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A review by jpanslabyrinthofbooks
We Are the Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Teenage angst combined with aliens...truly, what more could you ask for, dare I say?
We follow our protagonist as he juggles adolescent hormones with abductions from 'The Sluggers'; an alien race who have given him the choice of pressing the big red button. Space Boy must determine whether the Earth is worth saving in 144 days, or whether the planet should fall to its demise through natural cause or intervention. As someone who is bullied for their obnoxious behaviour - announcing to the school their abductions - and coming to terms with the loss of their beloved, Henry is certain that he will NEVER trigger the button. But with the indefinite relationship with their perpetual hook-up, a best friend that is determined to reconnect, and a transfer student, Henry will have to weigh up the pros and cons of the universe.
What I truly enjoyed about this book is the unknowing of whether 'The Sluggers' are a hallucinatory aspect, or whether Henry is genuinely abducted. The blackouts and belief that they can control their destiny could be a reflection on the state of their mental health, or invasive thoughts leading to the compromise of their well being. The sheer navigation of home life, school, lost lives, alien abductions, and a deteriorating mental health was both refreshing, invigorating, and informative.
Its hard to summarise a book that essentially throws the main character from sign post to sign post of traumatising events, still trying to maintain a positive outlook. The plot is driven thoroughly by Henry and his change in character as he rekindles a lost friendship with Audrey, attempts to fall in love whilst grieving the loss of Jesse, and dealing with a drunken mother, lack of father, and a Grandmother waiting to go to a nursing home. But through all of the adversity, Henry is given this choice and needs to weigh their options carefully.
We follow our protagonist as he juggles adolescent hormones with abductions from 'The Sluggers'; an alien race who have given him the choice of pressing the big red button. Space Boy must determine whether the Earth is worth saving in 144 days, or whether the planet should fall to its demise through natural cause or intervention. As someone who is bullied for their obnoxious behaviour - announcing to the school their abductions - and coming to terms with the loss of their beloved, Henry is certain that he will NEVER trigger the button. But with the indefinite relationship with their perpetual hook-up, a best friend that is determined to reconnect, and a transfer student, Henry will have to weigh up the pros and cons of the universe.
What I truly enjoyed about this book is the unknowing of whether 'The Sluggers' are a hallucinatory aspect, or whether Henry is genuinely abducted. The blackouts and belief that they can control their destiny could be a reflection on the state of their mental health, or invasive thoughts leading to the compromise of their well being. The sheer navigation of home life, school, lost lives, alien abductions, and a deteriorating mental health was both refreshing, invigorating, and informative.
Its hard to summarise a book that essentially throws the main character from sign post to sign post of traumatising events, still trying to maintain a positive outlook. The plot is driven thoroughly by Henry and his change in character as he rekindles a lost friendship with Audrey, attempts to fall in love whilst grieving the loss of Jesse, and dealing with a drunken mother, lack of father, and a Grandmother waiting to go to a nursing home. But through all of the adversity, Henry is given this choice and needs to weigh their options carefully.