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The Alien Club
When everything is your first, you’re an alien. The feelings, sensations, decisions and ramifications of your actions are uncharted territory. An alien landscape that stretches from your front door to your first love can be more bizarre, beautiful and unforgiving than any other planet in the Universe. With no handbook and nowhere to turn, you’re forced to blaze a path to greatness you’re not even sure is your destiny.
A truly mesmerizing journey created by a series of tragic and fanciful events that are thrust into motion by seemingly mundane issues that grip and alter the trajectory of an innocent youth. The Alien Club follows the path forged by a ten-year-old boy, blindly clawing his way through the confusing, frightening and utterly fascinating life afforded him via a magical neighborhood situated in suburbia USA, during the summer of 1979.
The book is a fast paced, lighthearted (Whenever possible) read that has several unintended serious themes that underline the story, setting and subplots - Death, drugs, sexuality, peer pressure and child abuse to name a few.
"As a tree falling in the woods does not exist if it falls on deaf ears, a self-evident truth does not exist if we choose to turn a blind eye.
In my 43 years, I've made more mistakes than I care to remember, and took the easy way out more often than not to avoid the truth.
Along the way, I've suffered some powerful lessons in life due to the path I chose, but it's the things I never did that hurt the most. Indecision and regret are the drug and cancer of the soul, is a self-evident truth that I've not only recently excepted, but embraced…
Within this book, I forced incredible circumstances onto the main characters, forcing them to look within, affording them an opportunity to rise and grow via their souls that most people are never lucky enough to suffer through.
This book is not politically correct, but true to itself. A story that needed be told regardless of who listened…"
Take a book blender and toss Lord of the Flies, The Outsiders, Stand by Me (The Body), The Goonies and A Christmas Story and there you have it. Oh, and a smidgen of E.T. for some good old fashion dreaming.
A truly mesmerizing journey created by a series of tragic and fanciful events that are thrust into motion by seemingly mundane issues that grip and alter the trajectory of an innocent youth. The Alien Club follows the path forged by a ten-year-old boy, blindly clawing his way through the confusing, frightening and utterly fascinating life afforded him via a magical neighborhood situated in suburbia USA, during the summer of 1979.
The book is a fast paced, lighthearted (Whenever possible) read that has several unintended serious themes that underline the story, setting and subplots - Death, drugs, sexuality, peer pressure and child abuse to name a few.
"As a tree falling in the woods does not exist if it falls on deaf ears, a self-evident truth does not exist if we choose to turn a blind eye.
In my 43 years, I've made more mistakes than I care to remember, and took the easy way out more often than not to avoid the truth.
Along the way, I've suffered some powerful lessons in life due to the path I chose, but it's the things I never did that hurt the most. Indecision and regret are the drug and cancer of the soul, is a self-evident truth that I've not only recently excepted, but embraced…
Within this book, I forced incredible circumstances onto the main characters, forcing them to look within, affording them an opportunity to rise and grow via their souls that most people are never lucky enough to suffer through.
This book is not politically correct, but true to itself. A story that needed be told regardless of who listened…"
Take a book blender and toss Lord of the Flies, The Outsiders, Stand by Me (The Body), The Goonies and A Christmas Story and there you have it. Oh, and a smidgen of E.T. for some good old fashion dreaming.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 27, 2016
10 people are currently reading
877 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 25, 2017
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
There is some violence and some sexual content that would be a little uncomfortable to read aloud with young children and explain the content. It is a very good choice for readers 14+, but I think it would likely hit home more with adult readers. But it reminded me of "The Outsiders" which is one of my fav. book. I'm really excited to see what comes from this author next.
There is some violence and some sexual content that would be a little uncomfortable to read aloud with young children and explain the content. It is a very good choice for readers 14+, but I think it would likely hit home more with adult readers. But it reminded me of "The Outsiders" which is one of my fav. book. I'm really excited to see what comes from this author next.
February 23, 2016
This book is an 11 out of 10.
Every chapter ended on a cliff hanger and made me want to read the next chapter. Every chapter was better than the next. I read the whole book over two days. Couldn't put it down. Had to in order to eat and sleep!
I haven't read a book this good in years.
The dialogue to was rich and the character development was incredibly deep and distinctive.
I think the book is definitely an instant classic.
I strongly recommend this book for someone looking for a coming of age book that has a lot of drama, suspense and intrigue.
I had no idea where this book was going and was very pleased with the ride and final destination.
CDThe Alien ClubThe OutsidersThe Body
Every chapter ended on a cliff hanger and made me want to read the next chapter. Every chapter was better than the next. I read the whole book over two days. Couldn't put it down. Had to in order to eat and sleep!
I haven't read a book this good in years.
The dialogue to was rich and the character development was incredibly deep and distinctive.
I think the book is definitely an instant classic.
I strongly recommend this book for someone looking for a coming of age book that has a lot of drama, suspense and intrigue.
I had no idea where this book was going and was very pleased with the ride and final destination.
CDThe Alien ClubThe OutsidersThe Body
February 25, 2016
Best book in a long time!
The Alien Club was an emotional rollercoaster for me. It made my laugh and get somewhat teary eyed. Touching on topics I felt relevant without shoving them in my face. I was a victim of both parental abuse and bullying. The Alien Club weaves the themes, along with other pertinent topics, such as sexuality seamlessly.
I cannot recommend this book enough - I think the book is going to be a classic and I can see myself reading this book several times throughout my life.
I have read the other reviews on the book and though I appreciate their issues with the beginning, I found the first couple of chapters necessary in setting up the characters, theme and plot.
I do not think 40 pages (not 50ish) as some have stated as being too long to get going. The book tells a story with each chapter getting not only better than the previous, but more intense in every aspect.
I believe it's referred to as excellent story telling!
The Alien ClubThe OutsidersLord of the FliesCarrie
The Alien Club was an emotional rollercoaster for me. It made my laugh and get somewhat teary eyed. Touching on topics I felt relevant without shoving them in my face. I was a victim of both parental abuse and bullying. The Alien Club weaves the themes, along with other pertinent topics, such as sexuality seamlessly.
I cannot recommend this book enough - I think the book is going to be a classic and I can see myself reading this book several times throughout my life.
I have read the other reviews on the book and though I appreciate their issues with the beginning, I found the first couple of chapters necessary in setting up the characters, theme and plot.
I do not think 40 pages (not 50ish) as some have stated as being too long to get going. The book tells a story with each chapter getting not only better than the previous, but more intense in every aspect.
I believe it's referred to as excellent story telling!
The Alien ClubThe OutsidersLord of the FliesCarrie
February 17, 2016
The Alien Club
The book was more than I thought it was and luckily for both the book and myself, I didn't give up on it by page 40. Chapter 3 starts it for me. I've read enough reviews stating it was a slow read, but to be fair to the book, it's two kids talking kid smack - basic babblings - I think it was necessary after reading the entire book, but if there's a flaw - I'd say the Author could have tightened/shortened the first two chapters up.
I'm still giving it a 5 out of 5, because even with that one flaw, The Alien Club is still the best coming of age book I've ever read - and it's not even close!
The dialogue makes all the characters jump out at you.
The story line is the most original I've read - maybe on any book in twenty years?
I can't compare the book to anything, which is to its credit.
It's a Coming of Age book, but I think someone in their 30's - 40's, possibly 50's could enjoy.
Heavy subject matter, that doesn't shove the points in your mouth, but rather lets you digest them on your own terms.
Beautifully written!
Walt -
The book was more than I thought it was and luckily for both the book and myself, I didn't give up on it by page 40. Chapter 3 starts it for me. I've read enough reviews stating it was a slow read, but to be fair to the book, it's two kids talking kid smack - basic babblings - I think it was necessary after reading the entire book, but if there's a flaw - I'd say the Author could have tightened/shortened the first two chapters up.
I'm still giving it a 5 out of 5, because even with that one flaw, The Alien Club is still the best coming of age book I've ever read - and it's not even close!
The dialogue makes all the characters jump out at you.
The story line is the most original I've read - maybe on any book in twenty years?
I can't compare the book to anything, which is to its credit.
It's a Coming of Age book, but I think someone in their 30's - 40's, possibly 50's could enjoy.
Heavy subject matter, that doesn't shove the points in your mouth, but rather lets you digest them on your own terms.
Beautifully written!
Walt -
February 20, 2016
This book was the best book I've ever read, and I'm an avid reader. Starting out a bit slow but ending with a cant put down, I read this book in 2 nights because I couldn't stop reading it. The amazing characters, settings, wordy descriptions and funny pieces of this story make it the Alien Club. I have already read this book twice and I will continue to read it again and again. Whenever more books come out by this author I will be the first one to buy it.
March 25, 2017
Looking back, remembering when….
How many commercials, and songs do a throwback to earlier times when life was simpler and supposed to be somehow better? To many. This book does a throwback to an earlier time, but it brings back a different “Once Upon a Time”, this one does not paint the picture with all roses, sunshine, and sweet tea. This is a different kind of remember when.
There are things I want to say about this book without giving a spoiler.
First of all, I think it is very important for the reader to be aware of the context of this story. It is done as a recollection. Because it is a narrative it is very important to realize that this is an adult telling the story of a childhood experience. This is important to be aware of because we are hearing the story of the protagonist at the age of 10 but within the scope and language of an adult. The best example of a similar case I can give is Stephen King’s “The Body”. The reader must understand the story is being told in this context or it will trip you up thinking no 10-year-old talks that way. LOL for example the use of the words like propitious and epicenter rarely make it into the average 5th grader’s vocabulary, it took me a little time to realign my thinking that it was an adult doing the talking and not a 1st person account at the age of the protagonist.
Second I cannot emphasize enough that though the main characters are very young, this is not a book I can recommend for young readers. There is some violence and some sexual content that would be a little uncomfortable to read aloud with young children and explain the content. It is a very good choice for readers in the 14+ category, but I think it would likely hit home more with adult readers. The story that comes to mind as a parallel to the situations in this book would be S. E. Hinton’s “The Outsiders”. There are a few emotional moments both funny and sad.
If you are familiar with “The Body” and “The Outsiders” then you will be able to use them as a guide as to whether this book will be appropriate for your child reader, or for that matter yourself. What made those two books powerful is that we all knew people that resembled the characters in those stories. It is easy to find yourself relating to the characters in this book. Let me introduce you to people you know:
1. Trel – A young man struggling to find his place within his friends, his comprehension of his world, his understanding of girls including his sister. He is brave, has a strong sense of right and wrong, and occasionally caves under the pressure of the extraordinary events that make up the story of this book.
2. Kring – A child living up to his role as sidekick to Trel. He is still living in the adventure of the game when abruptly confronted by reality but takes it all in stride. He has pride and strength. He is bright and funny and charismatic.
3. Jim – More friend than foe to Trel. They face some of the social separation that is so much a part of middle school, trying to figure out where they are going to fit, in which cliques, which groups? In the end, they bond back together with the strength that comes from youthful bonding.
4. Sean – Jim’s older brother. He is protective, and admirable in his stand. Your brother is your brother. He will not stand back when someone has harmed his younger charge.
5. Libra – Wow what a force. She reminds me a little of Jeannie, Farris Bueller's sister in “Farris Bueller’s Day Off”. Anyone remember that movie? Libra is Trel’s older sister. Well anyway she might be a brat. She might on the whole want to stir up trouble with Trel, but no way is she going to let him down. I was proud of her.
6. Gwen – Gwen is Trel’s love interest. It is clear they both agree that with Gwen being 3 years older there is no chance of a real romance. It is also clear that she is torn between social rights and wrongs. She is attracted to adventure, and she is attracted to good. This is something I completely related to in this book.
7. Derrick – Derrick is our antihero. Because he is strong he has followers. Because he has followers he is a force to be reckoned with. He is everything that mothers fear their sons will grow up to be or their daughters will encounter.
Of course, there are other supporting characters, but these are the ones that stand out. These are the people that we all recognize from our own lives.
This book is told with a rich cast of characters. It is written with a fair mix of reality and fantasy. It is written with a great deal of situation and dialog that keeps the reader moving forward through the story. As is noted in some other reviews the set up takes a couple chapters, but I highly recommend the reader work through the set up. This story is completely worth the read. I would recommend this story more for individuals that are old enough to really look back on their childhood, and see the people they know in the cast set by Trel Sidoruk.
How many commercials, and songs do a throwback to earlier times when life was simpler and supposed to be somehow better? To many. This book does a throwback to an earlier time, but it brings back a different “Once Upon a Time”, this one does not paint the picture with all roses, sunshine, and sweet tea. This is a different kind of remember when.
There are things I want to say about this book without giving a spoiler.
First of all, I think it is very important for the reader to be aware of the context of this story. It is done as a recollection. Because it is a narrative it is very important to realize that this is an adult telling the story of a childhood experience. This is important to be aware of because we are hearing the story of the protagonist at the age of 10 but within the scope and language of an adult. The best example of a similar case I can give is Stephen King’s “The Body”. The reader must understand the story is being told in this context or it will trip you up thinking no 10-year-old talks that way. LOL for example the use of the words like propitious and epicenter rarely make it into the average 5th grader’s vocabulary, it took me a little time to realign my thinking that it was an adult doing the talking and not a 1st person account at the age of the protagonist.
Second I cannot emphasize enough that though the main characters are very young, this is not a book I can recommend for young readers. There is some violence and some sexual content that would be a little uncomfortable to read aloud with young children and explain the content. It is a very good choice for readers in the 14+ category, but I think it would likely hit home more with adult readers. The story that comes to mind as a parallel to the situations in this book would be S. E. Hinton’s “The Outsiders”. There are a few emotional moments both funny and sad.
If you are familiar with “The Body” and “The Outsiders” then you will be able to use them as a guide as to whether this book will be appropriate for your child reader, or for that matter yourself. What made those two books powerful is that we all knew people that resembled the characters in those stories. It is easy to find yourself relating to the characters in this book. Let me introduce you to people you know:
1. Trel – A young man struggling to find his place within his friends, his comprehension of his world, his understanding of girls including his sister. He is brave, has a strong sense of right and wrong, and occasionally caves under the pressure of the extraordinary events that make up the story of this book.
2. Kring – A child living up to his role as sidekick to Trel. He is still living in the adventure of the game when abruptly confronted by reality but takes it all in stride. He has pride and strength. He is bright and funny and charismatic.
3. Jim – More friend than foe to Trel. They face some of the social separation that is so much a part of middle school, trying to figure out where they are going to fit, in which cliques, which groups? In the end, they bond back together with the strength that comes from youthful bonding.
4. Sean – Jim’s older brother. He is protective, and admirable in his stand. Your brother is your brother. He will not stand back when someone has harmed his younger charge.
5. Libra – Wow what a force. She reminds me a little of Jeannie, Farris Bueller's sister in “Farris Bueller’s Day Off”. Anyone remember that movie? Libra is Trel’s older sister. Well anyway she might be a brat. She might on the whole want to stir up trouble with Trel, but no way is she going to let him down. I was proud of her.
6. Gwen – Gwen is Trel’s love interest. It is clear they both agree that with Gwen being 3 years older there is no chance of a real romance. It is also clear that she is torn between social rights and wrongs. She is attracted to adventure, and she is attracted to good. This is something I completely related to in this book.
7. Derrick – Derrick is our antihero. Because he is strong he has followers. Because he has followers he is a force to be reckoned with. He is everything that mothers fear their sons will grow up to be or their daughters will encounter.
Of course, there are other supporting characters, but these are the ones that stand out. These are the people that we all recognize from our own lives.
This book is told with a rich cast of characters. It is written with a fair mix of reality and fantasy. It is written with a great deal of situation and dialog that keeps the reader moving forward through the story. As is noted in some other reviews the set up takes a couple chapters, but I highly recommend the reader work through the set up. This story is completely worth the read. I would recommend this story more for individuals that are old enough to really look back on their childhood, and see the people they know in the cast set by Trel Sidoruk.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2017
I received a copy of this for free through Goodreads First Reads
This was a good book about the lives of young boys. I think I would have understood it more and connected to it more if I were a boy and had those same types of memories. I really did enjoy the kids showing so much imagination, as I don't think that really happens much any more. Overall a very good read.
This was a good book about the lives of young boys. I think I would have understood it more and connected to it more if I were a boy and had those same types of memories. I really did enjoy the kids showing so much imagination, as I don't think that really happens much any more. Overall a very good read.
March 28, 2018
I enjoyed this much more than I was expecting to.
April 7, 2018
I think it was really good. For me it was really hard to put down for me.
March 28, 2018
We loved it!
Want to read
February 28, 2018Thanks for making me a lucky winner of this book through the First Reads program and I look forward to reading and reviewing!
April 11, 2016
I fell in love with this book and have already begun to read it again.
The beginning was somewhat slow, but I found it interesting nonetheless. That said, you'll need patience-cause I wasn't taken until the end of the 3rd chapter. That's a lot of reading... If it didn't come highly recommended, I may have put it down and never have picked it up again... Worth the wait, but I can this book losing readers at an alarming rate, especially in today's ZERO attention span mindset. Not sure if theirs a way around it??? I will say that this book is the epitome of good things come to those that wait!
Character development and dialogue is better than anything I've read in years. Any Genre!
As crazy as the story is, you walk away believing the story could actually happen. Author does a fabulous job mixing fact with fiction. Book tells quite a story in 350 pages, considering the first 50 have nothing to really do with the main plot ;-) spoiler alert? Shhhhh
A five out of five all day!!!!!!!!
Unreal it was his first book written.
Kate
The Alien ClubThe BodyThe OutsidersThe Red Badge of CourageThe Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
The beginning was somewhat slow, but I found it interesting nonetheless. That said, you'll need patience-cause I wasn't taken until the end of the 3rd chapter. That's a lot of reading... If it didn't come highly recommended, I may have put it down and never have picked it up again... Worth the wait, but I can this book losing readers at an alarming rate, especially in today's ZERO attention span mindset. Not sure if theirs a way around it??? I will say that this book is the epitome of good things come to those that wait!
Character development and dialogue is better than anything I've read in years. Any Genre!
As crazy as the story is, you walk away believing the story could actually happen. Author does a fabulous job mixing fact with fiction. Book tells quite a story in 350 pages, considering the first 50 have nothing to really do with the main plot ;-) spoiler alert? Shhhhh
A five out of five all day!!!!!!!!
Unreal it was his first book written.
Kate
The Alien ClubThe BodyThe OutsidersThe Red Badge of CourageThe Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
February 15, 2016
This is one of the best books I've ever read!
I laughed and cried more than once and I'll read this book again before long.
Even in the beginning, when I had no idea where the author was taking me, I thought the chapters ended with me wanting to go on without putting the book down.
A third of the way in, I couldn't put the book down and read the final 200 pages of the book in one day. Morning to night and then had some of the best dreams of my life.
I have two crazy brothers - one older, one younger - I Love YOU GUYS!!!!
I think I'll read this again, before I ever decide to have kids and my future husband will have to read it as well. I'm not ready for this!
I think the best part of this book, is the author makes every chapter a cliff hanger. Second best has to be the dialogue - I feel like I knew each character, even though the book definitely lacks physical description of the characters. I certainly didn't need it, for I'm one that likes to make my own images of the characters.
I've read a review that states it's slow in the beginning. I liked the banter, because I know that's how boys are at that age - having two brothers, I KNOW - So I liked it. I also found it paramount to the remainder of the story, because they needed to be setup. Could the author have done that in half the pages.... Maybe? I'm glad he didn't.
I'll say this - I opened my account on this website partly due to wanting to sing the praises of this book. My heart is warm! I'm recommending to all my friends.
LAW
I laughed and cried more than once and I'll read this book again before long.
Even in the beginning, when I had no idea where the author was taking me, I thought the chapters ended with me wanting to go on without putting the book down.
A third of the way in, I couldn't put the book down and read the final 200 pages of the book in one day. Morning to night and then had some of the best dreams of my life.
I have two crazy brothers - one older, one younger - I Love YOU GUYS!!!!
I think I'll read this again, before I ever decide to have kids and my future husband will have to read it as well. I'm not ready for this!
I think the best part of this book, is the author makes every chapter a cliff hanger. Second best has to be the dialogue - I feel like I knew each character, even though the book definitely lacks physical description of the characters. I certainly didn't need it, for I'm one that likes to make my own images of the characters.
I've read a review that states it's slow in the beginning. I liked the banter, because I know that's how boys are at that age - having two brothers, I KNOW - So I liked it. I also found it paramount to the remainder of the story, because they needed to be setup. Could the author have done that in half the pages.... Maybe? I'm glad he didn't.
I'll say this - I opened my account on this website partly due to wanting to sing the praises of this book. My heart is warm! I'm recommending to all my friends.
LAW
April 10, 2016
The OutsidersThe Catcher in the RyeLord of the FliesWOW!!!
Must Read!!!
This book sang to me. Swooned me. Has kept me up many nights thinking of it...
I cannot express how deep this book touched me. It rocked me and I cannot believe how it unfolded. Took me in its arms and held me tight throughout the night.
The author obviously must have faced some real issues in his life and did an amazing job baring his soul. Bullying, Child Abuse, Love & Rejection - It's all here!
The book reads quick. No fluff - Borderline not enough description, but if the tradeoff for more description is to slow the cadence, I'll take what was served with a smile. BTW - The dialogue is more than just witty, it's classic! I also think this book could one day become a classic.
Negative - The book doesn't do a think for 50 pages ;-9 lol - Sorry, but all good things come to those that wait. The first 50 aren't bad, just misleading. Without writing a spoiler alert - The banter in the beginning never means a thing and I guess that's not always a good thing... I get why it's there, but I wonder if a couple of more drafts would have yielded a tighter start???
That little criticism aside, this is the best book I've read in years!
CRSpooks
Must Read!!!
This book sang to me. Swooned me. Has kept me up many nights thinking of it...
I cannot express how deep this book touched me. It rocked me and I cannot believe how it unfolded. Took me in its arms and held me tight throughout the night.
The author obviously must have faced some real issues in his life and did an amazing job baring his soul. Bullying, Child Abuse, Love & Rejection - It's all here!
The book reads quick. No fluff - Borderline not enough description, but if the tradeoff for more description is to slow the cadence, I'll take what was served with a smile. BTW - The dialogue is more than just witty, it's classic! I also think this book could one day become a classic.
Negative - The book doesn't do a think for 50 pages ;-9 lol - Sorry, but all good things come to those that wait. The first 50 aren't bad, just misleading. Without writing a spoiler alert - The banter in the beginning never means a thing and I guess that's not always a good thing... I get why it's there, but I wonder if a couple of more drafts would have yielded a tighter start???
That little criticism aside, this is the best book I've read in years!
CRSpooks
March 2, 2016
SOLID READ !
This book didn't just get better by the page, but the word. I put the book down (Because I read more than one at a time - sometimes 4 simultaneously) because it was reading a little slow - Thought the book was something it wasn't. When I picked it up again, I didn't put it down. literally for 10 hours.
Book reads quick. Pages flew. Story is a true original.
I suffered intense bullying as a child, as well as child abuse. I felt the author's journey through the fire. He added the dialogue to the discussion without yelling his bullet points. I felt it was seamless and only after reading it, did I realize how prevalent the topics were in the storyline. That's the definition of story telling as far as I'm concerned.
I cannot recommend this book enough!
Lord of the FliesThe OutsidersCarrieThe Adventures of Huckleberry FinnThe Wonderful Wizard of Oz
This book didn't just get better by the page, but the word. I put the book down (Because I read more than one at a time - sometimes 4 simultaneously) because it was reading a little slow - Thought the book was something it wasn't. When I picked it up again, I didn't put it down. literally for 10 hours.
Book reads quick. Pages flew. Story is a true original.
I suffered intense bullying as a child, as well as child abuse. I felt the author's journey through the fire. He added the dialogue to the discussion without yelling his bullet points. I felt it was seamless and only after reading it, did I realize how prevalent the topics were in the storyline. That's the definition of story telling as far as I'm concerned.
I cannot recommend this book enough!
Lord of the FliesThe OutsidersCarrieThe Adventures of Huckleberry FinnThe Wonderful Wizard of Oz
February 28, 2016
The Alien Club is a complex story that hides behind a coming of age book.
Whether you love the book like I did, or think it was too over-the-top for your liking, what cannot be argued is the originality of the plot and characters (The 5 main characters at least).
I personally think the dialogue was brilliant. The characters played off each other with better chemistry than anything I've read in years - That includes books from all genres I might add...
I found the characters believable and loveable, even though their circumstances made them less than likeable at times.
I found this book via an ad that stated that if I loved The Goonies, The Outsiders, A Christmas Story, Lord of the Flies and E.T. - I think there was another - I'd love this book... Well, they were right!
Lord of the FliesThe GooniesThe OutsidersThe Alien Club
Whether you love the book like I did, or think it was too over-the-top for your liking, what cannot be argued is the originality of the plot and characters (The 5 main characters at least).
I personally think the dialogue was brilliant. The characters played off each other with better chemistry than anything I've read in years - That includes books from all genres I might add...
I found the characters believable and loveable, even though their circumstances made them less than likeable at times.
I found this book via an ad that stated that if I loved The Goonies, The Outsiders, A Christmas Story, Lord of the Flies and E.T. - I think there was another - I'd love this book... Well, they were right!
Lord of the FliesThe GooniesThe OutsidersThe Alien Club
April 10, 2016
The Alien Club is the best coming of age book I've ever read!
Recommended to me by my Father, who loved it.
It's not an adult book though and if you're going to read it as an adult, please take that into account.
It didn't just remind me of my childhood, it transported me to my childhood.
A quick read for 350 pages, despite the slow start.
RE: I'm not sure if the book needed to take as long as it did to get good, but once it did, it got great.
If my Dad didn't warn me ahead of time on how slow it started, I would have put it down, which would have been a shame, since it's one of the best books I've ever read.
How the author made the unbelievable totally plausible is the greatest quality of the book. The characters come alive through rich dialogue. Maybe the best I've ever read - That includes some pretty big time classics...
I can see myself reading this book again and cannot recommend it enough.
Corey -
Recommended to me by my Father, who loved it.
It's not an adult book though and if you're going to read it as an adult, please take that into account.
It didn't just remind me of my childhood, it transported me to my childhood.
A quick read for 350 pages, despite the slow start.
RE: I'm not sure if the book needed to take as long as it did to get good, but once it did, it got great.
If my Dad didn't warn me ahead of time on how slow it started, I would have put it down, which would have been a shame, since it's one of the best books I've ever read.
How the author made the unbelievable totally plausible is the greatest quality of the book. The characters come alive through rich dialogue. Maybe the best I've ever read - That includes some pretty big time classics...
I can see myself reading this book again and cannot recommend it enough.
Corey -
February 13, 2016
The Alien Club
This book is incredible! 5 out of 5 all day!
The beginning is a slooooowwww read, but when it picks up, it takes off!
I think the author would do himself justice if he were to rewrite the book and figure out a way to pull the reader in before page 40ish... Sorry, but if I didn't pick the book back up after dropping it for another, I would have put 1 star in my review.
I get why he did what he did, when he did it... But if he wants to sell this thing he better figure out a way to captivate the average reader before they pass.
If you can read childish babble - again, it's there on purpose - then you'll be rewarded.
If you have a brother - I have 3 - this is a must read. They're all nuts !!!
HH
This book is incredible! 5 out of 5 all day!
The beginning is a slooooowwww read, but when it picks up, it takes off!
I think the author would do himself justice if he were to rewrite the book and figure out a way to pull the reader in before page 40ish... Sorry, but if I didn't pick the book back up after dropping it for another, I would have put 1 star in my review.
I get why he did what he did, when he did it... But if he wants to sell this thing he better figure out a way to captivate the average reader before they pass.
If you can read childish babble - again, it's there on purpose - then you'll be rewarded.
If you have a brother - I have 3 - this is a must read. They're all nuts !!!
HH
April 10, 2016
The book was more than I thought it would be!
I laughed a lot.
Felt like my childhood, but without the over-the-top story line.
Book started one way and went another about 50 pages in - Like three books in one.
Not sure if that's a good thing, but the finished product was over the top amazing!
I will definitely read it again before year's end.
LA
Andy The Alien Club
I laughed a lot.
Felt like my childhood, but without the over-the-top story line.
Book started one way and went another about 50 pages in - Like three books in one.
Not sure if that's a good thing, but the finished product was over the top amazing!
I will definitely read it again before year's end.
LA
Andy The Alien Club
April 26, 2016
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway, thank you. Also , thank you to Mr. Sidoruk for personally autographing it!
This book is amazing. It starts out very slow, I really didn't think I would even be able to finish it. But wow, once it gets going, you have to keep reading. I found it very realistic, it took me back to my childhood. I recommend this book for everyone, all ages.
This book is amazing. It starts out very slow, I really didn't think I would even be able to finish it. But wow, once it gets going, you have to keep reading. I found it very realistic, it took me back to my childhood. I recommend this book for everyone, all ages.
April 10, 2016
Best romance book ever!
At least the best I've read all year - lol
I'm not sure it was supposed to be a love story, but I'd recommend it for a quick giggle.
Took its sweet time getting there, but the destination was divine and definitely worth the time.
Shu Shu -
At least the best I've read all year - lol
I'm not sure it was supposed to be a love story, but I'd recommend it for a quick giggle.
Took its sweet time getting there, but the destination was divine and definitely worth the time.
Shu Shu -
April 10, 2016
This is the best coming of age novel I've ever read - Hands down!
Also, maybe the most original book I've ever read - period!
I've read a ton of books - A library's worth - and this book kept me floored the whole way through.
I hope the author keeps writing. Sequel????
Sarah
Also, maybe the most original book I've ever read - period!
I've read a ton of books - A library's worth - and this book kept me floored the whole way through.
I hope the author keeps writing. Sequel????
Sarah
March 17, 2019
Modern day lord of the flies...ish
It was a little bit wordy and terrifying to read as a mother but overall good coming of age story.
It was a little bit wordy and terrifying to read as a mother but overall good coming of age story.
May 14, 2022
The book was alright but what I liked more was the writing structure, it really had great figurative language, description and the sentences.
December 13, 2016
I would have given it 5 stars but the dialogue was too heavy, especially in the beginning when I didn't know what they were talking about. The book eventually rounded into what I believe to be an instant classic! I was amazed how the writer took the characters to the edge and back. I cannot believe I wound up loving the main characters and hated so patiently the evil ones. I wanted justice! I got a great book.
If you're into dialogue, this is your book. If you're not, I'd skip it even though I think it could be my new favorite go to read when I'm feeling like I need some inspiration.
It also confronts some serious issues, but may be the description in some parts will unnerve more than a few readers. It's definitely not a kids' book, though it's considered a young adult, or coming of age. I think readers north of 15 is more appropriate. Much of the deeper meanings will be missed on anyone that is still at the ages of the characters.
I read reviews that this book was a nice mix of The Goonies and Lord of the Flies. I think it had more Lord of the Flies than Goonies. Not a bad thing, just get ready to be floored by some of the graphic, very real content.
Again, I would have given it a 5, but the beginning was weaker than the middle and nowhere near as solid as the end.
I recommend this book thoroughly !!!!!!!
The Alien Club
Lord of the Flies
The Outsiders
If you're into dialogue, this is your book. If you're not, I'd skip it even though I think it could be my new favorite go to read when I'm feeling like I need some inspiration.
It also confronts some serious issues, but may be the description in some parts will unnerve more than a few readers. It's definitely not a kids' book, though it's considered a young adult, or coming of age. I think readers north of 15 is more appropriate. Much of the deeper meanings will be missed on anyone that is still at the ages of the characters.
I read reviews that this book was a nice mix of The Goonies and Lord of the Flies. I think it had more Lord of the Flies than Goonies. Not a bad thing, just get ready to be floored by some of the graphic, very real content.
Again, I would have given it a 5, but the beginning was weaker than the middle and nowhere near as solid as the end.
I recommend this book thoroughly !!!!!!!
The Alien Club
Lord of the Flies
The Outsiders
March 6, 2017
The Catcher in the RyeThe Catcher in the Rye
Animal Farm
Boy's Life
The book shook me. Haven't been the same all day...
Still trying to figure out what happened...or what didn't happen.
Best book I've read in at least a year and I read a lot.
If I had a negative on the book, it would be the slow start.
If I had a caution for someone deciding whether to read the book, it would be the gratuitous violence, that is so painstakingly detailed. It comes in spurts - Maybe that's how violence occurs? Either way, I'd say it's unsettling and I'm not sure entirely necessary (at least the description side, though I am aware it's a book.) Other than that, this book should be made into a movie.
If I had to state the book's greatest attribute - I'd be torn between it's originality and heart.
MUST READ!
Animal Farm
Boy's Life
The book shook me. Haven't been the same all day...
Still trying to figure out what happened...or what didn't happen.
Best book I've read in at least a year and I read a lot.
If I had a negative on the book, it would be the slow start.
If I had a caution for someone deciding whether to read the book, it would be the gratuitous violence, that is so painstakingly detailed. It comes in spurts - Maybe that's how violence occurs? Either way, I'd say it's unsettling and I'm not sure entirely necessary (at least the description side, though I am aware it's a book.) Other than that, this book should be made into a movie.
If I had to state the book's greatest attribute - I'd be torn between it's originality and heart.
MUST READ!
April 1, 2016
Upon starting this book never considered finishing it much less giving it 5 stars. Was a very slow start and asked myself what on earth did I want to read it for. However, my commitment won out and did get interested about a third of the way in. Is a coming of age novel of young boys. Their first love, first fight and first regrets of injuring another. The main character is 10 years old and very savvy for his age. Being around elementary students 5 days a week have never seen them quite as astute as these much less cursing qualified. As the story of cults, rape, and physical injury occur one gets drawn in and realizes the young of today are far more 'up' on everything than the past generations. Parents are involved in the end. Anyone will like this book, its story and characters. Please read and help this author's career. Thanks for this much appreciated read.
March 26, 2016
I received this book as part of a Goodreads Giveaway.
My 12-year-old son and I read it together. Although it had some adult language, it was right up his alley. He really identified with the characters and found it hard to put down with the suspenseful parts (which made it difficult for me to keep pace with him - I had to read it after he went to bed). The descriptions in the book were really vivid and made it easy to picture what was happening. He said it felt like he was actually transported back in time to 1979. I liked the first-person narrative the author used - it made the emotional response of the protagonist more personal.
Many thanks to Mr. Sidoruk for writing his story and for participating in the Giveaway. I don't think we would have picked up this book on our own otherwise, and we would have therefore missed out on a great story.
My 12-year-old son and I read it together. Although it had some adult language, it was right up his alley. He really identified with the characters and found it hard to put down with the suspenseful parts (which made it difficult for me to keep pace with him - I had to read it after he went to bed). The descriptions in the book were really vivid and made it easy to picture what was happening. He said it felt like he was actually transported back in time to 1979. I liked the first-person narrative the author used - it made the emotional response of the protagonist more personal.
Many thanks to Mr. Sidoruk for writing his story and for participating in the Giveaway. I don't think we would have picked up this book on our own otherwise, and we would have therefore missed out on a great story.
March 9, 2017
Boy's Life
If I were to compare this book to another I'd be hard pressed to find an example. The writing style is unique - heavy dialog - which I loved BTW - but it's not for everyone. I've had two friends put the book down. One didn't know where the story was going, the other didn't care. The book, Boy's Life, is as close as I can come to an example of the book's context.
Though my youth was very different than the writer's, much of the family and neighbor dynamics are eerily familiar.
The book meant something to me. I'll read it again in a couple of years. Best compliment I can give.
If I were to compare this book to another I'd be hard pressed to find an example. The writing style is unique - heavy dialog - which I loved BTW - but it's not for everyone. I've had two friends put the book down. One didn't know where the story was going, the other didn't care. The book, Boy's Life, is as close as I can come to an example of the book's context.
Though my youth was very different than the writer's, much of the family and neighbor dynamics are eerily familiar.
The book meant something to me. I'll read it again in a couple of years. Best compliment I can give.
April 11, 2016
This interesting story by Trel W. Sidoruk was a great, short story for young tweens. After I read it, my tween also read it and really enjoyed it. The story line was very intriguing, kept both of our attention, and didn't take that long to read. In my opinion, once you got most the way through the book, you could tell how it would end. However, my tween wasn't so sure, and was surprised at the ending, so I am going to say the author has written a great story.
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