Rapid Review: everyone's a aliebn when ur a aliebn too By Jonathan Sun

everyone's a aliebn when ur a aliebn too
By Jonathan Sun

(Finished reading: 8/9/18)

5/5 stars

Simple, wholesome, relatable.

“im like a onion. peel back the layers and u’ll see that deep down inside im just a smaller, mor afraid onion”

This graphic novel follows jomny, a small and curious alien who is sent down to earth to investigate human life and report back to his own kind. At least, that’s what this story is on a literal level. But on a deeper level it’s an analysis of the weird, the wonderful and the sheer terrifying elements that make up what it is to be human. It’s a commentary on human behaviour and the hidden truths within all walks of life. Like all our favourite Pixar movies, you could read this cute and simplistic comic to a child who would adore the cute animals and the charming mis-spelt words; or you could read this as an adult and simultaneously laugh and weep your whole way through.

This book hit me on a deep emotional level. It made me think, it made me reflect, but most importantly, it made me feel understood. It’s such a warm and wholesome tale that should rightfully be enjoyed in the company of a cosy blanket and a hot beverage. I found myself folding down the corner of every other page because there were so many relatable and genius quotes. It’s a quick read but it is certainly one that can be read and reread over and over and over in times of existential anguish.

I found myself relating to every single quirky character, or at least, being able to recognise them all in people I know. Whether it’s the introverted-artist hedgehog, the identity-torn egg, the busy beaver, the perpetually-‘happy’ dog, the over-contemplative owl or the lonely tree; each character had it’s story and it’s own emotions. Every single being within this book highlights the strange but pure human-ness of humans. Jomny’s journey on earth becomes the reader’s journey of self-discovery. By seeing our world through alien eyes, we begin to realise how very common our unusual behaviour is. Or rather, how everyone being alien means no one is alien.

Overall I really enjoyed this story, I think this is a story for everyone of all ages, sizes and colours. Read it with your children, read it for yourself, read it when it is needed most.