On Earth as It Is on Television by Emily Jane
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Do you believe in aliens? Spaceships? What would happen if aliens came to earth… but then immediately left? What would that do to humanity? What secrets and hidden information would come to be revealed?

On Earth as It Is on Television tackles this exact scenario. One day, a bunch of spaceships come to a bunch of major cities around the world, and hover in the sky. But then… they just leave. But not without affecting the world at large. This book follows 3 storylines - a young woman in California, a man who just woke up from a 20 year catatonic state, and a typical American family, complete with a cat.

I don’t want to reveal too much but I will say that this book was fun! I thought it was wonderfully paced and it kept me wondering, “What exactly is going on here?” without dragging on and on or being overly confusing. Plus, there’s lots of cats - who seem to be able to talk?! Nah, that’s just in your head… right? (Much like when I read The Last House on Needless Street, I heard there was a talking cat, I was intrigued, and it paid off.)

I would highly recommend this if you’re looking for a fun summer read. Thank you to @netgalley and @hyperionavebooks for the arc!

~Why do humans not bring home bacon when they say they’re going to bring home bacon?~

I received an eARC of this book for review from Hyperion Avenue via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
• The Brief: Aliens visit Earth and it has a very personal impact for two families in this quirky, sweet, and slightly absurd story.
• Readers who enjoy Douglas Adams might find something to like in this contemporary SiFi family comedy debut despite the lack of polished prose and less than nuanced social commentary.

I liked this novel well enough, and certainly the newly sentient cats didn’t hurt my enjoyment. But the slow start and seemingly unconnected POVs detracted from my experience. I also wasn’t completely convinced about the motives of any of the characters. Still, if you’re looking for a light science fiction read with humor this could be for you.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

I thought this was a very fun book, but at the same time, felt it went on for a long time. I wasn't sure I was going to like the book much until about act three. Honestly, I only really cared about Oliver's story, and would have read a whole book centered around him. The writing style felt choppy, and just not really my favorite. The plot was clever and I really loved the way the stories tied together. Overall this was a book that was an enjoyable read, but not my favorite of all time.

I had been looking forward to this title since I requested it. The premise sounded like an absolute hoot and I thought it would be something quirky, witty, and likely to make us readers contemplate humanity more than think about the dangers of alien invasion.

Instead, I got one of the most boring, repetitive, annoying, and most unevenly paced books I’ve read in quite some time. This book was marketed as being funny. Other reviews called it sharp and witty. I honestly didn’t get any of that while reading this book. It was full of characters I couldn’t stand, prose that seemed meandering and pointless, dialogue that made me grind my teeth, and chapters that made me want to skim because I just didn’t see the point of them.

I was so disappointed by this book I almost DNFd it more than once. I persevered in the hope I could find something nice to say about it, but by the end I realized I had just wasted my time.

I was provided a copy of this title by NetGalley and the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you. Any review I write rating a book as three stars or under will not be posted on social media or bookseller websites per personal policy.

What would you think if aliens came down all of a sudden and then left what does that mean are they coming back? Are they friendly These are just some of the questions people on earth were wondering.
This was just a funny quirky heartwarming story that starts out a little slow but picks up about a third of the way through. This is a well written unique story with great characters. I enjoyed reading it and it has cats in it.

When alien spaceships appear and then leave without any contact, the event makes a nursing home patient, a working class dad, and a spoiled teen reason to wonder if their lives really will ever be the same. They’re also afraid to find out what happens if nothing changes. Author Emily Jane brings to life her quirky, odd premise about what happens when the aliens are among us in her excellent debut On Earth as It Is on Television.

Oliver Smith has spent almost 20 years in the Brookwood nursing home in D.C. seeing snow. At least, that’s what it looks like inside his mind. He hears the nurses and other staff around him, but he can’t talk. Most days he sits in his wheelchair mute and unresponsive while someone spoon feeds him meals and bathes him. Then the alien ships arrive, hovering over the largest cities across the world, and something forces Oliver awake.

He doesn’t know who he is at first; apart from his name, he has no recollection of how he came to Brookwood. He just knows that when the intergalactic vehicles came, he changed. Now he’s on a mission to find out more about his past and why the snow he continues to see in his head is so important.

In Malibu, Heather is kind of having a sucky time of it all. Her golden stepbrother, Alex, is off at boarding school doing amazing things as usual. Her mother and stepfather, Jack P., are in Carmel on some stupid couples getaway. Heather’s invited her boyfriend over to partake of Jack P.’s excellent liquor selection, but the boyfriend just wants to play video games all day and hang around the pool.

Heather’s done with high school, but she feels aimless. She keeps hoping that something big will happen. When the aliens come, she’s sure this is it. Her life will change in a big way. Then the alien ships leave without warning or any message, and Heather is horrified that maybe she’ll actually have to start her adult life, like, for real now.

Blaine, in the middle of the country, has no complaints about his job as a city employee who tests water samples. It’s a job, after all, and his wife, Anne, who is the girl of his dreams, and the big lawyer, keeps them afloat. As long as Blaine has Anne, he doesn’t need anything else. She’s given him two beautiful, albeit precocious, children who are obsessed with TV and treat each other like personal tackling dummies, but that’s okay. Blaine has Anne and a home and everything he needs.

The aliens appearing in the sky throws a wrench into his contentment. Suddenly Blaine starts questioning everything: his relationship with Anne, whether his job really is meaningful, and how much TV the kids are watching. Then Anne suggests a road trip to Disney World, except they’re driving in the wrong direction, and Blaine braces himself for whatever crazy thing the world will throw at him next.

As all three characters deal with the impact the alien visitation has on their lives, they find themselves on a path that will intersect in unexpected yet meaningful ways. The aliens come and go. The impression they make will stay.

Author Emily Jane manages the incredible: taking a debatable, even debunkable topic like the existence of aliens and turning it into a heartfelt examination of what makes us human. All three characters have distinct challenges and conflicts that connect to the alien event in a way that is believable and relatable. While the book opens with Oliver’s story, Blaine and Heather’s stories are just as impactful. Jane has developed all three with confidence and care that isn’t always evident in a debut.

If they’re willing to stay open-minded, even the most skeptical readers will find themselves nodding along and agreeing with parts of the premise. Those parts might be different for every person who encounters the book, but Jane takes each individual part and allows it to weave and wander with just the right amount of tension and lead time before gently bringing it back to the main idea of the existence of aliens.

Readers who enjoy stories about aliens making contact with humans will definitely enjoy this one. Those looking for something unusual that also offers a thoughtful look at the human condition will want to read this as well.

I really liked On Earth as it is on Television by Emily Jane.
It was a fun read!

I really liked some of the characters and others not so much.
I thought it was well written and the pacing was good.

This book was unlike anything I've read and i highly recommend it!
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

A sometimes maudlin, mostly lighthearted and humorous story that starts with a sad, deadly car crash but ends up being about extraterrestrials, familial love, and uncertainty and ennui in the face of global upheaval (wherever could that have originated?!). Kind of a Douglas Adams vibe—humanity is not alone in the universe, but what is out there is just as ridiculous as we are.

I am high-key obsessed with "it's the end of the world, so what happens now?!" novels. So naturally, I thought that an alien invasion novel would center around that question. Weirdly, this book isn't really that at all. I have read some sci-fi, some fantasy, some dystopia, some speculative fiction. This novel doesn't quite fall into any of those categories neatly; I'd say it's more like silly light-hearted sci-fi that is also touching and thoughtful?

Ultimately aliens come to Earth, then they leave, and all of the humans are confused because... that's it. There is no invasion. No one dies. Nothing. Which is weird to say the least, and it leaves a lot of the characters confused about what this all means.

<i>On Earth</i> is filled with fun, frequent pop culture references including a personally exciting reference to Jeopardy (my nightly obsession) and, for some strange reason, Stockton (if you are wondering where Stockton is, then you get why I am so excited about a random city in California, AND if you know where Stockton is, you might also be like: "WHAT?! WHY?!"). I almost threw the book across the room when I read that passage. There is also more prescient commentary on our obsession with plastics in all forms and other environmental issues. Oh and cats! Lots of cats. Lots of weird cats.

For a debut novel, this was great! I had some issues with some of the characters, the plot was a bit predictable, and some of the funny cat-lingo was a tad cringey, but on the whole this was a nice read that allows one to reflect on all there is to enjoy about being a human.

Overall, kind of goofy, but definitely fun too.

Thank you NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for the advance reading copy!

On Earth as It is on Television is pretty nonstop as it follows several people after an alien “invasion”. Maybe not an invasion. They just kind of come to Earth and then hang out for a bit and then leave. No one knows why. While some people weirdly return to their lives as if the visit never occurred, others are just running around trying to figure out what this means to them. Eventually, all becomes clear.

The book itself was filled with an array of characters. Some are likable and others are not-I’m looking at you kids. I appreciated that the end was quite different from what we usually get from this type of book.

It is hard not to compare new science fiction plots to all that have gone before. On Earth as It Is on Television is much more about the characters’ individual reactions to the first alien arrival than humanity’s overall response to it. It reminded me of the beginning of Independence Day much more than War of the Worlds.

After a great opening scene, the book spends the majority of its time as a character study of four humans and a cat. That sounds boring—but it really wasn’t. I am surprised how much I enjoyed this thought-provoking new approach to a first contact story.

If you are looking for something different, but excellent in a literary fiction way (think Murakami), don’t miss On Earth as It Is on Television. 5 stars and a favorite!

Thanks to Hyperion Avenue and NetGalley for a digital review copy of the book.

I was really interested in this book from the first time I came across the title, I think when scrolling through Goodreads giveaways. The cover has that modern pop scifi feel that I enjoy, the title grabbed my attention, and I love checking out a debut female scifi author. Had I known there would be sentient cats, I would have been even faster to click request on the eARC :)

I enjoyed a lot about this book, including the preface, which starts by introducing a brother and sister I immediately felt emotionally connected to, and then they have a brutal accident and you're left knowing this will be part of the story somehow and looking to draw those connections. I wanted to keep reading to find out what happened to those characters. There was some fun humor, which made more sense later in the book, and overall I think the idea was a great premise and enjoyed the actual plot a lot. I always enjoy sentient cats, and a satirical look at society.

Unfortunately there was also a lot about this that I struggled with. The first 3/4 of the book was really hard to get through, and things felt dragged out to me. I found myself tempted to skim a lot, which is rare for me, because I wanted to not give up on the book but I was not enjoying the ride. There is a LOT of dialogue, and it just wasn't my style; it felt unrealistic and cheesy, funny in a forced and obvious way, with redundant jokes. I found myself rolling my eyes more than laughing at a lot of the dialogue, including that of the cats. It read kind of like a sitcom to me, which as I reflect seems likely intentional and quite on theme. I know everyone has different preferences and I do think this will work well for some people; however it just didn't work for me.

I started to get a sense for what was coming after the halfway mark and that kept me going, but really I didn't fully enjoy reading this until the last 25%. If I wasn't reading this to review it, and felt an obligation because I'd requested it on NetGalley, I likely would have DNF'd. I think it's good to know this is a risk for readers, since from other reviews it does sound like folks are largely glad they stuck it out, but not everyone will.

I also found some of the stereotypes that were reinforced (including but not limited to the best wife/mother as the one who doesn't sleep much, manages to stay super fit while working a prestigious job and baking for everyone all the time) problematic and difficult. I can see that this was done cheekily, and (hide spoiler here!) we find out that it's really aliens among us who are these overachievers who need less sleep and seem to be good at everything and can eat what they want and stay fit. I think I see the point, but the way these characters are revered and are basically the heroes of this story doesn't change the fact that it still reinforces that individuals with these traits ARE amazing and are the best and their families and friends love them the most for these things. It felt to me like, intentional or not, it really undermined feminist notions that matter to me. (hide spoiler here!) It felt like the message was: you have to be an alien to be the ideal woman/man/human and meet these standards! But also, these ARE the ideals and they are how we define worthy so let's revere these aliens for being so amazing, rather than question this system that holds us to impossible standards.
There was also some brief commentary on capitalism that I think was intended as a sly satirical observation, but again the way it was presented felt to me to sort of reinforce the way the privileged can look at systems that harm some folks and see choice, because privilege comes with choice. This book was meant largely to be fun and fluffy so I know some would say I'm overthinking this, but it just felt uncomfortable to me reading some of this, because of the way "lighthearted" things can often still reinforce harmful systems and beliefs.

In short: great premise, fresh take on the invading aliens trope (which is hard to do!), love the ending, some of the humor was really enjoyable. Personally I think I would have enjoyed this more as a short story with a lot less dialogue and less of a sitcom feel, so I also am likely not the ideal target reader for what the author was intending. I know this is a debut novel and I am open to reading more by Emily Jane!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing this eARC.

On Earth As It Is On Television is a debut which follows several main characters after alien spaceships suddenly arrive and just as suddenly disappear above Earth. Along the way, they encounter talking cats, TV gameshow winners, and ultimately a poignant reflection on our society and its treatment -- and mistreatment -- of the planet.

This was a cute read! I loved the springiness of the writing, the way we almost bounced from word to word and thought to thought. It was entertaining to read solely from the rhythm of it all, let alone the plot. Of course, the plot was so much fun, too. At first I found it difficult to keep all the characters straight, just because there were so many we followed, but as their stories played out and twined together, I found myself becoming increasingly attached to them.

The alien presence is certainly there, but I think readers looking for a first encounter story that fits a certain mold of first encounter stories might not get what they're looking for. This read involves a wealth more whimsy, and is incredibly character-focused rather than being concerned with the science of it all. For me, the imaginative plot and aliens were delightful to read, and I'll certainly be looking forward to whatever Emily Jane has in mind for her sophomore novel.

In this absurd and witty Sci-Fi novel - spaceships arrive in cities around the world, hover briefly, and then leave abruptly, irrevocably altering the lives of everyone on earth.

Centered on 3 main human characters, their families, and one talking cat- each one grappling with the mystery and aftereffects of this transformative reveal. Their disparate storylines converge satisfyingly at the end. But before that happens, readers get taken on a journey that is at turns heartbreaking, life-affirming, and hilarious.

Debut writer Emily Jane delivers a splendid twist on the classic first contact trope that is equal parts quirky, ponderous and sweet. Fans of sci fi featuring aliens, Douglas Adams and cats will thrill to this book.

Thank you to Hyperion Avenue and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.

On Earth As It Is on Television is an unconventional debut novel by Emily Jane that challenges readers with its unique story setup, irreverent dialogue, lack of a traditional plot, and overarching concept. If you're looking for a book that defies the norm and pushes the boundaries of storytelling, this might be the one for you. However, if you prefer a more structured narrative with clear character arcs and a defined plot, this book might prove to be a challenging read as did for me.

The story begins with a bang as spaceships suddenly appear and then depart without any explanation. This event sets the stage for an exploration of humanity's place in the universe. Jane captures the essence of intense uncertainty as the certainty of not being alone in the universe leads to a questioning of our existence.

One of the main aspects that set this book apart from others is its irreverent dialogue. I’ve never read a book that structured its dialogue the way this book did. There are sometimes full pages of just dialogue, especially when you were with the children of one of the characters. It became very exhausting to keep up with at times. However, in regards to some of the conversations, they were often witty, sarcastic, and full of banter. While this can be refreshing and entertaining, it can also be polarizing and tiresome. Some readers might find it amusing and relatable, but I thought it often detracted from the depth of the story. It's a matter of personal taste.

The lack of a true plot is another notable characteristic of this book. Instead, On Earth As It Is on Television focuses more on exploring philosophical questions and the emotional journey of its characters. For readers who enjoy introspection and pondering the meaning of life, this approach might be fascinating. However, those who prefer a more structured narrative with clear goals and resolutions may find it difficult to become invested in the story.

The saving grace of this book is the big reveal, which finally provides some answers and gives the story a sense of direction. It is at this point that the investment in the story begins to pay off, and readers may feel a newfound connection to the characters. The anticipation built throughout the book culminates in a satisfying way, making the journey worth it for those patient enough to stick with it.

In summary, On Earth As It Is on Television is an ambitious and thought-provoking debut by Emily Jane. It challenges traditional storytelling norms and offers a fresh perspective on humanity's place in the universe. If you're open to a different kind of reading experience and enjoy philosophical musings, this book may be worth exploring.

One day, alien spaceships appear over major cities and it's total pandemonium. But what if they were already here and hoping that they'd forgotten to come pick them up?
The premise is really interesting and I liked how it showed some very different perspectives as it jumped from character to character, but I really disliked how the story itself is told. It feels disjointed and made even the incredible details lack focus.
That said, I do think it's worth a read because I really did love the idea, I just don't feel a big rush to tell people about it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for the early read!

What a wild ride! Emily Jane's voice leaps off the page and had such a captivating way of setting out this narrative. One day, alien ships appear over various cities major cities, but then disappear. The ships never make contact with a message or violence. Himanity is at a standstill as to why they came and why wouldn't they contact us. The story follows multiple characters after this alien incident as the world comes to terms with aliens. I loved the "Wife" and "Husband" especially. Pick this up for an interesting galatic tale and great debut novel! .

On Earth as It Is on Television tries to strike a balance between light-hearted humor and deep reflections on what makes us human, coated with the thinnest veneer of basic sci-fi tropes. Unfortunately, for me, it really missed the mark. I found most of the humor obnoxious (the kid speak especially) and the reflections fairly superficial. Maybe it's just that I'm not a cat person, and getting internet cat jokes when I was expecting absurdist sci-fi was jarring and disappointing.

4.5 stars. I can pretty much guarantee that you've never read a First Contact story quite like Emily Jane's debut, On Earth as It Is on Television. Rather than focusing on the aftereffects of an alien invasion, Jane's novel instead asks: How would humans respond if aliens showed up in Earth's skies one day...and then promptly left with no contact and no explanation? The answers are zany, entertaining, and surprisingly heartfelt.

In a clever narrative full of humor, emotion, several pounds of bacon, and a lot of telekinetic cats, On Earth as It Is on Television follows four people whose lives are altered in ways big and small by the arrival (and subsequent departure) of the spaceships. Blaine and his supermom wife Anne, along with their half-feral children, depart for a last-minute trip to Disney World, while 19-year-old Heather embarks on a journey of self-discovery, and Oliver wakes up from the catatonic state he's been in for 20 years. I don't want to say much more about the plot than that, because I found the journeys of these characters a pure and surprising pleasure to read.

Jane's writing is snappy enough to make On Earth a fun beach read, but it's also an emotionally resonant, thoughtful book that touches on themes of consumerism and capitalism, selfhood, and found family as it celebrates the simple joys of being alive. It's lighthearted and weird, satirical and witty, quirky and imaginative and incredibly endearing. The characters are lively and jump off the page, full of spirit and heart -- particularly Blaine and Anne's children, who are absolute delights. For a novel that begins with aliens, the story is rooted deeply in what it means to be human, and it is all so strange but so perfectly executed.

Captivating and entirely unique, On Earth as It Is on Television made me an immediate fan of Emily Jane's writing, and I can't wait to read whatever she writes next. Thank you to Hyperion Avenue and NetGalley for the early reading opportunity.

Emily Jane's debut novel is a fun read that tackles many US culture war issues with aliens-among-us as stand-ins for everything from undocumented immigrants to militant conspiracy theorists. While I felt that Jane sidled up these issues in a creative and relatively non-threatening way, in the end, I was disappointed by her resolution. In the world of comedy and satire, I don't expect serious issues to be tackled with the deadly seriousness of a drama, but I found the ending too easy...with too little conflict, especially given the way some of the characters are treated by rabid, paranoid types and government officials.

Jane's writing is nice, but a bit too repetitive and narratively distant for my taste. She has some really fun ideas, though, and I look forward to seeing how her work evolves.