating rule. Unfortunately these plans are nearly turned upside down when not only do her parents set her up with a boy of their choice, but Simone starts crushing on a boy whom she really likes and would rather go with him. Enter two more friends who have equally strict parents and the senior year bucket list is born!! What follows is shenanigans, first love, new friendships, and broken hearts. I really enjoyed this bucket-list led story a lot, especially within the context of strict parents and how it lead to a new friendship bond between these girls. Now, as much as I believe in respecting and listening to your parents, I do like the direction this author took in it not being exclusively rebellious thing. These girls choose items/experiences with purpose and nothing that is actually harmful or dangerous, which I liked, but it wasn’t totally without consequences. Yeah, I just thought it was a great balance, and I really enjoyed watching these friends grow together and have fun doing these things! Also, the romance in this was super cute and a sort-of love triangle that I thought worked well and added to the overall morals/messages of the book. I found the writing to be great and the style was perfect in telling this story and building its overall atmosphere! Finally, the experience of having immigrant parents (and in particular, from Haiti) was very much highlighted in this story and I felt I learned a lot from it as well as more about Haitian culture! Definitely worth checking out if you love a good YA coming-of-age prom story!!
September 25, 2021
Thanks to her strict immigrant parents, Simone Thibodeaux's life is 100% boy free. After three years with a curfew and doing everything that's asked of her from her parents and her all-girl's school, Simone is more than ready for a change.
College is supposed to be a fresh start but with her parents threatening to make her commute to Rutgers like her older sister, Simone knows it's time for drastic action.
Enter new friends Amita and Kira and the trio's senior playlist. All three girls are used to life on lockdown and they are sick of missing out. With one year left to cram in all the classic high school experiences they've missed the girls are ready to go dancing, skip class, and pick their own prom dates.
Simone thinks she has the perfect boy picked out. But what happens when the date her parents arranged for her years ago turns out to be better than she could have hoped? After a year of breaking rules, Simone will discover that sometimes you can't plan for love (or heartbreak) in Simone Breaks All the Rules (2021) by Debbie Rigaud.
Rigaud's latest contemporary romance is an ode to high school nostalgia and small acts of rebellion. Simone's narration is filled with funny quips and fun facts about teen activists she has researched for her senior project whom she draws from for inspiration throughout the story.
While readers might be quicker to recognize the OTP here than Simone herself, the journey to that discovery is well worth the wait. Simone and her new friends have instant chemistry and while they all pursue their own dates for prom, the real love story here is the lasting friendship they forge. Ben--Simone's arranged prom date--is her perfect foil and their dialogue as they get to know each other adds a fun dimension to this story.
Simone Breaks All the Rules is a laugh-out-loud story about friendship, prom, and learning that sometimes you don't have to look as far as you think to find yourself. Recommended for fans of stories with bucket lists, high school nostalgia, and witty banter.
Possible Pairings: Happily Ever Afters by Elise Bryant, 10 Truths and a Dare by Ashley Elston, I Believe in a Thing Called Love by Maurene Goo, When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon, My So-Called Bollywood Life by Nisha Sharma
College is supposed to be a fresh start but with her parents threatening to make her commute to Rutgers like her older sister, Simone knows it's time for drastic action.
Enter new friends Amita and Kira and the trio's senior playlist. All three girls are used to life on lockdown and they are sick of missing out. With one year left to cram in all the classic high school experiences they've missed the girls are ready to go dancing, skip class, and pick their own prom dates.
Simone thinks she has the perfect boy picked out. But what happens when the date her parents arranged for her years ago turns out to be better than she could have hoped? After a year of breaking rules, Simone will discover that sometimes you can't plan for love (or heartbreak) in Simone Breaks All the Rules (2021) by Debbie Rigaud.
Rigaud's latest contemporary romance is an ode to high school nostalgia and small acts of rebellion. Simone's narration is filled with funny quips and fun facts about teen activists she has researched for her senior project whom she draws from for inspiration throughout the story.
While readers might be quicker to recognize the OTP here than Simone herself, the journey to that discovery is well worth the wait. Simone and her new friends have instant chemistry and while they all pursue their own dates for prom, the real love story here is the lasting friendship they forge. Ben--Simone's arranged prom date--is her perfect foil and their dialogue as they get to know each other adds a fun dimension to this story.
Simone Breaks All the Rules is a laugh-out-loud story about friendship, prom, and learning that sometimes you don't have to look as far as you think to find yourself. Recommended for fans of stories with bucket lists, high school nostalgia, and witty banter.
Possible Pairings: Happily Ever Afters by Elise Bryant, 10 Truths and a Dare by Ashley Elston, I Believe in a Thing Called Love by Maurene Goo, When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon, My So-Called Bollywood Life by Nisha Sharma
May 6, 2021
In Simone Breaks All the Rules, Rigaud takes us to high school. We are immersed in Simone's world as she tries to figure out who she is while sorting through family relationships, friends, and romance. As a child of immigrants myself, Simone feels familiar. She loves her family but wants to forge her own path--she just needs to figure out where that path goes.
Rigaud has a wonderful way of describing situations, like this sentence showing how Simone views her sister: "Anne was usually as composed as Beethoven." Even more than Rigaud's words, I appreciate that she surrounds Simone with love. Simone lives a long bus ride away from her rich kids' school, but her younger cousin has her back, and she also becomes friends with two other girls who, for reasons of their own, feel out of place at school and at odds with their families. Together, they galvanize each other to grow, to seek out new adventures, perhaps to find some romance.
Yes, Simone's story involves boys, too. I'm so happy the boys in this book aren't dirtbags. Okay, that might be a low bar, but it's true. Rigaud doesn't use petty emotional ploys to get us invested in the relationships in the story; she shows how these high schoolers find love and how they balance that with the other demands on their time and energy.
The last piece I'd like to mention is family. Whew, Simone's family can be stressful, and when her mom is trying to arrange a prom date for her, I felt my heart squeeze in sympathy. Still, Rigaud doesn't paint them as complete villains, and I think that is clever and authentic, too. High school is a time when you are eager to explore that great big world out there, so of course parental restrictions feel overly confining. But, Rigaud shows that the foundation of Simone's family relationships is solid; she gives them space for the bonds to strengthen as Simone becomes an adult.
Rigaud fills her characters' lives with joy, and her books fill me with joy.
Rigaud has a wonderful way of describing situations, like this sentence showing how Simone views her sister: "Anne was usually as composed as Beethoven." Even more than Rigaud's words, I appreciate that she surrounds Simone with love. Simone lives a long bus ride away from her rich kids' school, but her younger cousin has her back, and she also becomes friends with two other girls who, for reasons of their own, feel out of place at school and at odds with their families. Together, they galvanize each other to grow, to seek out new adventures, perhaps to find some romance.
Yes, Simone's story involves boys, too. I'm so happy the boys in this book aren't dirtbags. Okay, that might be a low bar, but it's true. Rigaud doesn't use petty emotional ploys to get us invested in the relationships in the story; she shows how these high schoolers find love and how they balance that with the other demands on their time and energy.
The last piece I'd like to mention is family. Whew, Simone's family can be stressful, and when her mom is trying to arrange a prom date for her, I felt my heart squeeze in sympathy. Still, Rigaud doesn't paint them as complete villains, and I think that is clever and authentic, too. High school is a time when you are eager to explore that great big world out there, so of course parental restrictions feel overly confining. But, Rigaud shows that the foundation of Simone's family relationships is solid; she gives them space for the bonds to strengthen as Simone becomes an adult.
Rigaud fills her characters' lives with joy, and her books fill me with joy.
June 10, 2021
Truly, what can I say about this gem? Every page had a laugh-out-loud funny moment, and there were tons of scenes and turns of phrase that made me tear up. Whether you were ever a good-kid who wanted to rebel, had a loving, overprotective mother, struggled to speak up for what you wanted, this book is very much for you. Simone is such an indomitable, sparklingly intelligent, flawed, and hilarious narrator who we can all relate to. There is so much that's specific about the beautiful Haitian culture in this novel that nevertheless feels universal. I found myself nodding and laughing in recognition — even though I'm a child of Korean American immigrants, Debbie Rigaud has tapped into what makes us human. Turns out, we're all a little Haitian inside. :) I really can't recommend this book enough. Simone proves that what can feel like a small act — speaking up for what you truly want — is an act of revolution. All hail Simone, our Port-au-Princess!
August 19, 2021
I wanted to like this book but I didn’t feel any strong connection to any of the characters besides Simone a bit. Mainly because Simone is Haitian and I’m half Haitian myself. This book is really predictable so I already know Simone was going to fall for Ben but their relationship felt rushed. I like Ben but since not much time is spent on him in the book, he feels a bit bland. Simone suddenly liking Ben also felt weird since she spent half of the book being rude to him.
I like Simone’s friendship with the HomeGirls and her cousin Gabby but if I’m being honest, they weren’t that memorable. I just wish the romance was better developed and that the characters were more in depth and not so forgettable. I did love the fact that Simone is Haitian-American and proud. I think that’s one of the few things that I really love about this book. Other than that, I’m a bit disappointed by how this novel turned out.
I like Simone’s friendship with the HomeGirls and her cousin Gabby but if I’m being honest, they weren’t that memorable. I just wish the romance was better developed and that the characters were more in depth and not so forgettable. I did love the fact that Simone is Haitian-American and proud. I think that’s one of the few things that I really love about this book. Other than that, I’m a bit disappointed by how this novel turned out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2021
Super cute teen coming of age story.
I enjoyed the attention given to friendship and family with a little romance trailing throughout with a sweet kiss to tie up the ending.
A true Teen/Young Adult read.
I did enjoy this author's other book (Truly Madly Royally) a little more than this one though.
I wouldn't read again but I do recomend.
I enjoyed the attention given to friendship and family with a little romance trailing throughout with a sweet kiss to tie up the ending.
A true Teen/Young Adult read.
I did enjoy this author's other book (Truly Madly Royally) a little more than this one though.
I wouldn't read again but I do recomend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2021
dnf pg 123
i didn’t like this one. it felt really childish. it also felt really unrealistic. the main character was really annoying. she kept making the wrong choices. which i know is important, but it was annoyingly wrong. it was one of those cases where the great guy was right in front of her, but she kept going to the bad guy (and we all know how much i hate love triangles). the writing felt like it was for a much younger audience. overall i didn’t like this one.
i didn’t like this one. it felt really childish. it also felt really unrealistic. the main character was really annoying. she kept making the wrong choices. which i know is important, but it was annoyingly wrong. it was one of those cases where the great guy was right in front of her, but she kept going to the bad guy (and we all know how much i hate love triangles). the writing felt like it was for a much younger audience. overall i didn’t like this one.
Want to read
January 29, 2021THIS COVER THOUGH [heart eyes emoji]
August 13, 2021
This is a really cute book. It was just too young for me.
June 6, 2023
Hello Again!
I am still working through my current night stand stack (I know this got pushed to the side a bit as I moved a few months ago) but I am back working through the stack and this time I have them on a TBR cart! One of the books that was in this stack from before I moved was Simone Breaks All The Rules. I was super drawn into this book by the absolutely gorgeous cover so I decided after seeing the audiobook on Hoopla it was time to pick this one up!
SPOILERS AHEAD
Simone is a high school student who lives with her very strict parents and sister. Simone’s path has been set before her, no dating, strict curfews, and do amazing in school so you can go to a great college someday. But Simone wants more from her high school experience. She has a whole list of things she would like to do while in high school, including prom. But in order to go to prom, Simone’s parents get to pick her date. Simone vividly remembers this moment when it happened for her sister, and it was not a great one. So on top of her list, Simone is determined to never feel that embarrassed. Can Simone complete the list, go to prom, and still follow her parent’s strict rules?
I want to start by saying in addition to the amazing book cover, the audiobook was wonderful and the narrator did a fabulous job! The narrator really worked hard to bring Simone to life. I did overall, enjoy the story and the book, it was a fun break from some of the more serious books I have been picking up lately. Let me know in the comments if you have picked up this book or were considering it!
Goodreads Rating: 3 stars
I am still working through my current night stand stack (I know this got pushed to the side a bit as I moved a few months ago) but I am back working through the stack and this time I have them on a TBR cart! One of the books that was in this stack from before I moved was Simone Breaks All The Rules. I was super drawn into this book by the absolutely gorgeous cover so I decided after seeing the audiobook on Hoopla it was time to pick this one up!
SPOILERS AHEAD
Simone is a high school student who lives with her very strict parents and sister. Simone’s path has been set before her, no dating, strict curfews, and do amazing in school so you can go to a great college someday. But Simone wants more from her high school experience. She has a whole list of things she would like to do while in high school, including prom. But in order to go to prom, Simone’s parents get to pick her date. Simone vividly remembers this moment when it happened for her sister, and it was not a great one. So on top of her list, Simone is determined to never feel that embarrassed. Can Simone complete the list, go to prom, and still follow her parent’s strict rules?
I want to start by saying in addition to the amazing book cover, the audiobook was wonderful and the narrator did a fabulous job! The narrator really worked hard to bring Simone to life. I did overall, enjoy the story and the book, it was a fun break from some of the more serious books I have been picking up lately. Let me know in the comments if you have picked up this book or were considering it!
Goodreads Rating: 3 stars
August 27, 2021
My "I'm not into romance but this author has a good thing going" streak continues! I'm not sure if this technically counts as a romance (it was shelved in my collection in the Overcoming Obstacles -- AKA realistic fiction -- genre) but crushes and dating definitely play a big role.
The minus one star in my rating basically boils down to cheesiness. Especially near the end, things started feeling just too perfect (again, I get it, this is how romance is and I'm just a Grinch.)
This book has two great things going for it: a multifaceted celebration of Haitian American culture, and a crew of energetic, sheltered, slightly-nerdy young women who just want to get the most out of their teen years.
Recommended for "good kids" who want to be "cool," contemporary YA romance fans, and high school students who would literally die for some quality prom content.
The minus one star in my rating basically boils down to cheesiness. Especially near the end, things started feeling just too perfect (again, I get it, this is how romance is and I'm just a Grinch.)
This book has two great things going for it: a multifaceted celebration of Haitian American culture, and a crew of energetic, sheltered, slightly-nerdy young women who just want to get the most out of their teen years.
Recommended for "good kids" who want to be "cool," contemporary YA romance fans, and high school students who would literally die for some quality prom content.
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