Review of I Think I’m in Love with an Alien by Derryck Jay
From the moment I laid eyes on the whimsical cover of I Think I’m in Love with an Alien, I felt a giddy thrill reminiscent of my best moments immersed in the world of Mass Effect. The prospect of a romantic comedy featuring Garrus Vakarian, complete with a sprinkle of Roswell intrigue, was just too enticing to resist. Derryck Jay’s quirky debut tugged at my heartstrings and piqued my curiosity—could it deliver the same level of enchantment I’ve come to expect from my beloved sci-fi romances?
The novel introduces us to Jen and Tam, two members of an online forum dedicated to all things extraterrestrial who transition their ongoing digital banter into real life at an alien-themed convention. This is where we learn that Tam is an actual alien, stranded on Earth in a classic E.T. scenario. What unfolds is a blend of heartwarming exchanges and slightly awkward first encounters, which made me chuckle, though it ultimately left me wanting more depth.
In the first half of the book, I found the dynamics between Jen and Tam, as well as their eclectic group of friends, quite engaging. The interspersed group chat sections offered a light-hearted peek into modern geek culture, although they sometimes felt stilted and lacking the organic flair of a genuine conversation. This world of conventions and online fandom excited me; I appreciated the little nods toward how convention culture operates, even if they were somewhat superficial. It was, after all, fun to see Tam attempt to understand human quirks while navigating the social maelstrom he found himself in.
However, as the story moved beyond the lively chaos of the convention, it stumbled. Mundane issues—like a picnic or family drama—felt drawn-out and disengaging. Jen’s family did pose some human challenges, but they never evolved beyond typical antagonist roles. What captivated me the most were the glimpses into Tam’s alien culture and adventures; I often found myself hoping the plot would shift its focus from romance to exploration of these rich backstories. If the narrative had taken a more adventurous route, I might have been tempted to add another star to my rating.
On the romance front, I commend the representation of asexuality in the narrative, as the focus on physical intimacy isn’t the centerpiece. However, the chemistry between Jen and Tam failed to convince me they were anything more than friends tiptoeing around their feelings. Their conversations felt stilted, like a scripted first date playing on repeat. The ending’s clumsy chase wrapped everything in a neat yet unsatisfying bow, leaving me questioning its relevance. The wild goose chase into the woods felt more like a tumultuous filler than a satisfying conclusion to their story.
Despite my reservations, I can’t help but emphasize that I Think I’m in Love with an Alien may appeal to younger readers or those seeking light-hearted escapism in cosmic love. It’s an entertaining read with whimsical intentions, and I found joy exploring the quirky universe Jay crafted. While my quest for the perfect Garrus Vakarian rom-com continues, this story was a charming dabble into the realm of intergalactic infatuation.
In the end, though it didn’t quite resonate with my own expectations, I appreciate the effort to blend romance with sci-fi in a light-hearted setting. I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled for future works by Derryck Jay, hoping they’ll take me on an even more stellar adventure!
If you share a love for quirky rom-coms and are always on the lookout for unconventional love stories that dive into cosmic themes, this book might just be your next read. Who knows? You might find yourself captivated in a universe that’s a bit closer to home than you ever thought possible.
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