Ever feel as though you’re from another planet? You are not alone.

Ever wanted a beautifully observed, poignant, lightly humorous account of growing up with a mind that finds words infinitely easier to relate to than the people who say them? Again, you’re not alone - and you’re in luck! Alice Franklin’s ‘Life Hacks for a Little Alien’ does just that.

I don’t read as much contemporary fiction as I’d like (because my application for additional hours in the day and not having to sleep is still pending), but this caught my eye: a novel featuring neurodiversity, linguistics, deftly brilliant writing, hyperfocus and humour.

It’s beautifully crafted, funny, moving, and thought-provoking, following the unnamed neurodivergent protagonist from nursery to the verge of adulthood as she negotiates a world in which she feels like an alien with the help of a book that might have been written by aliens (to thoroughly misdescribe the plot 📕).

There are some very poignant family themes, some heartwarming depictions of friendship, of the agony and the ecstasy of hyper-focus, and some heartrending moments of frustration when you can’t understand the world, or when you can understand it more clearly than you ought to. Plus some lovely linguistic gems - a good one for word nerds.

It’s not remotely preachy (and this comment isn’t meant to be either), but I found it a helpful reminder to give people the benefit of the doubt when their behaviour seems off as we all experience the world in different ways. Especially apt around Christmas, which isn’t quite the most wonderful time of the year for everyone (I’m thoroughly team festive gibbering wreck if anyone needs a safe space to scream btw).

Thanks to @netgalley and the team at @riverrun_books / @quercusbooks for the audio ARC. The narration by Sally Phillips was - unsurprisingly - superb.

If I had to sum this book up in one word, it would be, ADORABLE.

Covering all the blessings of neurodivergence, while espousing the disadvantages brought about by a lack of patience and understanding in everything from our educational systems, our social interactions, our families, friends and relationships, it's a carefully crafted delight. Whether you are reading for pleasure, for insight or understanding it's simply fabulous.