This year, PADERBORN2READ—The English Book Club celebrates the twelve days of Christmas with twelve curated reading recommendations for the festive season and cozy winter days.
The fifth day of Christmas, featuring five gold rings—and a story set in motion by aliens:
We are the Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson
recommended by PADERBORN2READ member Lea
You are up for a more moody, hard-to-swallow teen book? We are the Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson is a heavy, heavy weird fiction book that will make you feel heavy, too. This book is weird! It’s about depression, grief, teenage anger, bullying… but most importantly—it’s real.
The story centers on Henry Denton, a deeply depressed teenager dealing with the loss of his boyfriend, a dysfunctional family, and relentless bullying, all while being faced with a bizarre choice: he gets abducted by aliens and now he has the power to save or destroy the Earth, but he’s not sure if it’s even worth saving.
Reading this is going to be tough—Henry’s depression feels raw and unflinching, and it can weigh heavily on you. It won’t be what you expect to read! It’s not a book for everyone, and honestly, I didn’t think I’d rate it highly. But as the story unfolded, it just clicked with me, especially toward the end.
It’s the kind of book that sneaks up on you and stays in your thoughts long after you’ve finished.
If you’re in the mood for something challenging, strange, and emotionally resonant, We are the Ants is a book that deserves your attention. ❤️
