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bookburger's review against another edition
i read this in highchool, it was slow and I never finished...
jpanslabyrinthofbooks's review against another edition
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.
t0rixoxo's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
i was very close to dnfing this book. the first few chapters were full of references to anuses and butts and i honestly couldnt take it. i think the author was just trying to depict a teenage boy’s mind, but it just came off as kind of weird. but once he stopped with the weird sphincter references, the book became much more bearable and i was actually fully invested!
this book is about a teen boy named henry trying to figure out if he should press a button that prevents the end of the world. however, he struggles with the decision as his life is pretty sucky. his boyfriend committed suicide, hes hooking up with his bully, and his family is dysfunctional and chaotic.
i love the concept and the author does a wonderful job of executing it. it deals with many philosophical/existential questions in a simple way that the average reader can understand.
the only reason i didnt give this book five stars is the issue i mentioned in the beginning. overall, this was a fantastic book!
this book is about a teen boy named henry trying to figure out if he should press a button that prevents the end of the world. however, he struggles with the decision as his life is pretty sucky. his boyfriend committed suicide, hes hooking up with his bully, and his family is dysfunctional and chaotic.
i love the concept and the author does a wonderful job of executing it. it deals with many philosophical/existential questions in a simple way that the average reader can understand.
the only reason i didnt give this book five stars is the issue i mentioned in the beginning. overall, this was a fantastic book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Miscarriage, Bullying, Toxic relationship, and Suicide
Moderate: Homophobia, Kidnapping, Pregnancy, and Alcoholism
ashleygee's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
phoenixknight's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
majaluciabekker13's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
ameeg's review against another edition
4.0
I was going to give this three stars but near the end it started to connect with some part of me and made me cry a lot so. There's an extra one.
john_the_captain's review against another edition
5.0
By far my favourite book this year, I've given it full marks. The story is fantastic with a complex and intriguing plot that intertwines beautifully. It's a YA book with mature content but don't let that put you off. It's realistic, heartbreaking with moments of joy. I've done a review on my blog here https://johnthecaptainryan.blogspot.com/2020/04/we-are-ants-by-shaun-david-hutchinson.html
candiecane333's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
3.0
Interesting premise, great writing, characterization but it fell flat for me. Didn't figure out if sluggers were real, if world was ending & had too much angst about bf's suicide
rsmo666's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25