Garbage Day Earth: A Satirical Sci-Fi Novella

by Travis McBride

Neurotic AIs, self-absorbed tech billionaires, social media madness, posh aliens, trigger-happy generals, and… dinosaurs. Well, sort of. What could possibly go wrong?

In the grand cosmic scheme of things, Earth wasn't even supposed to exist. Just another illegal dump site where some cut-rate hauler decided proper waste disposal fees weren't worth paying. Unfortunately for everyone involved, that waste had spent 4.5 billion years developing opinions, philosophy, and reality television shows. Now, SCRUB, the universe's most mathematically gifted garbage collector, had finally arrived to file the paperwork.

You love irreverent humor and existential stakes. You like Douglas Adams, John Scalzi, and Terry Pratchett. Then, this book is perfect for you.

116 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 15, 2025

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, short read. I enjoyed each of the characters, but particularly liked the development of SCRUB’s character, as well as Jerome’s. Definitely a lighthearted read. Since it is a shorter read, there wasn’t as much depth to the story as there possibly could have been. Overall, I recommend this book as it was enjoyable and will likely check out other books by this author.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect palate cleanser of a novella. Garbage Day Earth is a quick and quirky story with laugh-out-loud charm. The characters are tropey but it works so well, and I had a blast reading it on a Friday evening.

The ending lends itself to a sequel and I'd be genuinely interested in seeing where SCRUB and its inhabitants end up next.

Thanks to the author and Book Sirens for a copy.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up
Fun, silly, short read to pass the time. I liked the professor and Jerome the best. The Space Command folks were a total joke. Good ending.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a funny book that takes a look at first contact from a whole different angle. I really enjoyed reading it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sue Ricketts · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this hard to get interested in. The characters didn't seem to care that the Earth might disappear with everyone gone. Too bad! So Sad! Just not my kind of humour .