We Are the Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson

We Are the Ants
Contemporary 
Written by Shaun David Hutchinson
Young Adult, LGBT, Science Fiction
Published January 19th 2016 by Simon Pulse
Add to Goodreads
★★★☆
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.
Henry has 144 days to prevent the end of the world. When he is abducted by aliens, Henry is told he has a choice. He can either press the button and save all of humanity, or let the world be destroyed (how he doesn't know, but he comes up with some pretty creative ideas). Henry chooses to wait, to see if the world is worth saving. He has until January 29th, 2016 to make up his mind - however, Henry will soon find that his choice is not all that easy. Life has never been easy for Henry Denton. Throughout high school he has been bullied, beat down and walked on by his peers. Not only that, but he's still struggling to comprehend why his boyfriend took his own life.

Throughout the throng of 144 days, Henry must discover if his own unhappiness makes life worthless. He must battle depression and the underlying blame he puts on himself for the death of his boyfriend and for his dad leaving his family when he was just a child. But more importantly, Henry must discover if there is anything worth living for or if the world is just damned. His journey leads down many avenues from loss, to gain to friendship and to love.

Kynndra's Thoughts

I'm baffled by this story. I can't fully get a handle on if I really enjoyed this book or if I wanted to enjoy it so bad I've convinced myself I did. I was rather excited when I read the synopsis because I'm all for aliens and self discovery. I was super happy when I picked my copy of it up because it was at the top of my TBR. But I'm not sure if my expectations were too high, or if maybe it was way different than what I expected? This was a close four star read for me most definitely so in no way was it bad - it was just so unique, but in a way that makes me feel lost in my thoughts.

Let me start by saying that the tone and the voice of this book was so palpable. Henry is one of the most distinct characters I've read, he's humorous but in a dark and pessimistic way. It was sad at some points for sure, but I also found myself laughing at how real he was. I realized while reading that many of my thoughts were similar to Henry's. Frequently I do ask myself, is the world worth saving? Have we as a human race fucked up so bad that maybe we'd all be better off letting the planet be destroyed? I'm not someone who would instantly hit that big red button to save the world from annihilation. I'm just not, I wish I was but I'm really not. It was interesting to see what these 144 days would reveal to Henry - and maybe even to myself.

"'There's an amazing world out there for you to discover, Henry Denton, but you have to be willing to discover yourself first.'

The bell rang, saving me, and we all rose like Pavlovian dogs, eager to run to our next classes. Except Diego. He was still sitting, like he was waiting for me to say something, but I didn't know what. Finally I said, 'What if I don't give a shit about the world?'

Diego gathered our trash and frowned. 'I'd say that's pretty fucking sad.'

'Why?'

'Because the world is so beautiful.'"

That being said, I'm not entirely sure how I feel about the other characters. Marcus especially. He was a shitty person, but I couldn't help but pity him. Audrey didn't affect me in a huge way (I'm not sure if she was supposed to) but she was good to Henry so I was alright with her. Diego was another one that made me uneasy - I was worried that a love interest would be the reason to save the world. I absolutely did not want that because it's so cliche. Albeit, Diego was a mysterious and quirky character that I became fond of after a period of time. Henry was definitely my favorite though, he was an extremely entertaining character alongside Charlie and Nana.

The plot. The aliens. Shaun constructed such a weird but compelling tale. You can tell he poured a lot of heart and soul into this one. He took the time to understand the emotions of a teenager - of a person. I think that's what I loved most about We Are the Ants. It's so human, it's so undeniably real that I had to take a step back while I was reading. I loved the message that Shaun screamed throughout his clever, sharp and witty writing. I truly took something personal out of this story.

I did however find that I might have missed some hidden plot. This is no fault to the author, as I've never been all that perceptive. I got the vibes that the author was alluding to something else going on. But it just went way over my head. If someone could fill me in, please message me on Twitter because wow I'm slow and pretty sure I missed the memo on something.

in conclusion

We Are the Ants was a raw and heart wrenching portrayal of surviving the hardships of this world. It faces multiple issues ranging from bullying, abandonment, suicide, and mental illness. Shaun Hutchinson writes from the POV of a teenager and hits the nail right on the head. I loved Henry and I adored the message I got out of his story. I closed the book confident that if given the choice that I would save the world no matter the quality of my own life because there is always something worth living for. I absolutely recommend it, despite the fact that I'm still not 100% on how I feel.

Kynndra is going to work on her resume and prepare for the upcoming months where she will hopefully be moving back to Canada!


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36 comments

  1. I always think about the same thing. I being the person who would click that red button instantly because I know that some people still deserve to live and it's being selfish if the choice is in my hands. But I always wonder how we've used our resources, how we've treated each other, and how we've been so cruel to what we're so lucky to have. Those are factors that would way into my decision if I was Henry. I just noticed that all your reviews make me buy the book! I'm always so swayed whether it's a review for a book that you guys didn't like or loved! I'm always compelled to read it and try giving it a rating for myself.

    Alex @ The Book's Buzz

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    1. I wish I was like that, unfortunately I'm pessimistic. But I'm working on it - after this book I realized that I would /have/ to press the button. Others deserve the chance to live, and despite all the shit in the world it really is still a beautiful place with a lot to offer. Ha! Aww, we'll I'm glad I and Kelly can convince others to read the books we enjoy (or hate). I can't wait to see if you enjoy this one, thanks so much Alex c:

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  2. Lovely review! After all that I've heard of this book, I really want to read it. It sounds lovely, it sounds real and I feel as though this will really take my heart on a journey.

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    1. Thank you, Josie! I really appreciate it. It's definitely a lovely (sometimes sad) book. But if anything, it's certainly real which I adored. It took my heart on a journey, I have no doubt it'll do the same to you. Can't wait for you to read it ^^

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  3. This is definitely going to be one of those books that either break me or that I utterly fall in love with. I'm so excited to read it though and really hoping the bigger picture isn't lost on me or I'll probably lose my shit.

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    1. Yaaas. Kelly you have to read this. I'm dying to hear your thoughts and your take on the alien situation. I hope you like it, I really think you will. At the end of the day it's a really genuine and sweet book.

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  4. Thanks for sharing! I really loved this one, so it's nice to see another review. I can see why you aren't sure how you feel though. It could easily be one of those type of reads. And I don't think there is some other plot or meaning in the book - but I guess I missed it too if so! haha

    -Lauren

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    1. Baha! Omg I just think there's something more to the aliens but I can't put my finger on it. Maybe it's just me (it very well could be!! I'm dense like that). I enjoyed this read, but I still came out feeling like it was missing something for me. Maybe I wasn't ready for such a serious book. Nonetheless, it was a worthwhile read c:

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  5. Not gonna lie, alien abduction is not on top of my to-read list, but I've seen so many wonderful reviews that it's getting more and more difficult to ignore. I also don't read too many LGBT books, so I'm going to check this one out despite your middle of the pack rating. :D

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    1. Lmao, it's not for everyone. But the alien abductions are really just blips, no way is this a big sci-fi story. I don't even know if the aliens are actually aliens (It's the bit that has me confused). Overall though I really think you'd like it Joy. It was still a great book despite my unresolved feelings about the ending/possible hidden allusion to something else xP

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  6. Okay, I am for sure reading this. I wouldn't have looked twice at it before, but people seem to be so polar opposites about it, and to see how you are about it make me even more curious.

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    1. It's definitely a book that could be either loved or hated. I'm still very moot about it, but certainly check it out Christy. I'm curious to hear your thoughts!

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  7. Gahh! I've been hearing such great things about this. I'm glad I read yours as well because I can be prepared now. I love the sound of Henry's characterization. I love those dark but humorous characters as well. It's a little shame about the secondary characters though. I already don't have a good opinion of Marcus. And I know what you mean about some books going way over your head. Maybe that was the goal of the author? I hope someone will help you figure it out!
    Wonderful review, Kynndra!

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    1. Yes! Henry's darker humor had me laughing a storm here and there. I really appreciated the character growth as well from start to finish. Asdfghj I still don't know if I missed something vital - maybe you're right though. Maybe it was supposed to go over my head! Thanks a lot, Nick. Can't wait for you to read it c:

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  8. I am sooooo intrigued by this book. That synopsis just completely grabbed me and has made me desperate to read this. I love the dark humour, so I think I will love Henry in this book.

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    1. I have no doubt you'll love Henry if you love dark humor! The synopsis is a eye catcher for sure :D

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  9. The premise for this novel is very exciting. I mean first of all, that's a very specific number of days to save the world. And why on earth would you give such an emotionally precarious person the button to save the world (and sensing the hopefully positive ending why don't we do it more often, hah)? I can't imagine anybody having that sort of power in their hands - but it's often quite true.
    Is the world worth saving? Why is the world both beautiful and draining? I love what this book aims to explore!

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    1. My thoughts exactly, Mawa! It was a very exploritave book with a lot to be discovered. I think the best thing is that everyones going to take something from the story regardless if they want to or not. It has a plethora of lessons I think we all need to learn!

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  10. THIS SOUNDS SO WEIRD. And either I love weird books or I hate them so I guess I'd better read it. Although it kind of sounds like The Alex Crow, in that it might just flow right over my head (ha). I hate when it feels like that.

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    1. IT'S KIND OF VERY WEIRD. But not in an obnoxious way. I've never read The Alex Crow, but the feeling you've missed key points is so frustrating!

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  11. I've heard some amazing things about this one, so it did surprise me when I saw that you gave it a lower rating than I expected! I might still pick this one up though because the premise is interesting and I love books that are human and real.

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    1. Don't get me wrong, Jess. Despite my lower rating I did enjoy the read to some degree. I love the characters and the messages; however, I finished feeling frustrated. Needless to say, I'm the odd one out - people love this book so I certainly still recommend people give it a go!

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  12. I saw this book on NetGalley! OMG I'm just so excited to get this book and read it. I've heard so many good things about this book it's just impossible to miss.

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    1. I'm excited to hear your thoughts on it, Nij!

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  13. This sounds interesting, though I'm not sure if it's for me; so I'll just have to think about it lol I'm a pretty cynical person and think the world could do with not existing sometimes, we as a race have done so much to ruin it *sigh*

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    1. I'm the same way Wattle. Sometimes I just think we've messed up beyond repair. But I'm not the most optimistic person around so there's that xP maybe I'm just an asshole who knows.

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  14. Yessss this book. I liked it a lot, although I expected more science fiction out of it, but even then I still enjoyed it. To me, I felt like the reader had to interpret whether any of it was real, or not, I don't know. I'm not sure what the overarching message was, so I cannot help you with that!

    Awesome review Kynn!!!!! I loved this book, but I don't know if it will stick with me, maybe. It was definitely unique though!

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    1. Yes! Val you're so right! That's one thing I couldn't quite put my finger on was if what Henry was experiencing was real or not - I was trying to figure out of the author was alluding to some mental issues or something along those lines. I guess I'll never know.

      Thanks so much, Val! I loved it too in its own little odd way. I think the message will stick with me, so unique!

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  15. This book sounds so interesting - I'm seeing raving reviews everywhere. I'm not sure how Alzheimer's and aliens and heartbreak tie into this book together, but I'm curious so as to how the author does it. And that quote from the book was so beautiful <3 AND THAT COVER.

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    1. It's a very interesting book, Nirvana! It definitely deserves the raving reviews (even if mine was more confusion, I still highly recommend it). I adored that quote <3 can't wait for you to read it! I AGREE THE COVER IS SO SIMPLE YET SO NICE.

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  16. Thanks for the balanced review, Kynn! I hate it when I feel so conflicted about a book, I definitely understand the 'wanting to love it so bad, you question how much you enjoyed the book' - I get that a lot as well XD especially when it's works of an author I previously adored.

    I usually don't do too well with books portraying aliens in a relatively contemporary setting because my brain just can't suspend disbelief enough (crazy ik for someone who like SF XD) - but I still want to check this out due to the rave reviews it's been getting.

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    1. I hate the conflicted feeling as well. It makes reviewing a book hell. But I got there eventually! The aliens aren't actually prevalent all that much - their presence ties into the plot but they actually aren't all that present in the book. I would definitely recommend you trying it out. It's a odd, quirky book with a good deal of life lessons. I think you may even enjoy it c:

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  17. I very rarely comment on reviews because reviews are for readers and I don't every want my presence to feel intrusive. But I just wanted to tell you that I love this review. I love that you're conflicted about Henry and his choices and the secondary characters. Because, I mean, that's life, right? It's full of choices we're conflicted about, even after we make them, and paradoxical people who we can hate and love and pity and admire all at once.

    You mention thinking you missed something, but this quote at the end of your review, "I closed the book confident that if given the choice that I would save the world no matter the quality of my own life because there is always something worth living for," tells me that you took from the story exactly what I hoped readers would. That you're questioning the story and how you feel about it and what it meant to you makes me very, very happy. Thank you.

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    1. I have to admit - this is the first time an author has ever commented on one of my reviews! Regardless, no feelings of intrusion here. It means a lot to hear you enjoyed my review (I was worried it was terrible). But you're exactly right, I thinks that's where the realness of your book really comes into play. We do all have choices to make in life, and each choice leads to an outcome. And sometimes, not all those choices have clear paths.

      I'm glad I didn't miss anything, you've definitely put my mind at ease. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to comment, Shaun. It means a lot! Also thank you for writing such an amazing and realistic story that I think a lot of kids (and adults) will pull a lot of hope from. We Are the Ants has a message that I think a lot of us need to learn and/or remember.

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  18. In truth I’m still on the fence about this book. On one hand I see a lot of love for this book and I love stories with realistic protagonist, on the other aliens and weird plot are not really my thing. Probably I’ll put it on my tbr-later shelf. Beautiful review review, Kynndra! I think I would hit that big red button to save the world without hesitation.

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  19. I can definitely see how this book was confusing, sometimes books are a bit too philosophical that it's easy to miss the bigger picture. Shaun sounds love a fantastic protagonist though! Lovely review Kynn.

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