Review: everyone's a aliebn when ur a aliebn too by Jomny Sun

Published By: Harper Perennial on June 27, 2017
Format Read: Hardcover (304 pages)
Genre: Comic/ Science Fiction
Series: Stand Alone
Source: Library
Rating: FIVE STARS

~Amazon~ 
Here is the unforgettable story of Jomny, a lonely alien who, for the first time ever, finds a home on our planet after learning that earthlings can feel lonely too. Jomny finds friendship in a bear tired of other creatures running away in fear, an egg struggling to decide what to hatch into, an owl working its way to being wise, a tree feeling stuck in one place, a tadpole coming to terms with turning into a frog, a dying ghost, a puppy unable to express itself, and many more.

Through this story of a lost, lonely and confused alien finding friendship, acceptance, and love among the creatures of Earth, we will all learn how to be a little more human. And for all of us earth-bound creatures here on this planet, we can all be reminded that sometimes, it takes an outsider to help us see ourselves for who we truly are.

VERDICT:

Content Warning: Death, Spirituality

REVIEW:

This was a unique and heartwarming journey through Jomny learns how to face his fears and learn more about the struggles on life. The artwork was simple but the use of blank space and short encounters worked great to convey feeling and allow the reader to experience Jomny's journey. I thought this would be catered to children because of the style of the artwork and use of animals. Instead I was treated to Jomny exploring themes and experiences that everyone can relate to.

The author is able to engage the reader through alienbs, animals and trees to take a step back and examine how humans approach life. Interestingly humans aren't featured on Jomny's journey. The introspective parts of this book were so memorable because I became emotionally moved by the friends that help Jomny along his journey. The use of humor helped to break up the discussion of  heavy topics about the future and what happens next.

I really enjoyed this quick read, some of the quotes and encounters have stuck with me for weeks after reading. This would be a great introduction to serious topics for younger readers but has something that everyone at an age can enjoy. I hope the author continues to create because I will happily read more.

"we internalize  traits we observe in others as a way to honor and remember them. we are all living memorials"

Recommended for readers who

-enjoy comics about serious topics

-are comfortable with self reflection

-enjoy minimalist artwork

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

 When he isn’t tweeting, he is an architect, designer, engineer, artist, playwright and comedy writer. His work across multiple disciplines broadly addresses narratives of human experience. As a playwright, Jonny’s work has been performed at the Yale School of Drama, and in Toronto at Hart House Theater and Factory Theater. As an artist and illustrator, his work has been exhibited at MIT, Yale, New Haven ArtSpace, and the University of Toronto. His work has been appeared on NPR, Buzzfeed, Playboy, GQ, and McSweeney’s. In his other life, he is a doctoral student at MIT and Berkman Klein fellow at Harvard.
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