Sputnik's Guide to Life on Earth

Synopsis

Set in the rolling hills and dales of the modern-day English countryside, this sweet and hilarious story follows Prez Mellow's adventure to find home. Prez is a Temporary kid, staying with his foster family the Blythes over the summer. He doesn't talk. He doesn't have any particular reason. He just ... doesn't.

But the night he arrives, so does Sputnik, an alien who needs Prez's help to save Earth. Their job? To find ten amazing things which sets Earth apart ... or ten reasons why Earth shouldn't be chucked into the recycling bin of planets which are taking up too much space in Space.

Prez's life is already a mess. All he wanted to do was survive the summer, and any little mischief increases the chance that the Blythes will pack him off and send him back to the Temporary. Now he has to add saving the world to his bucket list this summer.

To make matters worse, Sputnik is not the easiest saving-the-world partner. When Prez sees Sputnik, he is a boy about his age, wearing a kilt and goggles. When the foster family sees Sputnik, however, he is a dog ...

... a very "clever" dog ...

... a slightly mischievous-leaning-on-dangerous dog ...

Analysis

Sputnik's Guide to Life on Earth definitely wins bookwyrm bingos for creativity. Clichés were extremely rare, and I found both Prez and Sputnik unique and clever characters. The drive of the plot was clever, too. Far too often do we have a "numbered days to save the world" plot but this one did not have an evil monster or empire or tyrant intending to destroy Earth. In Sputnik's Guide, there are no "evil" antagonists, just a range of realistic characters who don't believe Prez -- not that he tries to explain himself anyway. Sputnik's apparent ability to bend space and time (explained by his advice to simply follow the instructions) were also unique and set the story apart. I've never read anything like it.

The wholesomeness of Sputnik's Guide was also inspiring. This book has absolutely zero concerning content -- unless you personally find lightsabers concerning. For the first time in a long time, I read a story focused on a realistic family with honest, human struggles and a boy with honest, human desires, pains, and joys. Even amid misadventures, Sputnik's cheekiness, and the closest the duo get to "near-death experiences" there is no language, profanity, or even injuries.

The writing quality was absolutely superb. The author keeps the story moving and the reader occupied from page one, and his wording is witty and humorous. The depth and development was equally notable. As a reader, I immediately sympathized with Prez and was intrigued by his mysterious lack of speech. Prez does not initially explain why he is in the Temporary and we never exactly figure out where Prez's parents are. But we know he wants to get back to his Grandad, whether his Grandad remembers him or not. Prez's complex and relatable character -- and the whole clan of realistic side characters -- alongside the well-written and well-developed plot created a story that I admire and cannot wait to reread.

I heartily applaud the simple ingenuity and significance of the story. There aren't any near-death experiences, and even with Sputnik's constant distractions (despite Prez trying to keep them on course) the looming disaster of Earth's distinction feels far away. Even still, Prez and Sputnik's misadventures have a sweet (and quirky) way of keeping you on the edge of your seat. The ending is definitely the most unexpected part of the whole book, but it leaves the reader's heart warmed and face smiling.

By far the best part of the story, however, is how it shows the value of the simple things in life. Ten interesting things about Earth? Prez practically lists the seven wonders of the world. Sputnik finds these things simple -- boring, really. But the TV remote? Grandad's harmonica? Fish and chips outside? Never seen that around the galaxy! Earth is certainly a keeper! The importance of family and friends also shine through the tale, leaving an important and valuable impact on the reader.

Rating

Without a doubt, this book definitely wins 4.5 bookwyrm bingo rating from me!

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