The adoration of Tales From Outer Suburbia

On this week's Grab-A-Line Monday, I quoted from Shaun Tan's Tales From Outer Suburbia and the word I described my feelings for the book is "adore." This is not a word I have used for many things, as Jim McCarthy also mentioned in his comments in answering a question in his post, but I do, I do, I so do adore Tales From Outer Suburbia.

It is unlike any book I've come across. And I have no idea how to classify it in my Goodreads page. Short stories? Graphic novel? YA? Fantasy? Picture Book? I finally created a new category called "Outside The Box."

If you clicked the link to the book, you'll have seen some of the illustrations. Those alone can make me sit and sigh for days on end. With the texts added, the result is one amazing book.

The stories are loosely linked by their locations as being from outer suburbia. But the emotional range is wide, covering family reunions; a sense of belonging; curiosity and acceptance of those different from us. Many of these stories take place in whimsical settings and the details are unusual, yet the underlying thoughts are recognizable.

There are quirky stories and stories with social commentaries embedded within. There is even a little violence and sorrow. There is also sweetness and hope. Some of them made me smile while others just tug at my heart.

I adore this book and I hope you'll check it out.