YA Buddy Readers' Corner ♥ discussion

There are a few things Henry Denton knows, and a few things he doesn’t.

Henry knows that his mom is struggling to keep the family together, and coping by chain-smoking cigarettes. He knows that his older brother is a college dropout with a pregnant girlfriend. He knows that he is slowly losing his grandmother to Alzheimer’s. And he knows that his boyfriend committed suicide last year.

What Henry doesn’t know is why the aliens chose to abduct him when he was thirteen, and he doesn’t know why they continue to steal him from his bed and take him aboard their ship. He doesn’t know why the world is going to end or why the aliens have offered him the opportunity to avert the impending disaster by pressing a big red button.

But they have. And they’ve only given him 144 days to make up his mind.

The question is whether Henry thinks the world is worth saving. That is, until he meets Diego Vega, an artist with a secret past who forces Henry to question his beliefs, his place in the universe, and whether any of it really matters. But before Henry can save the world, he’s got to figure out how to save himself, and the aliens haven’t given him a button for that.

Cinthia and I are reading this together, but anyone is welcome to join!

Sorry, I never saw your post! I'm going to try and get to this either tomorrow or the day after. I'm a little behind on buddy reads at the moment... :P

21%

(view spoiler)[
The author's writing style is quite blunt, but I'm actually starting to like it. I was taken back a bit at first, but it's a nice change of pace from the other books I have read.

The book begins with the protagonist, Henry, talking about how humans are a tiny and insignificant speck in the vast universe that doesn't really matter. He then goes on to explain that aliens, he calls them sluggers, have been abducting him for quite a time until one day their encounter is a different from the rest. They show him a hologram display of the Earth and then a pedestal is raised that has a large, red button on it. Though the "sluggers" do not have mouths, they are able to convey answers through their actions. Henry then discovers that they want him to decide if the Earth is worth saving. He can press the red button and save the Earth, or he can do nothing and watch it meet its demise. To most this might not be a hard question, but as a constant victim of bullying and a troubled family life, the answer to save the world does not immediately come to his mind. Also, his boyfriend committed suicide about a year or so ago. People at school call him "space boy" and he is an outcast. One of his biggest bullies, Marcus, is secretly in a strictly physical relationship and wants Henry for nothing other than sex. He then meets an artist named Diego, that has recently moved to Calypso from Colorado, but won't reveal the reason why. He then that starts to make life a little better for Henry by talking to him and by trying to get to know him.

A scene occurred where Marcus was throwing a party at his ginormous mansion and doesn't invite Henry because he didn't think he would want to come, but Henry decides to show up anyways. There, he is humiliated by Marcus and his group of jock buddies, as well as Diego, who doesn't seem to do it intentionally. Diego calls him "space boy" which Henry loathes being called. After he storms off after the party to sit by a pool that is located in a secluded part of Marcus's property, he is abducted once more about aliens. After waking up a long distance from home, he calls Marcus to come pick him up, who does, but ditches him in the parking lot of a Taco Bell so that he wouldn't be seen with him.

As stated before, I'm quite a fan of how direct the author is with his writing. I'm interested to see what Henry decides to do. (hide spoiler)]

@Cinthia @Angie

Have you gotten a chance to start this book yet? If so, what are your thoughts so far?

I will start it either today or tomorrow. I hadn't been able to read much but I'm back on track.

Okay, no problem! I'm behind on some buddy reads as well.

44%
(view spoiler)[
After Marcus's party, he and Henry do not come into contact for a week or so, until Marcus forces him into an art room. While in there, Henry says he isn't interested in doing anything with him anymore, which angers Marcus. This causes a wave of assaults to happen. The worst one was when he was in the showers after gym and when he is trying to dry off, they tie him up, pour green goo on him, and put an alien mask on him. The photo, which he was naked in, was uploaded to social media.

Henry can't take class one day and decides to skip. Audrey and Diego come along and they all go to the fair. There Henry finds out that Audrey hadn't not gone a trip to Switzerland to mourn Jesse's death, but rather went to a psychiatric hospital.

Later that night, Henry visits Jesse's social media page to find that someone had hacked it and has put an alien face over Henry's face in all of his pictures with Jesse.

Geez, these people are tormenting Henry, no wonder he doesn't want to save the Earth.

(hide spoiler)]

67%

(view spoiler)[

I kind of saw it coming, but Henry and Diego kissed and have been hanging out a lot more. After their first kiss, Diego went to go get them drinks. While he was gone, Henry was abducted again by the sluggers and was gone for about 4 days. A surprising thing that happened is that Marcus gave Henry a Christmas card. Also, Charlie and Henry seemed to be getting along better.
(hide spoiler)]

89%
(view spoiler)[
It was revealed that Diego went to a juvenile detention because he had broken both is his dad's arms and his nose. This was due to Diego trying to protect his mom when he started attacking her with a cast iron pan. Unfortunately, Zooey had a miscarriage on New Years Eve. Henry and Diego's relationship is still complicated.

The end of the book is near and I'm still conflicted on what I think Henry will decide. <\spoiler> (hide spoiler)]

100%
I really enjoyed this book. I loved that it causes the reader to really think about what they would do in that situation.
(view spoiler)[ I feel like during the past 30 pages or so that a lot happened, but it didn't feel rushed. Marcus's desperation drove him to try and rape Henry, and, as Henry attempted to flee, Marcus broke his wrist in the process to prevent him from getting away. After his chemistry teacher finds him and calls the police, Henry finally tells about the abuse that Marcus has dealt him. As the ambulance is trying to take Henry to the hospital, he refuses to go anywhere without Diego. Diego shows up a little bit later with zip ties on his wrist and being escorted by two adults and covered in blood. Henry rushes to him, but the blood turns out to Marcus's. Marcus's family doesn't press charges on Diego, so he is not sent back to juvie. <\spoiler> (hide spoiler)]

Oooh can't wait to get cracking on it. Saturday I will get from the library I have been on the waiting list but it's on route now. Should be there tomorrow but can't pick it up til Saturday ;(

Oh, dang! I sometimes loathe how long it can take for a book to come in from the library. I'll constantly check the waitlist lol

Jordan wrote: "Oh, dang! I sometimes loathe how long it can take for a book to come in from the library. I'll constantly check the waitlist lol"

I finally got it on the 19th but for some reason or other was not able to finish it til yesterday... I absolutely loved it!!

21% (view spoiler)[ This book is so easy to read. I am truly enjoying it. What will Henry do? Don't push the button. Those nanobots though. I didn't like WWIII either. (hide spoiler)]

34% (view spoiler)[ I don't know what to think about Diego.. Why all the nice little details? And how come the aliens haven't came back? Weird. (hide spoiler)]

56% (view spoiler)[ What? I gotta say I didn't see Diego doing that.. For all his talk I thought he didn't care? (hide spoiler)]

64% (view spoiler)[ That's a cold way to end! Get it? Cold way?! Lol. (hide spoiler)]

Finished... I just loved this book!! Those last chapters really put everything in perspective!! (view spoiler)[ I cried towards the end... I loved the new Charlie and Zooey I couldn't believe the tragedy they went through, and just when Henry was starting to accept the fact of him being an uncle. I don't know what to think... did Henry make up all the aliens? (hide spoiler)]

Jordan wrote: "21%


The author's writing style is quite blunt, but I'm actually starting to like it. I was taken back a bit at first, but it's a nice change of pace from the other books I have read.

The book b..."

This is absolutely a huge update lol, Yeah... I don't like some of the characters... Marcus oh Marcus... he has issues.

Jordan wrote: "44%

After Marcus's party, he and Henry do not come into contact for a week or so, until Marcus forces him into an art room. While in there, Henry says he isn't interested in doing anything with hi..."

I hated that scene too... but it did bring things into perspective... things like that are all but too real... I feel like Henry (view spoiler)[ just lets things go... (hide spoiler)]

Jordan wrote: "67%



I kind of saw it coming, but Henry and Diego kissed and have been hanging out a lot more. After their first kiss, Diego went to go get them drinks. While he was gone, Henry was abducted agai..."

yea... that kinda put a bummer in the nice moment.. .

Jordan wrote: "89%

It was revealed that Diego went to a juvenile detention because he had broken both is his dad's arms and his nose. This was due to Diego trying to protect his mom when he started attacking her..."

But regardless of what happened to him, his outlook in life is good..

Jordan wrote: "100%
I really enjoyed this book. I loved that it causes the reader to really think about what they would do in that situation.
[spoilers removed]"

yea, a lot happened and tears just started flowing... ;( My heart got broken by Charlie and Zooeys episode...

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Date Changed. Restarting August 7th 2016. Happy Reading ☺

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I like this book so far. The writing is very blunt, which is refreshing. There is definitely mystery surrounding different things (aliens, obviously), but I feel like I'm getting a straight forward account of this particular character's experiences. Also, this is so much more funny than I had originally expected!

I've enjoyed the descriptions of the aliens so far. I must admit that the aliens almost made me not read this. LOL, I just realized that sounded like aliens told me not to, but I'm not really into aliens and TBH, I think this is the very first book I may have read with aliens in it!! Well, that's an exciting realization.

More detailed info on my view of the aliens: (view spoiler)[ What I like is how little of a role they really play in the book. They add chaos and a deadline, but not much else. I also like their way of communication, which is almost a lack of communication...very Pavlovian as the author stated. Euphoria vs Intense Pain....how much more basic can you get? (hide spoiler)]

Marcus: (view spoiler)[ As much of a brat and a bully and an all around horrible person Marcus is to our beloved Henry, I still feel sorry for him. He is so lonely. And I felt that maybe he plays a role in showing the difference in teenagers whose family and community allow them to live their lives truthfully and out, rather than feeling shame and hiding their true selves.

On that note, Henry's family is pretty effing awesome in regards to their acceptance of him as a gay, young man. Its not once mentioned as an issue. Yes! I love how regular and normal it is betrayed, rather than being the main focus of the plot. (hide spoiler)]

I agree.... Diego is interesting. I can't decide if I like him yet or not.

I'm falling more in love with Henry's family (minus his dad, obvi).... Charlie and Zoe are adorable!! This story, and not just the main character, but all of the minor characters too, just seems so real. Like, I actually know people with these stories (minus the aliens) and who have made these decisions (view spoiler)[ Dropped out of college either because they got someone pregnant or became pregnant (hide spoiler)].

I think this was necessary though, for the author to add the aliens and the story not get too far away from reality. It helps the reader, or maybe just this one in particular, believe that Henry really is experiencing these abductions, because everything else he observes and experiences and thinks about are based firmly in reality.

Finished!

(view spoiler)[
Diego is amazing. And I am so happy that Henry has him in his life now.

Marcus needs help. He needs parents. He needs boundaries.

Charlie and Zoe break my heart. I can't even imagine what they're going through. Absolutely tragic.

Henry's mom is pretty kick ass. :) and inspiring.

Henry, oh dearest Henry.... You saved the world, you beautiful person.

And the aliens.... We're they even real? I dont know. I half suspect they were Henry's way of dealing with his own thoughts of suicide. If the world were worth saving, then he was, and vice versa.
(hide spoiler)]

Yay! I'm so glad you liked it! :)

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Reading from the 1st of January 2017

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30 October 2015

(view spoiler)[I'm in love with this book is pretty amazing and so realistic that is becoming one of my favorite one so far at least. I hate so much Marcus he's a homophobic bully even when he's gay. Diego is so cute and pure but his past and other stuff makes me wonder why he moves to another city, I don't like any in the family of Henry just Nana she's so fragile and realistic about some things that make me wanna hug her.

The plot about Henry and this sluggers I really don't have any opinion I'm just waiting to something happens but the thing I love the most is that he isn't changening his mind to save the world. I freaking love Henry, I everything about him even more when he says what he thinks and really want to say. (hide spoiler)]

5 December 2015

(view spoiler)[ Arrgh! I’m so pissed at Henry because he doesn’t want to be with Diego even when the world is going to end, I ship them so much. The night of the Halloween costumes I cry when all the guys assault him, it hasn’t a freaking prank for Devil’s Sake! I really don’t understand at all Marcus I just don’t care at all about him anymore.

I’m happy that he rebuilt his friendship with Audrey and the memories with Jesse are wonderful and beautiful I like them. The situation with his family I don’t know where it is going but it made me sad that the mom put Nana in a center.

About all the situation of the sluggers I think is kinda strange, I don’t know but it kinda reminds me to a disease I really don’t remember the name. I’m loving this book I can’t how it ends but I really hope Henry ends up with Diego, I love them together though Diego still hasn’t said his previous life. (hide spoiler)]

24 December 2015

(view spoiler)[ After I read a few chapters I think that Henry is the only one living in the past, I mean I get it but everyone has to move on in some point but the thing that bothers me is that he is going to past on purpose when he is with Diego post at all, Diego is such a cute boy and pure that I’m started to think that maybe Henry doesn’t deserve him.

His brother is moving forward with his baby and his girlfriend, her mother quit her shite job and is working in the most she loves and even Audrey is moving forward. I already don’t care about the end of world I just want that Henry move forward and don’t go on purpose to the past because he wants to hurt himself every time he does that and on the way hurts Diego too. (hide spoiler)]

Finished

(view spoiler)[I LOVED THIS BOOK. Since this year started this was a great book to start with, I still can’t understand Marcus at all, he tried to rape Herny for devil’s sake. I kinda want a plot with his view of things because something might happen or not but I kinda wanna know.

Henry and Diego, my babies I love them so much and most at all I’m so glad they grow up and take care of their bullshit specially Henry, it made me so sad to know that Zooey and Charlie lost their baby I was kind of looking for it but it made so how stronger their relationship, I like every closing that the author gives to every character but in some way he also let an open ending.

Such an amazing book, I really loved it. (hide spoiler)]

Chemistry: Extra Credit Project-8 September 2015: (view spoiler)[ Hmm...I wonder why he gets to choose whether to save the Earth or not? I wonder why the sluggers have picked him? Henry's family totally sucks. And his classmates are so mean! I loved how his teacher told him it wasn't worth blowing up the planet. (hide spoiler)]

Sharon wrote: "Chemistry: Extra Credit Project-8 September 2015: [spoilers removed]"

You will soon understand it. I hope you like it!

The Meteor-11 September 2015: (view spoiler)[ The Meteor chapter was kind of confusing. However, I want to know more. Also, Henry is so aware of what's going on around him, but I hate that he just takes all the abuse. (hide spoiler)]

World War III-Nanobots: (view spoiler)[ I'm guessing were going to get possible ends of the world throughout this. Oh lovely, ways to destroy the planet instead of save it. This one was creepy! Gray goo. Ick. However, as a science student, I would probably examine the gray goo, even if it is disgusting. (hide spoiler)]

20 October 2015-10 November 2015: (view spoiler)[ It makes me so mad that he wouldn't rat those guys out. What they did was horrible. I'm kind of wondering if the alien abductions are made up in his mind to cope. Those guys suck and Marcus has balls to see if he's okay. It was interesting to learn more about Jesse. (hide spoiler)]

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Date changed. Restarting February 13th 2017. Happy Reading ☺

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1/4 (view spoiler)[Thats a pretty rough choice Henry has been given for someone his age. When you consider the teen suicide rate I don't like our chances he will press the button. (hide spoiler)]

2/4 (view spoiler)[I'm sure Diego is homosexual also he is rather sweet (hide spoiler)]

3/4 (view spoiler)[ I keep getting the feeling the Aliens are not real that it is Henry trying to decide if he will commit suicide (hide spoiler)]

Finished: Wow this was an excellent book I can't help but think it should be compulsory reading for teenagers, maybe we would have less suicides if it was. At times I found it tough going due to the fact I lost both my own parents a few months ago and did not get to say goodbye. The only bad thing I could say about the book was that it was a bit repetitive at times.

30%

(view spoiler)[I really like Henry's character. He's so witty, and just so real...I just love him as a narrator (hide spoiler)]

50%

(view spoiler)[MY HEART. Henry and Audrey's conversation at the fair and on the beach broke me. Seriously, I ached for both of them (hide spoiler)]

80%

(view spoiler)[I can't stop reading. Henry, Diego, Audrey, Charlie, Zooey...I need to know what happens!! (hide spoiler)]

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Date changed. Restarting December 1st 2017. Happy Reading ☺

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so, now it's official 😁