Customer Reviews

Oom

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This is a wonderful story that will really make you think about whether or not life exists on planets other than our own. This is a book that readers of all ages will be able to relate to.

Set in the dry Australian grasslands, "Oom" uses an original take on the boy-meets-alien storyline to provide an intriguing look at humanity from the outside.

When Oom, an alien exiled from his home planet, appears to Joe, the ten year old son of an Australian farmer, everything changes. Joe's family face the prospect of having to sell their drought crippled farm to their arrogant and self-righteous neighbours. Oom knows the farmland intimately by another name, "Ascension", and tells Joe of a secret that could save the farm.

But Oom is not visiting Earth to make contact with humans. His higher purpose is to seek the wisdom of, and be judged by, another species entirely. These telepathic creatures have been intricately connected with Oom's people for millennia, remotely acting as their supreme leaders.

Through their philosophical discussions, Joe and Oom become close friends. Later, Joe accompanies Oom for two important meetings. Firstly, Oom indulges humanity's curiosity and agrees to meet with the US president. The second meeting is infinitely more profound and changes Oom's life forever.

At first I wasn't sure what to think about Oom. The first couple of chapters are a bit slow, but the author builds the story for the characters well. Once you're past those chapters, the book really shines. At times the books will make you think about alien contact, and at others you're just enjoying a good story. I enjoyed the story presented and have given this book to my daughter to read as well.