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Love and Other Alien Experiences
I'm never going outside again.
Mallory hasn't left the house in sixty-seven days--since the day her dad left. She attends her classes via webcam, rarely leaves her room (much to her brother's chagrin), and spends most of her time watching The X-Files or chatting with the always obnoxious BeamMeUp on New Mexico's premier alien message board.
But when she's shockingly nominated for homecoming queen, her life takes a surprising turn. She slowly begins to open up to the world outside. And maybe if she can get her popular jock neighbor Brad Kirkpatrick to be her homecoming date, her classmates will stop calling her a freak.
In this heartwarming and humorous debut, Mallory discovers first love and the true meaning of home--just by taking one small step outside her house.
Mallory hasn't left the house in sixty-seven days--since the day her dad left. She attends her classes via webcam, rarely leaves her room (much to her brother's chagrin), and spends most of her time watching The X-Files or chatting with the always obnoxious BeamMeUp on New Mexico's premier alien message board.
But when she's shockingly nominated for homecoming queen, her life takes a surprising turn. She slowly begins to open up to the world outside. And maybe if she can get her popular jock neighbor Brad Kirkpatrick to be her homecoming date, her classmates will stop calling her a freak.
In this heartwarming and humorous debut, Mallory discovers first love and the true meaning of home--just by taking one small step outside her house.
272 pages, Paperback
First published November 10, 2015
24 people are currently reading
2578 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Winfrey
7 books1,889 followersKerry Winfrey is the author of the adult romantic comedies WAITING FOR TOM HANKS, NOT LIKE THE MOVIES, VERY SINCERELY YOURS, and JUST ANOTHER LOVE SONG, as well as the teen romantic comedies LOVE AND OTHER ALIEN EXPERIENCES and THINGS JOLIE NEEDS TO DO BEFORE SHE BITES IT. She lives in Columbus, Ohio with her family. You can find her on Instagram @kerrywinfrey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
January 19, 2017
I guess you could say I've read this one.
January 14, 2016
This book was adorable. I read it when I was sick and all alone in a foreign country and I just needed something to cheer me up a little. Mission accomplished. I didn't even mind being trapped in my hotel room sipping tea and eating chicken soup because I didn't want to put this book down. This story is sweet and funny and will just make you happy. It's also short and fast-paced--the perfect book for reluctant readers or anyone who needs to get out of a book slump :)
Read
June 22, 2017Love and Other Alien Experiences by Kerry Winfrey
Release Date: July 11, 2017
DNF @ 34%
*Thanks so much to the publisher for sending me over an E-ARC for an honest review via Netgalley - thank you again!*
Okay, I was so swayed to pick this book up, because, I mean, aliens. ALIENS. Me and aliens are like...me and Bigfoot (but not as rapid as my love for the big furry creature). I was always fascinated by it as a child and the stories that I would read (thank you, junior high librarian for letting me sneak out the reference book full of weird supernatural stories that included alien adventures and Bigfoot sightings that has now fueled my random YA obsessions). So, of course, the moment I saw aliens, I was like GIMME GIMME GIMME MORE.
Okay, first and clearly foremost, not enough aliens. THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH OF MY LITTLE GREEN CREATURES. I wanted lots and lots of aliens and alien talk and talk about alien sightings and alien kidnapping and beaming up and at least some Star Trek references, but nooooooooo. There was like none of that. There was some talk of arguing on the alien message board, which seemed very promising although to be truthful, the thing they were discussing sounded far more Bermuda Triangle than aliens (oh dear gosh, why do I know that??????). So, I was more than a bit upset about that. I just wanted lots of kooky alien fun and there was no lots of kooky alien fun.
Secondly, I felt like I read this story before. Like, girl gets set up with one guy but oh, look, his mysterious and "bad boy" brother is around who is a total jerk to MC for no reason. Hmmmm...I wonder what's going to happen?
And then let's talk about that for a second more, because it's official: I'm over the love interest being a jerk to the main character. I know some people love this trope (one of my best friends lovesssssss it), but I. AM. DONE. Why can't the guy be sweet and kind and caring? Why does he have to hate on the main character for no reason? How is that attractive? If a guy acts like a jerk to me and picks on me and tells me I look horrible, I'm going to veto the man out of my life and not somehow fall in love with him? I'm just really tired of this trope, especially when the authors fail to create the characterization that is needed and instead the guy just looks more like a jerk than the guy that will somehow be redeemed. That's what Jake was in this situation. I love me a guy with complex issues, but dear gosh, I just wanted to throw a football at this guy's head. Multiple times.
And then there was the storyline, which I was having multiple issues with. Mallory has anxiety issues. Anxiety is becoming a huge part of YA, and discussing it is so issues. I'm pretty sure I saw a statistic that anxiety in people is growing faster than it ever has, and young people are especially in harm's way. I've read a few books this year that have handled it wonderfully, but this book? It seemed like Mallory would get confused about her disorder. Like, she could go outside, but then she would get scared and pass out. And she could go to the front door and open it with no worries; go outside in her backyard to grab something; and SHE GOES OUTSIDE TO PLAY FOOTBALL WITH BRAD AND JAKE. Yes, she does have some anxiety over it, but it seems to fade in and out? Like, oh, I'm so nervous, but now Brad is throwing a football at me, but oh, maybe this will kill me, but do you know what will really kill me, Brad touching me, because wow.
Also, the storyline about the homecoming queen. I was more than a little concerned and disturbed by this. Mallory is clearly not in school, but she still Facetimes with her best friend during the day and also is forced to call in via webcam for all of her classes. Some people at the school decide to nominate her to the homecoming court - which is a straight up bullying move since it's making fun of her illness. Yet there is no conversation about it - none of her friends treat this as anything but something good when this a move that could severely hurt someone. Why did the adults not reach out? Mallory's mom lets another mom make a snide remark about it to Mallory. I get it's trying to move the plot along, but I'm more than a bit upset about the reaction the book gives about something that could viciously hurt someone.
Okay, I had more than a few rants that I didn't intend to have in this book. Maybe give some good parts so I don't feel so bad? I did like the writing style - it was easy to read and I did manage to read all of this 30% in one swoop. And there were parts that I did like and a few lines that actually did make me laugh out loud, which was the reason that I didn't give up sooner. I did like Mallory, and I thought she had a good voice. As I said, I really did enjoy some parts, but the bad kind of outweighed the good on this one.
No crowns since I DNF'd it, and a Snow White rating!
Release Date: July 11, 2017
DNF @ 34%
*Thanks so much to the publisher for sending me over an E-ARC for an honest review via Netgalley - thank you again!*
Okay, I was so swayed to pick this book up, because, I mean, aliens. ALIENS. Me and aliens are like...me and Bigfoot (but not as rapid as my love for the big furry creature). I was always fascinated by it as a child and the stories that I would read (thank you, junior high librarian for letting me sneak out the reference book full of weird supernatural stories that included alien adventures and Bigfoot sightings that has now fueled my random YA obsessions). So, of course, the moment I saw aliens, I was like GIMME GIMME GIMME MORE.
Okay, first and clearly foremost, not enough aliens. THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH OF MY LITTLE GREEN CREATURES. I wanted lots and lots of aliens and alien talk and talk about alien sightings and alien kidnapping and beaming up and at least some Star Trek references, but nooooooooo. There was like none of that. There was some talk of arguing on the alien message board, which seemed very promising although to be truthful, the thing they were discussing sounded far more Bermuda Triangle than aliens (oh dear gosh, why do I know that??????). So, I was more than a bit upset about that. I just wanted lots of kooky alien fun and there was no lots of kooky alien fun.
Secondly, I felt like I read this story before. Like, girl gets set up with one guy but oh, look, his mysterious and "bad boy" brother is around who is a total jerk to MC for no reason. Hmmmm...I wonder what's going to happen?
And then let's talk about that for a second more, because it's official: I'm over the love interest being a jerk to the main character. I know some people love this trope (one of my best friends lovesssssss it), but I. AM. DONE. Why can't the guy be sweet and kind and caring? Why does he have to hate on the main character for no reason? How is that attractive? If a guy acts like a jerk to me and picks on me and tells me I look horrible, I'm going to veto the man out of my life and not somehow fall in love with him? I'm just really tired of this trope, especially when the authors fail to create the characterization that is needed and instead the guy just looks more like a jerk than the guy that will somehow be redeemed. That's what Jake was in this situation. I love me a guy with complex issues, but dear gosh, I just wanted to throw a football at this guy's head. Multiple times.
And then there was the storyline, which I was having multiple issues with. Mallory has anxiety issues. Anxiety is becoming a huge part of YA, and discussing it is so issues. I'm pretty sure I saw a statistic that anxiety in people is growing faster than it ever has, and young people are especially in harm's way. I've read a few books this year that have handled it wonderfully, but this book? It seemed like Mallory would get confused about her disorder. Like, she could go outside, but then she would get scared and pass out. And she could go to the front door and open it with no worries; go outside in her backyard to grab something; and SHE GOES OUTSIDE TO PLAY FOOTBALL WITH BRAD AND JAKE. Yes, she does have some anxiety over it, but it seems to fade in and out? Like, oh, I'm so nervous, but now Brad is throwing a football at me, but oh, maybe this will kill me, but do you know what will really kill me, Brad touching me, because wow.
Also, the storyline about the homecoming queen. I was more than a little concerned and disturbed by this. Mallory is clearly not in school, but she still Facetimes with her best friend during the day and also is forced to call in via webcam for all of her classes. Some people at the school decide to nominate her to the homecoming court - which is a straight up bullying move since it's making fun of her illness. Yet there is no conversation about it - none of her friends treat this as anything but something good when this a move that could severely hurt someone. Why did the adults not reach out? Mallory's mom lets another mom make a snide remark about it to Mallory. I get it's trying to move the plot along, but I'm more than a bit upset about the reaction the book gives about something that could viciously hurt someone.
Okay, I had more than a few rants that I didn't intend to have in this book. Maybe give some good parts so I don't feel so bad? I did like the writing style - it was easy to read and I did manage to read all of this 30% in one swoop. And there were parts that I did like and a few lines that actually did make me laugh out loud, which was the reason that I didn't give up sooner. I did like Mallory, and I thought she had a good voice. As I said, I really did enjoy some parts, but the bad kind of outweighed the good on this one.
No crowns since I DNF'd it, and a Snow White rating!
June 24, 2016
I had wanted to read fellow YA blogger Kerry's novel for a while and so when I was in a reading slump, whereby I could only read fun contemporary young adult novels, it seemed like a perfect choice.
Mallory Sullivan has suffered from severe anxiety and agoraphobia since her father left without warning. She hasn't left her house in weeks and is humiliated when her classmates pick her to be on the school prom committee. Because high school is cruel, they start the #stayathome hashtag and she desperately tries not to follow the nasty things they tweet about her. As a lover of all things paranormal, she instead finds solace in talking to her friend (or is he more than that?) BeamMeUp on the We Are Not Alone online community.
Even though Mallory feels alone, her brother Lincoln, best friend Jenni, and the neighbourly Kirkpatrick boys are also there to help. Even with their support, it's tough to see how judgemental people, especially your own family, can be. Mallory feels like she's the town "freak", but she's a fantastic, intelligent character with a lot of wit and sarcasm (a Sullivan family trait) and a surprising talent for flirting. It's the characters that bring this story to life (but the puppies help, too). Even though it may seem serious, the characters' conversations and relationships are light and fun – something which helps Mallory more than she thought. Love and Other Alien Experiences will be available in print next spring and you'll definitely want to pick it up!
Thank you to the publisher for providing this book for review!
I also reviewed this book over on Pretty Books.
Mallory Sullivan has suffered from severe anxiety and agoraphobia since her father left without warning. She hasn't left her house in weeks and is humiliated when her classmates pick her to be on the school prom committee. Because high school is cruel, they start the #stayathome hashtag and she desperately tries not to follow the nasty things they tweet about her. As a lover of all things paranormal, she instead finds solace in talking to her friend (or is he more than that?) BeamMeUp on the We Are Not Alone online community.
Even though Mallory feels alone, her brother Lincoln, best friend Jenni, and the neighbourly Kirkpatrick boys are also there to help. Even with their support, it's tough to see how judgemental people, especially your own family, can be. Mallory feels like she's the town "freak", but she's a fantastic, intelligent character with a lot of wit and sarcasm (a Sullivan family trait) and a surprising talent for flirting. It's the characters that bring this story to life (but the puppies help, too). Even though it may seem serious, the characters' conversations and relationships are light and fun – something which helps Mallory more than she thought. Love and Other Alien Experiences will be available in print next spring and you'll definitely want to pick it up!
Thank you to the publisher for providing this book for review!
I also reviewed this book over on Pretty Books.
July 3, 2017
3.5 stars
Honestly, I didn't remember requesting this, but I was intrigued by the synopsis when it came up in my review pile.
I liked Mallory. She is a dynamic MC and I did like being in her head. It was interesting to see her navigate her world and eventually branch out. She was definitely easy to root for.
Plot wise, it was a bit repetitive, but it makes sense in the story. I liked seeing all of the shenanigans that Jenni and Lincoln set themselves up for. And the last couple of chapters were the best part of the story.
Overall, it was a cute story and a quick read.
**Huge thanks to Feiwel and Friends for providing the arc free of charge**
Honestly, I didn't remember requesting this, but I was intrigued by the synopsis when it came up in my review pile.
I liked Mallory. She is a dynamic MC and I did like being in her head. It was interesting to see her navigate her world and eventually branch out. She was definitely easy to root for.
Plot wise, it was a bit repetitive, but it makes sense in the story. I liked seeing all of the shenanigans that Jenni and Lincoln set themselves up for. And the last couple of chapters were the best part of the story.
Overall, it was a cute story and a quick read.
**Huge thanks to Feiwel and Friends for providing the arc free of charge**
July 10, 2017
*I received an e-arc from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review*
*3.5 stars*
At some point in "Love and Other Alien Experiences," bff Jenni references the 80s movie, "Sixteen Candles." There is a "Sixteen Candles"-esque vibe to this entire novel about Mallory, a girl who suffers from agoraphobia and anxiety when her father takes off. She is unable to step outside of her house, and has to attend school via video. Her brother, Lincoln, and above mentioned Jenni, hatch a mad plan to draw Mallory back into the world of the living. In the meantime, however, Mal is quite content to chat on an alien-fanatic forum.
There are a lot of cute things going on in this book, and frankly, after my month of non-stop psychological thrillers (summer reading is stressful!), I really enjoyed the reading experience.
My biggest stumbling block is her agoraphobia and anxiety. Most of her family and friends are completely dismissive of her mental illnesses. Her therapist is only minimally helpful. Of all the characters, Jake is the most understanding of Mallory's anxiety, but even he doesn't get her agoraphobia. And I'm not convinced that this aspect of her life is written very realistically. There are several times when she just gets carried away, and finds herself in her yard (something that used to give her severe anxiety), or even at an amusement park. I don't have a first hand experience with agoraphobia, but I do with anxiety, and the way she is able to (mostly) painlessly go out into the world seems unrealistic. I don't think that the events transpiring in this novel are enough for Mallory's illnesses to subside. I think it will take years of therapy, and a lot of honest talk with her mom about exactly where her father went.
That was my other *what???* moment. Mallory's life revolves on the fact that her father left. She has no idea where he is, and his absence triggers her anxiety and agoraphobia. Yet there is no resolution about where he is, and Mallory doesn't push for answers. This seems totally unlike her.
Overall, I enjoyed "Love and Other Alien Experiences." It was cute, and the romance was spot on.
*3.5 stars*
At some point in "Love and Other Alien Experiences," bff Jenni references the 80s movie, "Sixteen Candles." There is a "Sixteen Candles"-esque vibe to this entire novel about Mallory, a girl who suffers from agoraphobia and anxiety when her father takes off. She is unable to step outside of her house, and has to attend school via video. Her brother, Lincoln, and above mentioned Jenni, hatch a mad plan to draw Mallory back into the world of the living. In the meantime, however, Mal is quite content to chat on an alien-fanatic forum.
There are a lot of cute things going on in this book, and frankly, after my month of non-stop psychological thrillers (summer reading is stressful!), I really enjoyed the reading experience.
My biggest stumbling block is her agoraphobia and anxiety. Most of her family and friends are completely dismissive of her mental illnesses. Her therapist is only minimally helpful. Of all the characters, Jake is the most understanding of Mallory's anxiety, but even he doesn't get her agoraphobia. And I'm not convinced that this aspect of her life is written very realistically. There are several times when she just gets carried away, and finds herself in her yard (something that used to give her severe anxiety), or even at an amusement park. I don't have a first hand experience with agoraphobia, but I do with anxiety, and the way she is able to (mostly) painlessly go out into the world seems unrealistic. I don't think that the events transpiring in this novel are enough for Mallory's illnesses to subside. I think it will take years of therapy, and a lot of honest talk with her mom about exactly where her father went.
That was my other *what???* moment. Mallory's life revolves on the fact that her father left. She has no idea where he is, and his absence triggers her anxiety and agoraphobia. Yet there is no resolution about where he is, and Mallory doesn't push for answers. This seems totally unlike her.
Overall, I enjoyed "Love and Other Alien Experiences." It was cute, and the romance was spot on.
November 27, 2015
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I wonder what could have stopped Dad from leaving. A cup of coffee from Mom? Tripping over the rug? One less sarcastic remark from me?
If I could live it over again, could I fix it and avoid all this?
I wish I could be like Lincoln – his reaction was the exact opposite of mine. While I shrunk further into myself, Lincoln seemed to grow two inches overnight. He got more extroverted, he smiled more, he laughed all the time. It’s almost like he was relieved. He just says I need to move on, like Dad has.
But how am I supposed to move on without an answer? Isn’t it normal to be concerned when one of your parents disappears without a trace?
I’m not the weird one here, am I?
A self-proclaimed ‘alien obsessive’ who enjoys spending time with her best friend, Jenni, and perusing We Are Not Alone, an online message board for all things extraterrestrial, Mallory Sullivan is an ordinary girl with her head in the clouds – or cosmos – and her feet firmly planted on the ground. Or, more precisely, within the confines of the home she shares with her mother and younger brother, Lincoln. In fact, Mallory hasn’t left their home in sixty-seven days, her ever-present anxiety having escalated into debilitating agoraphobia after her father’s sudden disappearance from their lives. When it’s announced that the Birdwatcher’s Association, a group in which her father had always been a devoted and passionate member, will be holding their annual excursion in November, however, it seems as though Mallory finally has an incentive powerful enough to inspire her to conquer her fears and confront the man for whom she has so many unanswered questions. The only problem? The five hundred dollar admission fee. With little money and fewer means of earning any when stepping foot outside her front door is a virtual impossibility, it seems as though all hope of attending is lost. That is, until an unexpected nomination for homecoming queen and the accompanying five hundred dollar prize for the winner offers Mallory the opportunity to recapture some semblance of normalcy that she’s so desperate to acquire. As Mallory struggles to juggle spirit points, dress fittings, conspiracy theories, therapy sessions, X-Files reruns, and an out-of-this-world physics assignment, life and her known universe will never be quite the same again.
BeamMeUp: Pizza demands to be eaten with hands. I can’t believe you’re a forker.
AlienHuntress: A forker?! Come on. Pizza is hot, it’s greasy, and it’s way easier to eat with a fork. Also I’m civilized.
BeamMeUp: Cute.
AlienHuntress: Did you just call me cute?
BeamMeUp: I called your pizza-eating style cute. Don’t get too full of yourself.
AlienHuntress: What do you eat your pizza with, your massive ego?
BeamMeUp: Sounds like something a forker would say.
I don’t participate in blog tours very often. In fact, over the course of my entire blogging career, you could likely count those I have taken part in on two hands. When I was approached by Paper Lantern Lit and invited to participate in the blog tour for debut author Kerry Winfrey’s Love and Other Alien Experiences, however, I didn’t need to think twice. Putting aside the fact that I’ve long been an ardent fan of Kerry’s current project, A Year Of Romantic Comedies – Seriously, it’s absurdly cute. You should read it. Go on. I’ll wait here. – as a sufferer of anxiety, my own personal connection to Mallory’s story ensured that Winfrey’s debut was one book I couldn’t bear to miss. Written with the same effervescent wit, vivacity and humour that I have now come to recognize as Winfrey’s signature style, Love and Other Alien Experiences is a sweet, gentle exploration of one girl’s journey of self discovery and first love which is sure to appeal to the hopeful romantic inside us all. If you’ve ever dreamt of a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils, questioned whether men and women can ever truly be friends, or have sworn that the truth is out there, Love and Other Alien Experiences might be the book for you.
Dana Scully would never sit around and wait for a guy to send her a message. That’s because she’s way too busy performing autopsies or trying to convince Mulder that the Loch Ness Monster isn’t real, but still, she’s a woman of action. And I can be, too.
When I was a child, I was what one might call fretful. I worried. About everything. While other kids were riding their bikes and scraping their knees, I was eating my peanut butter toast with a knife and fork and checking to make sure that the doors were locked and the stove was off. Again, and again, and again. I wasn’t able to shed these obsessive thoughts like my baby teeth and untameable curls. And though I’m fortunate enough to be able to manage my anxiety through routine and medication, and have not suffered from agoraphobia firsthand, aspects of Mallory’s story are not dissimilar to my own. I know what it’s like to allow my anxiety to overwhelm me. To feel frustrated and trapped and embarrassed by feelings largely outside my control. To long for a less complicated version of ‘normal’. While one needn’t discover a new best friend or potential lover in a story in order for it to resonate or be deemed ‘valuable’, there’s no doubt that a personal connection with a character can be a transformative experience. In this case, seeing some variation of my own story on the page was as empowering as it as liberating. As she’s eventually told by her devil’s-advocate-turned-friend, BeamMeUp, Mallory is a force to be reckoned with. Smart, sarcastic, brave, and resilient, Mallory recognizes her failings and actively works to confront them head-on. This journey can be messy and ugly and even unkind, but it is never untrue. With a deft hand and thoughtful sensitivity, Winfrey’s exploration of Mallory’s anxiety is authentic and harrowing while also remaining hopeful and optimistic. Best of all, her growth and transformation are entirely self-motivated. While there is a romance-inspired secondary storyline, this is by no means presented as an answer to Mallory’s problems. A number of people contribute to Mallory’s recovery in a positive manner – her mother, her brother, her therapist, and her best friend – but ultimately her strength and healing come from within.
“Not fair,” Jake protests. “You get the star player and I get Mallory? No offense.”
“Plenty of offense!” I yell back.
“Yeah, offense is super important!” Brad adds, not even ironically.
Of equal importance are these secondary characters who buoy Mallory’s spirits and traverse their own equally compelling adventures over the course of the novel. Most prominent of these is Lincoln, Mallory’s younger brother, who recently came out and is embracing his sexuality and embarking on his first serious homosexual relationship. Though the two are more likely to exchange sarcasm than sincerity, the reader is left with absolutely no doubt as to their depth of feeling and the lengths to which they will go to help one another. Equally engaging is Mallory’s closest friend, Jenni, an Indian beauty blogger who is always ready to lend a helping hand, whether it be in achieving the perfect winged eyeliner or earning enough spirit points to win the homecoming crown. Jenni is ineffably charming and undeniably quotable (“If you wear your look with confidence, people will accept it, no matter what. Just pretend you’re Beyoncé at the Grammy’s, or Beyoncé at the Met Ball or…actually, just pretend you’re Beyoncé. It’s a solid life philosophy.”) Each of Winfrey’s characters, both primary and periphery, shine more brightly than the last.
Everything in the universe – that’s everything, no matter how small – exerts a gravitational force on everything else. A pencil exhibits a force on the sun. A quarter on Jupiter. A scoop of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream on a scoop of chocolate ice cream. And that means you exert force on the universe, too. You, AlienHuntress, are a force to be reckoned with. Don’t count yourself out before you even start the game.
Perfect for fans of Paula Stokes and Lauren Morrill, Love and Other Alien Experiences is a charming, hopeful, heartening contemporary romance that has a little something for every reader. Whether you’re interested in a little fun flirtation or a sincere reflection on mental illness, this debut has it all in a darling story that can easily be devoured in a single afternoon. A novel that focuses not on the destination but the journey, Love and Other Alien Experiences celebrates the infinitesimal triumphs and failures along the way, and reminds us that showing up is often half the battle. With a dash of humour, a drop of affection, a pinch of mystery and a generous helping of heart, Kerry Winfrey’s winning recipe for romance will quickly have readers exclaiming “I’ll have what she’s having!”
I wonder what could have stopped Dad from leaving. A cup of coffee from Mom? Tripping over the rug? One less sarcastic remark from me?
If I could live it over again, could I fix it and avoid all this?
I wish I could be like Lincoln – his reaction was the exact opposite of mine. While I shrunk further into myself, Lincoln seemed to grow two inches overnight. He got more extroverted, he smiled more, he laughed all the time. It’s almost like he was relieved. He just says I need to move on, like Dad has.
But how am I supposed to move on without an answer? Isn’t it normal to be concerned when one of your parents disappears without a trace?
I’m not the weird one here, am I?
A self-proclaimed ‘alien obsessive’ who enjoys spending time with her best friend, Jenni, and perusing We Are Not Alone, an online message board for all things extraterrestrial, Mallory Sullivan is an ordinary girl with her head in the clouds – or cosmos – and her feet firmly planted on the ground. Or, more precisely, within the confines of the home she shares with her mother and younger brother, Lincoln. In fact, Mallory hasn’t left their home in sixty-seven days, her ever-present anxiety having escalated into debilitating agoraphobia after her father’s sudden disappearance from their lives. When it’s announced that the Birdwatcher’s Association, a group in which her father had always been a devoted and passionate member, will be holding their annual excursion in November, however, it seems as though Mallory finally has an incentive powerful enough to inspire her to conquer her fears and confront the man for whom she has so many unanswered questions. The only problem? The five hundred dollar admission fee. With little money and fewer means of earning any when stepping foot outside her front door is a virtual impossibility, it seems as though all hope of attending is lost. That is, until an unexpected nomination for homecoming queen and the accompanying five hundred dollar prize for the winner offers Mallory the opportunity to recapture some semblance of normalcy that she’s so desperate to acquire. As Mallory struggles to juggle spirit points, dress fittings, conspiracy theories, therapy sessions, X-Files reruns, and an out-of-this-world physics assignment, life and her known universe will never be quite the same again.
BeamMeUp: Pizza demands to be eaten with hands. I can’t believe you’re a forker.
AlienHuntress: A forker?! Come on. Pizza is hot, it’s greasy, and it’s way easier to eat with a fork. Also I’m civilized.
BeamMeUp: Cute.
AlienHuntress: Did you just call me cute?
BeamMeUp: I called your pizza-eating style cute. Don’t get too full of yourself.
AlienHuntress: What do you eat your pizza with, your massive ego?
BeamMeUp: Sounds like something a forker would say.
I don’t participate in blog tours very often. In fact, over the course of my entire blogging career, you could likely count those I have taken part in on two hands. When I was approached by Paper Lantern Lit and invited to participate in the blog tour for debut author Kerry Winfrey’s Love and Other Alien Experiences, however, I didn’t need to think twice. Putting aside the fact that I’ve long been an ardent fan of Kerry’s current project, A Year Of Romantic Comedies – Seriously, it’s absurdly cute. You should read it. Go on. I’ll wait here. – as a sufferer of anxiety, my own personal connection to Mallory’s story ensured that Winfrey’s debut was one book I couldn’t bear to miss. Written with the same effervescent wit, vivacity and humour that I have now come to recognize as Winfrey’s signature style, Love and Other Alien Experiences is a sweet, gentle exploration of one girl’s journey of self discovery and first love which is sure to appeal to the hopeful romantic inside us all. If you’ve ever dreamt of a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils, questioned whether men and women can ever truly be friends, or have sworn that the truth is out there, Love and Other Alien Experiences might be the book for you.
Dana Scully would never sit around and wait for a guy to send her a message. That’s because she’s way too busy performing autopsies or trying to convince Mulder that the Loch Ness Monster isn’t real, but still, she’s a woman of action. And I can be, too.
When I was a child, I was what one might call fretful. I worried. About everything. While other kids were riding their bikes and scraping their knees, I was eating my peanut butter toast with a knife and fork and checking to make sure that the doors were locked and the stove was off. Again, and again, and again. I wasn’t able to shed these obsessive thoughts like my baby teeth and untameable curls. And though I’m fortunate enough to be able to manage my anxiety through routine and medication, and have not suffered from agoraphobia firsthand, aspects of Mallory’s story are not dissimilar to my own. I know what it’s like to allow my anxiety to overwhelm me. To feel frustrated and trapped and embarrassed by feelings largely outside my control. To long for a less complicated version of ‘normal’. While one needn’t discover a new best friend or potential lover in a story in order for it to resonate or be deemed ‘valuable’, there’s no doubt that a personal connection with a character can be a transformative experience. In this case, seeing some variation of my own story on the page was as empowering as it as liberating. As she’s eventually told by her devil’s-advocate-turned-friend, BeamMeUp, Mallory is a force to be reckoned with. Smart, sarcastic, brave, and resilient, Mallory recognizes her failings and actively works to confront them head-on. This journey can be messy and ugly and even unkind, but it is never untrue. With a deft hand and thoughtful sensitivity, Winfrey’s exploration of Mallory’s anxiety is authentic and harrowing while also remaining hopeful and optimistic. Best of all, her growth and transformation are entirely self-motivated. While there is a romance-inspired secondary storyline, this is by no means presented as an answer to Mallory’s problems. A number of people contribute to Mallory’s recovery in a positive manner – her mother, her brother, her therapist, and her best friend – but ultimately her strength and healing come from within.
“Not fair,” Jake protests. “You get the star player and I get Mallory? No offense.”
“Plenty of offense!” I yell back.
“Yeah, offense is super important!” Brad adds, not even ironically.
Of equal importance are these secondary characters who buoy Mallory’s spirits and traverse their own equally compelling adventures over the course of the novel. Most prominent of these is Lincoln, Mallory’s younger brother, who recently came out and is embracing his sexuality and embarking on his first serious homosexual relationship. Though the two are more likely to exchange sarcasm than sincerity, the reader is left with absolutely no doubt as to their depth of feeling and the lengths to which they will go to help one another. Equally engaging is Mallory’s closest friend, Jenni, an Indian beauty blogger who is always ready to lend a helping hand, whether it be in achieving the perfect winged eyeliner or earning enough spirit points to win the homecoming crown. Jenni is ineffably charming and undeniably quotable (“If you wear your look with confidence, people will accept it, no matter what. Just pretend you’re Beyoncé at the Grammy’s, or Beyoncé at the Met Ball or…actually, just pretend you’re Beyoncé. It’s a solid life philosophy.”) Each of Winfrey’s characters, both primary and periphery, shine more brightly than the last.
Everything in the universe – that’s everything, no matter how small – exerts a gravitational force on everything else. A pencil exhibits a force on the sun. A quarter on Jupiter. A scoop of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream on a scoop of chocolate ice cream. And that means you exert force on the universe, too. You, AlienHuntress, are a force to be reckoned with. Don’t count yourself out before you even start the game.
Perfect for fans of Paula Stokes and Lauren Morrill, Love and Other Alien Experiences is a charming, hopeful, heartening contemporary romance that has a little something for every reader. Whether you’re interested in a little fun flirtation or a sincere reflection on mental illness, this debut has it all in a darling story that can easily be devoured in a single afternoon. A novel that focuses not on the destination but the journey, Love and Other Alien Experiences celebrates the infinitesimal triumphs and failures along the way, and reminds us that showing up is often half the battle. With a dash of humour, a drop of affection, a pinch of mystery and a generous helping of heart, Kerry Winfrey’s winning recipe for romance will quickly have readers exclaiming “I’ll have what she’s having!”
April 8, 2017
I am safe. I am secure. I am capable.
It’s rare to you find a YA book mental health book with such relatability grounded in modern technology, but Kerry Winfrey has made such a thing come to life! Mallory Sullivan is a teenage girl who after having a meltdown at the Cheesecake Factory with her family has remained inside the confines of her house for months with what her therapist calls an “anxiety disorder.” She spends most of her time on We Are Not Alone (WANA), an online forum where local teens from the area talk about extraterrestrial activity.
I was very excited to hear about this book after one of my favorite authors made a signal boost on Twitter. Mental health fiction can either be full of godawful cliches, or have really awesome representation. Thankfully, this book didn’t disappoint in its psychological accuracy smushed inside a cute YA contemporary.
If you’re looking for a reasonably good representation of Agoraphobia, or how CBT skills can be integrated in fiction, this is a really good effort. This book also brings itself into relevancy using online forums, hashtags, Tumblr and Twitter to make it feel more realistic and contemporary. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book, and it makes me hopeful for the future YA contemporaries out there!
It’s rare to you find a YA book mental health book with such relatability grounded in modern technology, but Kerry Winfrey has made such a thing come to life! Mallory Sullivan is a teenage girl who after having a meltdown at the Cheesecake Factory with her family has remained inside the confines of her house for months with what her therapist calls an “anxiety disorder.” She spends most of her time on We Are Not Alone (WANA), an online forum where local teens from the area talk about extraterrestrial activity.
I was very excited to hear about this book after one of my favorite authors made a signal boost on Twitter. Mental health fiction can either be full of godawful cliches, or have really awesome representation. Thankfully, this book didn’t disappoint in its psychological accuracy smushed inside a cute YA contemporary.
If you’re looking for a reasonably good representation of Agoraphobia, or how CBT skills can be integrated in fiction, this is a really good effort. This book also brings itself into relevancy using online forums, hashtags, Tumblr and Twitter to make it feel more realistic and contemporary. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book, and it makes me hopeful for the future YA contemporaries out there!
July 30, 2017
Update (July 30th 2017):
This book is just as cute as I remember it.
Original review:
Copy received through NetGalley
Full review on my blog illbefinealonereads
This book is just as cute as I remember it.
Original review:
Copy received through NetGalley
Full review on my blog illbefinealonereads
November 16, 2015
There are certain stories that make you happy to have read them. LOVE AND OTHER ALIEN EXPERIENCES is one of those reads. It is sweet and funny and romantic and a little bit sad. Its main character, Mallory Sullivan, is interesting and entertaining, sympathetic, amusing, and braver than she knew herself to be. And with her well-meaning if slightly devious brother Lincoln and best friend Jenni, two cute boys, and a seemingly outrageous plan to achieve the impossible, it promises to make you laugh, smile, swoon, and keep you captivated from beginning to end.
After her father left without an explanation as to why, where he was going, or if he’d be back, Mal’s life began to fall apart. Now the only place she feels safe is at home, attending school remotely by webcam, socializing only with her brother and her best friend - the only friend who stuck with her after her major meltdown - and posting on the We Are Not Alone message board.
While she wished she never had to leave the house, she knew her therapist wasn’t going to let her off that easy, her mother couldn’t take much more of her being a recluse, her physics teacher was insisting on an in-person midterm, and she’d never be able to find and confront her father from the self-imposed prison she called home. If she could just con herself into believing she was strong enough, capable enough, safe enough, she might be able to pull it off and get back the life she lost.
Or maybe all she needed was an impossible challenge and a huge incentive to overcome her fears.
Kerry Winfrey penned an absolutely delightful and engaging and unputdownable story that lightly touches on a number of issues - agoraphobia, anxiety, pressure, stress, unrealistic expectations, unfair judgment, abandonment, and failure. She keeps her story from becoming weighty by adding humor, flirtation, and romance. And she keeps it exciting by incorporating drama, tension, and a few unexpected surprises, twists and turns of event.
The author introduces a lovable heroine who is fighting to regain control of her life and involves her in an outlandish scheme that will either prove a huge success or an abject failure. Her supporting characters are a mix of good-intentioned, helpful and understanding, and frustrated, confused, misunderstood and moody. But they all play a role in Mallory’s road to recovery.
Everything wraps up nicely at the story’s end, though the ending does feel a bit rushed and some aspects might have been fleshed out more to keep the pacing more consistent. But this doesn’t take you out of the story or take away from its enjoyment.
LOVE AND OTHER ALIEN EXPERIENCES is a quick, enchanting, and feel-good read that can easily be devoured in one sitting. It is heartwarming and uplifting, with both a character and a love story you can’t help but want to root for. It’s a story you’ll fall instantly in love with and want to read again.
Original GR comments:
Such a super cute story. Romantic, sweet, funny, a little bit sad. Quick read, likable main. Lightly touched on some more serious issues - family, anxiety, passing judgment on others. Everything wraps up at the end. Pacing great throughout, though things did move a little too quickly at the end and could have used a touch more fleshing out. Loved it. Totally recommended feel-good story.
Review TK
After her father left without an explanation as to why, where he was going, or if he’d be back, Mal’s life began to fall apart. Now the only place she feels safe is at home, attending school remotely by webcam, socializing only with her brother and her best friend - the only friend who stuck with her after her major meltdown - and posting on the We Are Not Alone message board.
While she wished she never had to leave the house, she knew her therapist wasn’t going to let her off that easy, her mother couldn’t take much more of her being a recluse, her physics teacher was insisting on an in-person midterm, and she’d never be able to find and confront her father from the self-imposed prison she called home. If she could just con herself into believing she was strong enough, capable enough, safe enough, she might be able to pull it off and get back the life she lost.
Or maybe all she needed was an impossible challenge and a huge incentive to overcome her fears.
Kerry Winfrey penned an absolutely delightful and engaging and unputdownable story that lightly touches on a number of issues - agoraphobia, anxiety, pressure, stress, unrealistic expectations, unfair judgment, abandonment, and failure. She keeps her story from becoming weighty by adding humor, flirtation, and romance. And she keeps it exciting by incorporating drama, tension, and a few unexpected surprises, twists and turns of event.
The author introduces a lovable heroine who is fighting to regain control of her life and involves her in an outlandish scheme that will either prove a huge success or an abject failure. Her supporting characters are a mix of good-intentioned, helpful and understanding, and frustrated, confused, misunderstood and moody. But they all play a role in Mallory’s road to recovery.
Everything wraps up nicely at the story’s end, though the ending does feel a bit rushed and some aspects might have been fleshed out more to keep the pacing more consistent. But this doesn’t take you out of the story or take away from its enjoyment.
LOVE AND OTHER ALIEN EXPERIENCES is a quick, enchanting, and feel-good read that can easily be devoured in one sitting. It is heartwarming and uplifting, with both a character and a love story you can’t help but want to root for. It’s a story you’ll fall instantly in love with and want to read again.
Original GR comments:
Such a super cute story. Romantic, sweet, funny, a little bit sad. Quick read, likable main. Lightly touched on some more serious issues - family, anxiety, passing judgment on others. Everything wraps up at the end. Pacing great throughout, though things did move a little too quickly at the end and could have used a touch more fleshing out. Loved it. Totally recommended feel-good story.
Review TK
October 4, 2021
I've been interested in agoraphobia since I heard about Hikikomori about 10 years ago. It's even more severe than Mallory's agoraphobia and it effects over a million Japanese people, at least half of them young people. After the last year and a half where the only space that I actually feel safe is at home, thanks for that covid. I knew I had to read this book. It's great because Mallory is a great flawed character who
November 5, 2017
Rushed ending, guessed the "plot twist" a few chapters in. But still kinda cute. :)
September 8, 2018
Rating: 4.5 Stars
This, for me, was the right book at the right time. I had just set aside a book that I was not getting into, and I found myself immediately absorbed in Love and Other Alien Experiences.
FIVE REASONS TO READ LOVE AND OTHER ALIEN EXPERIENCES
The Sullivan Family: I was a huge fan of Mallory and Lincoln. They had a very special sibling bond. It was endearing they way they looked out for each other, and seriously, how could I not love a family with the motto: "Why Be Serious When You Can Be Sarcastic?" I have found my people.
AlienHuntress and BeamMeUp: I was shipping this online couple from their first interaction. The banter and nerdy talk made me all sorts of happy, and I really thought that Mallory had found a kindred spirit in BeamMeUp. I know I would love a bouquet of Twizzlers.
Mallory and Her Battles: Mallory had anxiety disorder which blossomed into agoraphobia. I thought Winfrey really did an admirable job capturing that struggle of wanting to be able to conquer something, but not quite being able to. Mallory was trying to manage her disorder by working with a therapists and making small efforts such as going out into the backyard. Sometimes it was one step forward, two steps back. I thought Winfrey handled her disorder with care, and her journey seemed realistic to me.
The Nerd Culture: Mallory was an X-Files fangirl who speculated about aliens online. She was science savvy, and was fluent in nerd. I so enjoyed all the science and pop culture references. You couldn't imagine how exciting it was to me that they kept brining up physics. But don't worry, this was balanced out with sports, makeup, and puppies.
The Boys Next-door: I will not lie, I loved both Kirkpatrick brothers. Brad was the happy-go-lucky sweetheart, and Jake was the brooding and often overlooked brother. I admit, I fell harder for Jake, because I was into his quiet but awesome ways, and I fell a little more in love with him as I learned more of his backstory.
There are definitely more reasons to read this book. It was such a cute and touching story of friendship, love, support, and tapping one's own inner strength. I laughed tons, and had also swooned. I rooted for Mallory and celebrated each of her successes. This book made my heart full and I just wanted to jump for joy.
**I would like to thank the publisher for the advanced copy of this book. Quotes are from an ARC and may change upon publication.
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This, for me, was the right book at the right time. I had just set aside a book that I was not getting into, and I found myself immediately absorbed in Love and Other Alien Experiences.
FIVE REASONS TO READ LOVE AND OTHER ALIEN EXPERIENCES
The Sullivan Family: I was a huge fan of Mallory and Lincoln. They had a very special sibling bond. It was endearing they way they looked out for each other, and seriously, how could I not love a family with the motto: "Why Be Serious When You Can Be Sarcastic?" I have found my people.
AlienHuntress and BeamMeUp: I was shipping this online couple from their first interaction. The banter and nerdy talk made me all sorts of happy, and I really thought that Mallory had found a kindred spirit in BeamMeUp. I know I would love a bouquet of Twizzlers.
Mallory and Her Battles: Mallory had anxiety disorder which blossomed into agoraphobia. I thought Winfrey really did an admirable job capturing that struggle of wanting to be able to conquer something, but not quite being able to. Mallory was trying to manage her disorder by working with a therapists and making small efforts such as going out into the backyard. Sometimes it was one step forward, two steps back. I thought Winfrey handled her disorder with care, and her journey seemed realistic to me.
"It's not like I'm Anxious Beauty and the touch of his lips is going to cure me. I still have my problems, and he still has his."
The Nerd Culture: Mallory was an X-Files fangirl who speculated about aliens online. She was science savvy, and was fluent in nerd. I so enjoyed all the science and pop culture references. You couldn't imagine how exciting it was to me that they kept brining up physics. But don't worry, this was balanced out with sports, makeup, and puppies.
The Boys Next-door: I will not lie, I loved both Kirkpatrick brothers. Brad was the happy-go-lucky sweetheart, and Jake was the brooding and often overlooked brother. I admit, I fell harder for Jake, because I was into his quiet but awesome ways, and I fell a little more in love with him as I learned more of his backstory.
There are definitely more reasons to read this book. It was such a cute and touching story of friendship, love, support, and tapping one's own inner strength. I laughed tons, and had also swooned. I rooted for Mallory and celebrated each of her successes. This book made my heart full and I just wanted to jump for joy.
**I would like to thank the publisher for the advanced copy of this book. Quotes are from an ARC and may change upon publication.
BLOG|INSTAGRAM|BLOGLOVIN| FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
December 9, 2015
I LOVED this book. It has romance, puppies, aliens, homecoming dance drama, rocket ships, and two hot brothers. The characters are funny and kind, and they value their friendships above all else, even while dealing with serious issues like anxiety, abandonment, and bullying. Love and Other Alien Experiences made me laugh out loud, but it also made me care deeply about the protagonist, and more than once, pound the table and yell "MAKE OUT ALREADY!". (For the record, the main love interest is one of the hottest I've ever read -- get ready to swoon.)
April 21, 2017
4.5 stars
This is the second book this year I've read where the main protagonist has agoraphobia, and I found this a pretty good portrayal of it, not that I'm any expert.
I did really enjoy the story and the characters in this book and the romance was ADORABLE.
I could immediately predict who Beammeup was but I didn't mind that it took Mallory so long to figure it out because the slow burn was really really great.
I love Jake. 10 points to Jake.
Overall, definitely, definitely pick this one up.
This is the second book this year I've read where the main protagonist has agoraphobia, and I found this a pretty good portrayal of it, not that I'm any expert.
I did really enjoy the story and the characters in this book and the romance was ADORABLE.
I could immediately predict who Beammeup was but I didn't mind that it took Mallory so long to figure it out because the slow burn was really really great.
I love Jake. 10 points to Jake.
Overall, definitely, definitely pick this one up.
July 13, 2017
I really loved this laugh-out-loud contemporary. Mal is relatable and interesting and flawed and brave. The pacing was seriously perfect, and I just want to hug all of these characters; they were each so distinct and vibrant.
I never say this about contemporary books (why?!), but MORE PLEASE.
I never say this about contemporary books (why?!), but MORE PLEASE.
Read
August 10, 2017Graded By: Rosemary
Cover Story: Out of this World
BFF Charm: Yay!
Swoonworthy Scale: 8
Talky Talk: You've Got Mail Meets The X-Files
Bonus Factor: The X-Files, Internet Friends
Relationship Status: Beam Me Up
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: Out of this World
BFF Charm: Yay!
Swoonworthy Scale: 8
Talky Talk: You've Got Mail Meets The X-Files
Bonus Factor: The X-Files, Internet Friends
Relationship Status: Beam Me Up
Read the full book report here.
July 8, 2017
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Everything, Everything meets Geekerella.
Full review forthcoming when I can formulate words again. Seriously loved this book and was so disappointed that it had to end at all.
Everything, Everything meets Geekerella.
Full review forthcoming when I can formulate words again. Seriously loved this book and was so disappointed that it had to end at all.
October 1, 2017
автор раньше писала фанфики, а теперь переключилась на книги. на мой взгляд, рановато - where is the fucking story??
November 5, 2017
What did I think? I ADORED IT SO MUCH I WILL BE THROWING THIS BOOK AT EVERYONE.
Okay. *deep breath* I gotta pull it together. Let me attempt to put my fangirly ramblings into actual sentences.
We get to be inside the head of the awesome protagonist, Mallory. She has anxiety disorder with agoraphobic tendencies and because of this, she hasn't left the house in months. She's self-conscious, sarcastic, and my new favorite.
There's nothing better than being in the head of the right protagonist, and her voice was so amusing to read from. Her sarcastic but good-natured comments had me laughing again and again. What I especially love about her is that her disorders aren't fixed overnight. They're things that Mallory experiences throughout the entirety of the novel and will in the future.
"You try to leave your house when leaving your house feels like having eight heart attacks while your insides turn inside out."
In terms of the other characters, I loved them all, too. My absolute favorite being her brother, Lincoln. Talk about #siblinggoals. He was such a sweet little puppy and he absolutely needs his own book. Speaking of little puppies, Brad Kirkpatrick is the sweetest jock ever. He's such a nice, kind, and wholesome person and, oh look, I'm swooning.
Speaking of swooning? The romance! *fans self*. Those Kirkpatrick boys have set a new standard for book boyfriends, ladies and gentlemen, and let me tell you, it is high.
Notice I said boys. Love triangles aren't exactly my favorite thing. But you can hardly call this romance a love triangle. I won't say much, but it's really clear who the true love interest is and I absolutely love him. And on a side note: the banter in this book had me grinning the entire way through.
While I loved the romance, it wasn't the main plot, which I really appreciated. At the heart of this story, Mallory is just trying to figure herself out. Trying to open herself up to the world. It's beautiful. And hilarious.
"'So you want to launch this rocket?' It takes me a second to realize that this isn't some weird sexual euphemism."
The writing pulled me into the story immediately. Winfrey's words are addictive and I was so upset when I got to the end because I needed more of it. I am crossing my fingers that she writes ten more books in the future.
While the ending was a little predictable, I didn't mind in the slightest, and I enjoyed it all the same!
I read the whole thing in just a few hours because I just couldn't get enough! So yes. I highly recommend Love and Other Alien Experiences.
Okay. *deep breath* I gotta pull it together. Let me attempt to put my fangirly ramblings into actual sentences.
We get to be inside the head of the awesome protagonist, Mallory. She has anxiety disorder with agoraphobic tendencies and because of this, she hasn't left the house in months. She's self-conscious, sarcastic, and my new favorite.
There's nothing better than being in the head of the right protagonist, and her voice was so amusing to read from. Her sarcastic but good-natured comments had me laughing again and again. What I especially love about her is that her disorders aren't fixed overnight. They're things that Mallory experiences throughout the entirety of the novel and will in the future.
"You try to leave your house when leaving your house feels like having eight heart attacks while your insides turn inside out."
In terms of the other characters, I loved them all, too. My absolute favorite being her brother, Lincoln. Talk about #siblinggoals. He was such a sweet little puppy and he absolutely needs his own book. Speaking of little puppies, Brad Kirkpatrick is the sweetest jock ever. He's such a nice, kind, and wholesome person and, oh look, I'm swooning.
Speaking of swooning? The romance! *fans self*. Those Kirkpatrick boys have set a new standard for book boyfriends, ladies and gentlemen, and let me tell you, it is high.
Notice I said boys. Love triangles aren't exactly my favorite thing. But you can hardly call this romance a love triangle. I won't say much, but it's really clear who the true love interest is and I absolutely love him. And on a side note: the banter in this book had me grinning the entire way through.
While I loved the romance, it wasn't the main plot, which I really appreciated. At the heart of this story, Mallory is just trying to figure herself out. Trying to open herself up to the world. It's beautiful. And hilarious.
"'So you want to launch this rocket?' It takes me a second to realize that this isn't some weird sexual euphemism."
The writing pulled me into the story immediately. Winfrey's words are addictive and I was so upset when I got to the end because I needed more of it. I am crossing my fingers that she writes ten more books in the future.
While the ending was a little predictable, I didn't mind in the slightest, and I enjoyed it all the same!
I read the whole thing in just a few hours because I just couldn't get enough! So yes. I highly recommend Love and Other Alien Experiences.
October 19, 2015
Original Post: http://booknauthors.blogspot.co.ke/20...
Love And Other Alien Experiences is a really quick story. It's a fun filled and cute story. I totally fell in love with this story.
This book will give you so many feels. It'll make you laugh, cry, angry and excited. I couldn't put this book down and finished it in three hours. This book totally left me wanting for more.
This story is literally EPIC!
Seriously EPIC!
Love And Other Alien Experiences is the story of an agoraphobic teenage girl. Mallory can't go outside of her home. She studies at school while sitting at her home with the help of a web cam. Mallory has no social life. No one knows her, she's like this dumb invisible person at school. Her life is a complete challenge. But something extremely exciting happens.
She gets nominated for homecoming queen. Now this is the part from where the oh my god story starts. Her brother and best friend are boosting her up while the whole school is making fun of her but Mallory needs to win this title so she can win the money and secretly meet her dad who doesn't care if his children are still alive.
This story has a really cute irritating love triangle that'll probably bore you. But I loved it anyways. You'll feel yourself totally connected to the character as she tells you more about her oh so full of depressing life. The pressure from her mom , her therapist's forcing... it's sometimes cruel but Mallory needed that.
I really want to tell you more but it's best for you to find out the rest by yourself.
Love And Other Alien Experiences is recommended to everyone. This story is written in an amazing way and is really emotional. You'll find yourself crying at the end. The ending is perfect. Maybe some people won't find this story interesting but I think everyone should give it a try.
Thank you Paper Lantern Lit for the book!
Love And Other Alien Experiences is a really quick story. It's a fun filled and cute story. I totally fell in love with this story.
This book will give you so many feels. It'll make you laugh, cry, angry and excited. I couldn't put this book down and finished it in three hours. This book totally left me wanting for more.
This story is literally EPIC!
Seriously EPIC!
Love And Other Alien Experiences is the story of an agoraphobic teenage girl. Mallory can't go outside of her home. She studies at school while sitting at her home with the help of a web cam. Mallory has no social life. No one knows her, she's like this dumb invisible person at school. Her life is a complete challenge. But something extremely exciting happens.
She gets nominated for homecoming queen. Now this is the part from where the oh my god story starts. Her brother and best friend are boosting her up while the whole school is making fun of her but Mallory needs to win this title so she can win the money and secretly meet her dad who doesn't care if his children are still alive.
This story has a really cute irritating love triangle that'll probably bore you. But I loved it anyways. You'll feel yourself totally connected to the character as she tells you more about her oh so full of depressing life. The pressure from her mom , her therapist's forcing... it's sometimes cruel but Mallory needed that.
I really want to tell you more but it's best for you to find out the rest by yourself.
Love And Other Alien Experiences is recommended to everyone. This story is written in an amazing way and is really emotional. You'll find yourself crying at the end. The ending is perfect. Maybe some people won't find this story interesting but I think everyone should give it a try.
Thank you Paper Lantern Lit for the book!
October 20, 2015
This story follows a young, agoraphobic girl named Mallory who cannot leave her house after her dad leaves. After being nominated for homecoming queen, Mallory doesn't know what to do.
Love and Other Alien Experiences was completely different from what I thought it would be. Though predictable with stereotypical characters, I found this entertaining in itself and it had some surprising twists that I found very light. This is a great novel to get out of a reading slump or just for a very light, fun, easy going read. Even though I did find the characters stereotypical, they were cute and honest (what's wrong with being stereotypical?) these characters made the book feel like it came to life, I was able to connect with these characters and was able to understand them because they were normal. Well, as normal as an anxious, agoraphobe could be. I really liked where this novel went. This novel was pulled together really well and the character development, though not much, was excellent as to how it ended.
Love and Other Alien Experiences was completely different from what I thought it would be. Though predictable with stereotypical characters, I found this entertaining in itself and it had some surprising twists that I found very light. This is a great novel to get out of a reading slump or just for a very light, fun, easy going read. Even though I did find the characters stereotypical, they were cute and honest (what's wrong with being stereotypical?) these characters made the book feel like it came to life, I was able to connect with these characters and was able to understand them because they were normal. Well, as normal as an anxious, agoraphobe could be. I really liked where this novel went. This novel was pulled together really well and the character development, though not much, was excellent as to how it ended.
January 3, 2016
Super cute, light and fun, but with an authentic and empathetic approach to anxiety and panic disorders. Really enjoyed this one.
July 18, 2017
I was provided with an e-galley of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The cover of this book drew me in and the description sealed the deal! I love reading books about nerdy girls. 😊
I rated LAOAE 4 stars because there is a lot to like about this book and a few things that either made me groan or scratch my head.
First, did I mention how much I enjoyed the nerdiness?! It immediately made this title feel like an old friend, on par with Geekerella in my feels department. (I secretly hope this means other similar books will keep coming out and I can be the old lady at the library reading cozy nerd fiction instead of cozy mysteries! Lol.)
Then, the cliches.
So, pretty early on once the plot is set up, I predicted a few things....And they were spot on. 😕 There was one bit that surprised me at the end but otherwise, it's fairly predictable.
That being said, I still wanted to know what happened next and read eagerly, staying up waaay too late into the night to finish it even.
And finally, her anxiety and agoraphobia left me scratching my head a bit. Sometimes I would forget she had a problem because she was written in such a normal tone and then other times, her internal happenings took over the tone of the writing. The description and setup of the book led me to believe she was experiencing severe anxiety and agoraphobia but I did not feel confident that this is a completely accurate description. I have no experience with agoraphobia, I am not in the medical field, and I am in no way an authority on the topic so perhaps I'm wrong. I hope so.
Overall, I did find it to be an enjoyable read. I would recommend it and I look forward to reading other reviews on this title.
The cover of this book drew me in and the description sealed the deal! I love reading books about nerdy girls. 😊
I rated LAOAE 4 stars because there is a lot to like about this book and a few things that either made me groan or scratch my head.
First, did I mention how much I enjoyed the nerdiness?! It immediately made this title feel like an old friend, on par with Geekerella in my feels department. (I secretly hope this means other similar books will keep coming out and I can be the old lady at the library reading cozy nerd fiction instead of cozy mysteries! Lol.)
Then, the cliches.
So, pretty early on once the plot is set up, I predicted a few things....And they were spot on. 😕 There was one bit that surprised me at the end but otherwise, it's fairly predictable.
That being said, I still wanted to know what happened next and read eagerly, staying up waaay too late into the night to finish it even.
And finally, her anxiety and agoraphobia left me scratching my head a bit. Sometimes I would forget she had a problem because she was written in such a normal tone and then other times, her internal happenings took over the tone of the writing. The description and setup of the book led me to believe she was experiencing severe anxiety and agoraphobia but I did not feel confident that this is a completely accurate description. I have no experience with agoraphobia, I am not in the medical field, and I am in no way an authority on the topic so perhaps I'm wrong. I hope so.
Overall, I did find it to be an enjoyable read. I would recommend it and I look forward to reading other reviews on this title.
December 25, 2024
"Love and Other Alien 👽 Experiences" is a YA offering by one of my favorite rom-com authors, Kerry Winfrey.
It is a cleverly written story of friendship, the perils of navigating high school social groups, as well as the hidden trauma in many outwardly happy, productive families. As a bit of delicious icing on this fairly familiar YA cake, we are given an inside look at the life of a person struggling with the anxiety, depression, and panic attacks that accompany a condition known as agoraphobia. This aspect of the novel was handled with an unflinchingly honest portrayal of the debilitating realities of attempting to live a semi-normal life when even stepping one step outside of your *safe zone* (typically the sufferer's home) can trigger uncontrollable panic attacks.
Before you decide that this book is just a bit too depressing for your teen (or yourself) to read, let me assure you that in Kerry Winfrey's capable hands, it will not be too far into the book before you find yourself cheering and rooting for the teens in this humorously serious story about growing up.
It is a cleverly written story of friendship, the perils of navigating high school social groups, as well as the hidden trauma in many outwardly happy, productive families. As a bit of delicious icing on this fairly familiar YA cake, we are given an inside look at the life of a person struggling with the anxiety, depression, and panic attacks that accompany a condition known as agoraphobia. This aspect of the novel was handled with an unflinchingly honest portrayal of the debilitating realities of attempting to live a semi-normal life when even stepping one step outside of your *safe zone* (typically the sufferer's home) can trigger uncontrollable panic attacks.
Before you decide that this book is just a bit too depressing for your teen (or yourself) to read, let me assure you that in Kerry Winfrey's capable hands, it will not be too far into the book before you find yourself cheering and rooting for the teens in this humorously serious story about growing up.
July 21, 2017
Very cute!!!
February 10, 2019
Love this book!
This is an amazing book about finding the
courage to overcome something that many people struggle with! I knew early on who Mallory was going to end up with.
This is an amazing book about finding the
courage to overcome something that many people struggle with! I knew early on who Mallory was going to end up with.
August 23, 2017
3.5 stars
December 6, 2015
Attention all nerds, geeks and various others who believe there is alien life out there, this is the latest in great nerd-centric fiction. With humour, alien message boards, handsome (and slightly irritating) boys next door, and a healthy dose of sarcasm, Love and Other Alien experiences is a fantastic and fun book.
Mallory hasn't left her house in months. She attends school via webcam and spends her free time on the local online alien discussion board, where she enjoys arguing with the irritating BeamMeUp. But her mother is worried about her, and Mallory's brother, Lincoln, and best friend, Jenni, are determined to force Mallory back into society and the world outside her bedroom. Their big idea is helping Mallory win the homecoming queen crown when she is shockingly nominated. Mallory has her own plan, hoping the prize money will help her reconnect with her father.
This book so easily could have been ridiculous or overly dramatic or trite. Most of the book is based around the lead up to naming the homecoming court winners and there is nothing that says overdone teen romance cliches like homecoming. And yet it's is a genuine and very enjoyable story, both amusing and touching. There is nothing that is overdone or eye-roll worthy, and just when you think things will descend into the predictable, there is something that shakes it up.
This book deals with some heavier issues, namely Mallory's agoraphobia and her father's abandonment. On the lighter side is the whole homecoming madness, her joking and planning with Lincoln and Jenni, and of course the boys next door. While this book could, by definition of there being two main boys with possible romantic potential in this story, aside from Mallory's brother, fall under the 'love triangle' banner, it has none of the ridiculous drama that can result from love triangles. While the romance, slowing unfolding and surprising in its charm and sweetness, is a great aspect of this story, it is Mallory and her story that it the true standout of this book.
Mallory is a strong character, despite her fear of what lies outside her front door. Her voice is refreshing and her use of humour and sarcasm is so much fun. Mallory's family moto is "why be serious when you can be sarcastic", so there is no shortage of great lines. In fact, the whole book is enjoyable, and yet it doesn't shy away from dealing with the hard stuff, which adds a depth and reality to this lighthearted book. Mallory struggles to balance her desire to stay inside where it's safe with her need to piece her family back together. She wants to overcome her phobia, but it takes realising what her fear is stealing from her to force her to reevaluate the way she interacts with those around her. My only complaint: I wanted more scenes with Jack, and maybe more of an explanation about how he knew who she was.
Love and Other Alien Experiences was a surprise, both because of its refreshing humour, but also its ability to mix the harsh reality of life with a phobia with all the romance, laughs and high school drama you expect from a young adult contemporary.
The publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Find more reviews on my blog Madison's Library.
Mallory hasn't left her house in months. She attends school via webcam and spends her free time on the local online alien discussion board, where she enjoys arguing with the irritating BeamMeUp. But her mother is worried about her, and Mallory's brother, Lincoln, and best friend, Jenni, are determined to force Mallory back into society and the world outside her bedroom. Their big idea is helping Mallory win the homecoming queen crown when she is shockingly nominated. Mallory has her own plan, hoping the prize money will help her reconnect with her father.
This book so easily could have been ridiculous or overly dramatic or trite. Most of the book is based around the lead up to naming the homecoming court winners and there is nothing that says overdone teen romance cliches like homecoming. And yet it's is a genuine and very enjoyable story, both amusing and touching. There is nothing that is overdone or eye-roll worthy, and just when you think things will descend into the predictable, there is something that shakes it up.
This book deals with some heavier issues, namely Mallory's agoraphobia and her father's abandonment. On the lighter side is the whole homecoming madness, her joking and planning with Lincoln and Jenni, and of course the boys next door. While this book could, by definition of there being two main boys with possible romantic potential in this story, aside from Mallory's brother, fall under the 'love triangle' banner, it has none of the ridiculous drama that can result from love triangles. While the romance, slowing unfolding and surprising in its charm and sweetness, is a great aspect of this story, it is Mallory and her story that it the true standout of this book.
Mallory is a strong character, despite her fear of what lies outside her front door. Her voice is refreshing and her use of humour and sarcasm is so much fun. Mallory's family moto is "why be serious when you can be sarcastic", so there is no shortage of great lines. In fact, the whole book is enjoyable, and yet it doesn't shy away from dealing with the hard stuff, which adds a depth and reality to this lighthearted book. Mallory struggles to balance her desire to stay inside where it's safe with her need to piece her family back together. She wants to overcome her phobia, but it takes realising what her fear is stealing from her to force her to reevaluate the way she interacts with those around her. My only complaint: I wanted more scenes with Jack, and maybe more of an explanation about how he knew who she was.
Love and Other Alien Experiences was a surprise, both because of its refreshing humour, but also its ability to mix the harsh reality of life with a phobia with all the romance, laughs and high school drama you expect from a young adult contemporary.
The publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Find more reviews on my blog Madison's Library.
December 15, 2015
Are you looking for a cute book about a nerd who never leaves her house?
Are YOU a nerd who never leaves her house?
Do you have anxiety issues? Are a fan of the X Files? Think the entire school is out to get you, Mean Girls-style?
Then boy, do I have the book for you!
Love and Other Alien Experiences stars Mallory Sullivan, an agoraphobic girl who spends most of her time on an online forum discussing the existence of aliens, until out of nowhere, she's nominated for homecoming court.
While I wouldn't label this book as "one of those really clichéd YA romances that I regrettably spend all my time reading," there is a bit of a clichéd YA romance going on. Is it predictable? Yes, but come on, predictable cliché-ness can still be enjoyable. Plus, it's totally swoon-worthy (which is not a word I throw around lightly, lest I sound like a middle aged women lusting over Mr Darcy). I mean come on, look at this quote:
Come on, how can you not fall for that?
The mysterious love interest (okay, not that mysterious, like I said it's pretty predictable) isn't the only great character here. While Mallory's best friend Jenni and brother Lincoln aren't the most fleshed out characters, they're still fun to read about– take Jenni, for instance: "Just pretend you're Beyoncé. It's a solid life philosophy."
Plus, the book deals with anxiety in a pretty realistic way. Mal's panic attacks perfectly sum up panic attacks I've had myself– Kerry Winfrey really gets it. Another character is on anxiety medication, which you hardly ever see even mentioned in YA. And then there's the moment she finally kisses unnamed love interest: "It's not like I'm Anxious Beauty and the touch of his lips is going to cure me." Finally, a book that recognizes that not all problems can be solved by just getting together with another character in the end!
I have to say, I loved the character names in this book. Mallory means unfortunate, which fits her exactly. Also, there's her next door neighbors, the Kirkpatricks (even though that's as close to mentioning Star Trek as this book gets).
So are you looking for a deep, thought provoking book with lots of twists and turns? Maybe look somewhere else. But if you want to read a fun, lighthearted novel that you won't be able to put down, check this one out.
Are YOU a nerd who never leaves her house?
Do you have anxiety issues? Are a fan of the X Files? Think the entire school is out to get you, Mean Girls-style?
Then boy, do I have the book for you!
Love and Other Alien Experiences stars Mallory Sullivan, an agoraphobic girl who spends most of her time on an online forum discussing the existence of aliens, until out of nowhere, she's nominated for homecoming court.
While I wouldn't label this book as "one of those really clichéd YA romances that I regrettably spend all my time reading," there is a bit of a clichéd YA romance going on. Is it predictable? Yes, but come on, predictable cliché-ness can still be enjoyable. Plus, it's totally swoon-worthy (which is not a word I throw around lightly, lest I sound like a middle aged women lusting over Mr Darcy). I mean come on, look at this quote:
"Everything in the universe—that's everything, no matter how small—exerts a gravitational force on everything else. A pencil exhibits a force on the sun. A quarter on Jupiter. A scoop of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream on a scoop of chocolate ice cream. And that means you exert a force on the universe too. You, AlienHuntress, are a force to be reckoned with."
Come on, how can you not fall for that?
The mysterious love interest (okay, not that mysterious, like I said it's pretty predictable) isn't the only great character here. While Mallory's best friend Jenni and brother Lincoln aren't the most fleshed out characters, they're still fun to read about– take Jenni, for instance: "Just pretend you're Beyoncé. It's a solid life philosophy."
Plus, the book deals with anxiety in a pretty realistic way. Mal's panic attacks perfectly sum up panic attacks I've had myself– Kerry Winfrey really gets it. Another character is on anxiety medication, which you hardly ever see even mentioned in YA. And then there's the moment she finally kisses unnamed love interest: "It's not like I'm Anxious Beauty and the touch of his lips is going to cure me." Finally, a book that recognizes that not all problems can be solved by just getting together with another character in the end!
I have to say, I loved the character names in this book. Mallory means unfortunate, which fits her exactly. Also, there's her next door neighbors, the Kirkpatricks (even though that's as close to mentioning Star Trek as this book gets).
So are you looking for a deep, thought provoking book with lots of twists and turns? Maybe look somewhere else. But if you want to read a fun, lighthearted novel that you won't be able to put down, check this one out.
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