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I'm a native of Wilmington, North Carolina, where sharing a hurricane story is as common as saying "Hi, y'all!" Ever curious, I spend most of my time questioning the way the universe and all the beings in it work, so I can usually be found down a deep, research rabbit hole. When I resurface, I write poetry and what I like to call "Speculative Southern Fiction". (Which means my characters are sometimes human, sometimes not, but they prefer not to be judged on that criteria, thank you very much.)
Aunt Mag and Lynette are inspired by all the wonderful, big-hearted, colorful people down here in the rural South. We grow "stubborn" like Aunt Mag grows beets, and if aliens did show up, I think we'd pour them some sweet tea and let them know how things work around here.
(PS: "My Alien Life" is family-friendly for ages 10+, including the audiobook version)
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
Lynette is only ten when she loses her father. Since her mother left, her maternal family seems hesitant to take her in. Her sickly looks and odd behavior worsen matters, but her great-great-aunt Magnolia (Mag) volunteers to raise Lynette. Although old and frail, Aunt Mag promises to be with Lynette until she is old enough to care for herself. Aunt Mag teaches Lynette how to sew, garden, and be responsible. Unfortunately, when the time comes for Lynette to go back to school, the government questions her upbringing and tries to take her away from Aunt Mag. They cite child endangerment and Aunt Mag’s age as their reasons. Lynette does not want to leave because living with Aunt Mag is the happiest she has ever been. Get a copy of My Alien Life by J. Martain to find out what happens next.
I did not expect a heartwarming story when reading My Alien Life. The plot surprised me because it was moving and unique. I was touched by how Aunt Mag continuously protected and claimed Lynette as her own. J. Martain is a great storyteller because she does not give the reader all the information at once. Instead, she subtly and gradually lets you know what is happening. The book is told from Lynette’s point of view, and her genuine confusion and naivete are perfectly written. Lynette is an innocent child, and because of this, she does not fully understand what is happening around her. I felt her pain and determination to hold on to hope for a happy and peaceful life. Reading My Alien Life restored my hope in humanity and unconditional love. I recommend this book to anyone who loves reading heart-stirring stories. Great work.
