Hello r/books,
I’m reviewing the last few books I read as a part of the Goodreads 2023 Challenge.”On Earth as It Is on Television” by Emily Jane offers a unique twist on the classic First Contact scenario in science fiction, focusing more on the human side of the story.
The book starts with an intriguing premise: aliens arrive and hover over major cities, then leave without much fanfare. No epic battles or grand diplomatic exchanges. Instead, the story delves into how different people react to this extraordinary event. It’s an interesting take on how humanity might realistically respond to such a scenario.
The narrative follows three main characters: Blaine, a family man facing changes in his life; Heather, a young woman in Malibu seeking something more; and Oliver, coming to terms with the world after a long catatonic state. Their individual stories provide a diverse look at human emotions and reactions in the face of the unknown.
What I particularly enjoyed was the humour woven throughout the book and the way ordinary life continued in the shadow of this extraordinary event. The characters are relatable, and their journeys are both amusing and thought-provoking. However, the book doesn’t explore the sci-fi elements as deeply as I hoped. The alien aspect serves more as a backdrop, and the pacing varies across the chapters.
“On Earth as It Is on Television” is an enjoyable read that stands out for its approach to a common sci-fi theme. It’s funny and insightful, but it doesn’t fully delve into the potential of its sci-fi premise. I gave it a 3-star rating – a book that’s worth your time but might leave you wishing for a bit more depth in its sci-fi exploration.
The full review is here – [https://www.vinitnair.com/post/sci-fi-meets-suburban-exploring-on-earth-as-it-is-on-television-by-emily-jane](https://www.vinitnair.com/post/sci-fi-meets-suburban-exploring-on-earth-as-it-is-on-television-by-emily-jane)
I’m curious to hear from others who have read this book. What did you think of its unique approach to First Contact? Did you find the balance between sci-fi and human drama satisfying?
by Vinitneo