The Story Behind This Book
The story behind Not So Different was born in my sunroom during one of those “I’ve-had-enough-of-the-call-center” kind of days. I needed an escape—a ridiculous, intergalactic, laugh-out-loud kind of escape—and so did the world! That’s how Arëk came to life: a slightly confused but lovable alien from the planet Schmec who accidentally lands in Hawaii instead of Memphis, Tennessee. (Don’t we all take a wrong turn sometimes?)
I wanted to create something unapologetically goofy but filled with heart—something that showed how friendship, adventure, and a little weirdness can make even the biggest galaxies feel like home. Chelsey and Arëk’s journey mirrors so many human emotions—loss, hope, loyalty—but through a cosmic lens full of surfing aliens, sneezing dinosaurs, and peanut M&M-powered missions.
This story is really about believing in the impossible, laughing through the chaos, and trusting that no matter how far away something (or someone) might seem, love and determination can bring it home. And yes, Zooch is 100% real… probably.
Praise and Reviews
Christopher Hood
Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2025Arëk has stolen my heart! This book is witty, lighthearted, and packed with charm. It delivers an important message in such a fun way. I’ve already recommended it to several friends, and I’ll be picking up more copies as gifts.
Ricky B.
Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2024What a refreshing distraction from the reality that we all live with every day. Bec Johnson has created a book that is very difficult to find a page to bookmark. I found myself reading chapter after chapter without realizing how long I had been reading. This whimsical SI-FI is about an alien named Arek from the planet Schmec. He and the other characters travel among planets in the unfamiliar made-up universe. The interactions between the characters are both hilarious and heart-warming. This would make a fantastic Christmas gift!
Debbie
Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2024I saw an ad of this book somewhere in Newyork and thought why not lol. Got this book and was instantly captivated by its unique premise. Arek, the goofy surfer alien, offers a fresh and humorous take on Earth's creation. The writing is both witty and heartfelt, making this book an enjoyable read for all ages. A perfect escape from reality, this book left me smiling and looking forward to more amazing stories from Bec.
One person found this helpful
Mike russell
Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2024This book gives a fun and insightful look at human life through the eyes of Main character, an alien. However, I felt that some of the other characters weren't developed enough, which made the story feel a bit shallow at times.
