Reviews

Geschichten aus der Vorstadt des Universums by Shaun Tan

kaidoi93's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I've been a fan of Shaun Tan's art for a while and bought this year's ago and never read it. This book reminds me a lot of the Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman in the strange and unexplainable magic and oddities in ordinary life. Highly imaginative and beautiful, I really liked this!

534534564587654323456789's review against another edition

Go to review page

The one about backyard missile was so interesting and human and fun to read.

mdevlin923's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Short fantastical stories with deeper meanings than you would initially think.

trin's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

With his gorgeously detailed, surrealist art, Shaun Tan has the ability to make the ordinary strange, and the everyday beautiful. In the series of graphic vignettes that makes up Tales From Outer Suburbia, Tan offers a peek into a place that's like a Bizarro-world version of our own, a place where a tiny leaf-like alien might come to live with one's family as a foreign exchange student, a water buffalo living in a vacant lot may be the best source of advice, and men in old-fashioned diving suits or silent stick-figure creatures wander the streets. For mature-thinking kids, as well as adults young and not-so-, this unique book opens up a whole universe to get lost in—as well as new ways of looking at our own.

audreyglj's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging funny inspiring mysterious reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

aclopez6's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

That was incredibly odd and supremely enjoyable -- my favorites were "Grandpa's Story" and "Sticks". Such a unique illustration style.

wintrovia's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

An odd but strangely moving collection of short stories. They all have an otherworldly feel which is superbly accompanied by the art work. I wish it was a bit longer as I wanted to spend more time in the world these stories occupy.

janinevduijn's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Outstanding illustrated story book that shows the eccentricities of modern suburban life, highly enjoyable.

coleycole's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I loved this. Rarely do I read something that makes me stop and reflect (or maybe I'm just shallow...), but I found myself stopping at the end of every story to gnaw on it. And my bus is not always conducive to deep thought:)

theseventhl's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

A wonderful set of illustrated stories about the humorous and poignant moments of living in what Aussie author Shaun Tan calls outer suburbia. Straddling the line between magical realism and fantasy flat out, Tan's inventive artwork and colorful storytelling is a treat to read. It's like a picture book for young adults. I can't wait to read more of Tan's works.