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Just Plain Weird
Travis MacDuff has always led an uneventful life. His greatest concern was making the high school football, until an odd girl moves in next store, a girl whose secrets threaten not only his existence but the existence of everyone on the planet.
316 pages, Paperback
First published September 12, 2008
43 people are currently reading
881 people want to read
About the author
Tom Upton
22 books179 followersBorn in Chicago.Studied advanced writing at Columbia College.
Hopeless Romantic most of the time.
Hopeless Romantic most of the time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
May 11, 2009
A wild ride of a story! Definitely a good read. I loved the characters, especially Eliza, who is nutty and very loveable.
This novel is highly imaginative. The author is a remarkable story-teller. While Just Plain Weird is basically a young adult romance, it is also so much more than that. I read the book twice and marvelled at the story as much the second time as the first.
This novel is highly imaginative. The author is a remarkable story-teller. While Just Plain Weird is basically a young adult romance, it is also so much more than that. I read the book twice and marvelled at the story as much the second time as the first.
May 12, 2009
This is really a fascinating novel. Not only does it have all the things that make a great book, but it is refreshingly different from other young adult novels on the market.
Mr. Upton certainly has a wonderful imagination, and I, for one, am hoping that one day there might be a sequel to Just Plain Weird.
Mr. Upton certainly has a wonderful imagination, and I, for one, am hoping that one day there might be a sequel to Just Plain Weird.
May 12, 2013
Completely weird and awesome read. This book was addictive and alot of fun to read. It had everything!!! Spooky, Suspense, Action, Horror, Love, Drama, Funny!! Easy to read, Great discriptions!!! Original characters, great imagination!!!!!!!! Would love for anyone to read this and give me feedback!!!!!
December 6, 2012
I loved this book and it was far from what I was expecting. Normally I don't like books about aliens or space ships but I'm glad I took a chance on this book. The begining was slow to start but once it started going it was unstoppable. I didn't want to put this book down! And just when you think you know whats going to happen next, the writer throws you a curveball. That's what I loved most about the book, how I never could guess what was going to happen next. It's definitely a must read.
April 16, 2014
Call me bonkers for liking this book as much as I did but, sometimes, we need to put away our English-teacher-high-and-mighty-hats and embrace a highly imaginative story for what it is. If you can ignore the errors (okay, okay there were quite a few which could have been caught) and you're into fun, simple yet totally wacky Sci-fi (don't ask how it manages to do all three), you'll like this one. I certainly did!
January 30, 2012
I really liked Eliza a lot, but the lack of proof-reading, I did not.
This is my only complaint because when I stumbled over misspelled words and bad grammar, it distracted me away from the very good story line and interesting characters, I wanted to know more about.
This is my only complaint because when I stumbled over misspelled words and bad grammar, it distracted me away from the very good story line and interesting characters, I wanted to know more about.
December 10, 2010
Good book , good book ;D
June 12, 2009
Cool book!
May 25, 2012
Lots of grammar and spelling mistakes but it was so great I didn't care!!!
February 27, 2018
Love, love love this book!
I don’t think I have ever, in the 53 years I have been reading, read a book quite like this! It truly is ”Just Plain Weird!” The title says it all! The characters are truly unique. Travis and Eliza rock! They are both 15. The only other real character in this story is Doc, Eliza’s father. I couldn’t go more than a page without shaking my head at something one of them said or did, usually laughing as well. To say anything more would give away too much! I will toss this out, just as a teaser- the giant “cockroaches” were a bit over the top, but they play so little part in the overall story that it just made for an interesting interlude! Do not let them deter you from reading this book! It absolutely is not about them AT ALL! This is a must-read for anyone with a sense of humor and adventure!
This book left me feeling truly happy, a big smile on my face, like I had just completed some grand adventure! I feel kind of like a kid again!
I don’t think I have ever, in the 53 years I have been reading, read a book quite like this! It truly is ”Just Plain Weird!” The title says it all! The characters are truly unique. Travis and Eliza rock! They are both 15. The only other real character in this story is Doc, Eliza’s father. I couldn’t go more than a page without shaking my head at something one of them said or did, usually laughing as well. To say anything more would give away too much! I will toss this out, just as a teaser- the giant “cockroaches” were a bit over the top, but they play so little part in the overall story that it just made for an interesting interlude! Do not let them deter you from reading this book! It absolutely is not about them AT ALL! This is a must-read for anyone with a sense of humor and adventure!
This book left me feeling truly happy, a big smile on my face, like I had just completed some grand adventure! I feel kind of like a kid again!
January 26, 2015
A well-told tale, written in an engaging, refreshing style. The story doesn't cop out into cliché sci-fi territory, but dares to tell a very human science-fiction without leaving out the fantastic... with characters you grow to care about, and find yourself on the ride with them through their discoveries, frustrations and breakthroughs. Upton paces himself well, serving each element of the story in portions, and never laying it on too thick all at once. I enjoyed this, and didn't expect to with such a random title.
June 14, 2017
This was a free e-book and covered the 'U' in my A-Z author challenge. This would not be worth purchasing...apparently Tom Upton doesn't have an editor. Or anyone who knows proper grammar. There were so many spelling and grammatical errors! Made it hard to read. The story did not flow well, not much continuity. It was basically moments of "I just thought of this! I'll put it in!" Even when it wouldn't/didn't make sense. The story really was JUST PLAIN WEIRD.
June 14, 2016
I liked it
In the book, Travis says the first honest thing that comes to mind when he first meets Eliza, and my first thought is: I liked it. It was weird, quirky, totally out there, and very unusual from any other fantasy book that I have read. Needless to say, Tom Upton is another author to look forward to in the world of science fiction. 4/5 stars.
In the book, Travis says the first honest thing that comes to mind when he first meets Eliza, and my first thought is: I liked it. It was weird, quirky, totally out there, and very unusual from any other fantasy book that I have read. Needless to say, Tom Upton is another author to look forward to in the world of science fiction. 4/5 stars.
August 7, 2015
Sci - fi at its best
This book kept you guessing what would happen next. At first I was very confused thinking they might just be aliens. but as the book progressed all answers were given in a colorfully and well written book.
This book kept you guessing what would happen next. At first I was very confused thinking they might just be aliens. but as the book progressed all answers were given in a colorfully and well written book.
January 29, 2015
This book was awesome, my kind of book, but seriously I truly enjoyed the story and its progression. Visuals, plot, and turns. I enjoyed the characters equally as well!
November 20, 2021
"Just Plain Wierd" is pretty strange, but I found myself absorbed in the story right off the bat. It develops quickly and has very well-developed characters. It gets crazy at times, but that is part of what makes it wierd. Sci-fi fans that like a little humor infused should enjoy this fast-paced read.
February 5, 2018
Really great story
It’s well written and thought out and gets you engrossed in the world and the characters. I definitely recommend this to all readers it will keep you on the edge of your seat. A wonderful well thought out time travel / alien story. You won’t be disappointed.
It’s well written and thought out and gets you engrossed in the world and the characters. I definitely recommend this to all readers it will keep you on the edge of your seat. A wonderful well thought out time travel / alien story. You won’t be disappointed.
June 7, 2017
Will there be a second book
I liked it,, that simple. It held my interest, had me thinking about time travel. Loved the characters, they just charm you along the way
I liked it,, that simple. It held my interest, had me thinking about time travel. Loved the characters, they just charm you along the way
February 1, 2019
Good story, likable characters. Terrible grammatical errors that really need to be fixed!
December 30, 2025
i liked the conceot of this, but there were so many grammer errors in the ebook, it was hard to read. the characters are cute though
January 16, 2021
Could not put this book down. Wicked inventive. My only complaint is there could have been more human vs alien fighting. But other than that such a good story.
November 6, 2015
I thought the book was dull, with a lot of improbable coincidences and no real action to speak of. For the most part the characters are likeable except for the female protagonist. I think the author was going for quirky and unique but ended up at annoying, judgemental and almost psychotic.
As an example (don't worry not really spoilers): the second time she meets the male protagonist to see if she can trust him she drives them off a cliff into the water. And then spins this wild story after which he asks one simple question and because he has logical doubts she gets mad and kicks him out. Mind you, this is directly after she drives them off a cliff. So yeah, most people would be in doubt of her sanity. Then it is up to him to buy her a present and apologize.
What follows are a series of events with no real explanation. I'll try to be vague but there may be some spoilers:
The girl and her father live in a machine that they can't communicate with- voila! The new boy next door can! They use some feature of the machine to try and find her mother and get zapped into a desolate future. The machine is scared and won't talk to them pretty much solely to create suspense. Because it starts talking as soon as the reader is getting annoyed. The earth has been desolate by something which we are never shown or told about. Then the machine tells them what to d do and the boy knows exactly where to find the parts.
What follows is a section that could have been suspenseful and scary and divulge information on what exactly happens but it all falls flat. Enter a good old deus-ex machine to tie it all up in a happy ever after.
My whole problem is that absolutely nothing is explained. No explanation for the machine, the moon breaking, what happened to earth. Well, to be fair there is a vague explanation for the earth but not much of one.
Other people might like it more than I but to me it just seemed a lot of missed opportunities.
As an example (don't worry not really spoilers): the second time she meets the male protagonist to see if she can trust him she drives them off a cliff into the water. And then spins this wild story after which he asks one simple question and because he has logical doubts she gets mad and kicks him out. Mind you, this is directly after she drives them off a cliff. So yeah, most people would be in doubt of her sanity. Then it is up to him to buy her a present and apologize.
What follows are a series of events with no real explanation. I'll try to be vague but there may be some spoilers:
The girl and her father live in a machine that they can't communicate with- voila! The new boy next door can! They use some feature of the machine to try and find her mother and get zapped into a desolate future. The machine is scared and won't talk to them pretty much solely to create suspense. Because it starts talking as soon as the reader is getting annoyed. The earth has been desolate by something which we are never shown or told about. Then the machine tells them what to d do and the boy knows exactly where to find the parts.
What follows is a section that could have been suspenseful and scary and divulge information on what exactly happens but it all falls flat. Enter a good old deus-ex machine to tie it all up in a happy ever after.
My whole problem is that absolutely nothing is explained. No explanation for the machine, the moon breaking, what happened to earth. Well, to be fair there is a vague explanation for the earth but not much of one.
Other people might like it more than I but to me it just seemed a lot of missed opportunities.
May 27, 2013
2.5 Stars
This book was beyond frustrating. The premise was actually pretty imaginative: ya alien/sci-fi with a little teenage romance thrown in. However, there were SO many errors that I was too distracted to even enjoy the book. I literally found myself proofreading it as I went along. Now, I am by no means a book snob, nor do I have a degree in English or literature. With that said, I feel that if an author is going to put in the effort of writing and publishing a book, he/she should at least take the time to make sure the grammar is correct and there are no glaring mistakes. Because let me tell you, there were a ton of them.
Aside from the atrocious errors, the writing was...okay. For one, there were many instances when a character would launch into a multi-paragraph narrative that seemed to drag on forever! The author seemed to be telling the story rather than showing it. As well, I was somewhat confused by the characters. Their personalities seemed to change often, and the dynamics of their relationships just didn't make sense to me. There were times when a character would act angry/annoyed/happy/in love/etc. without any justification behind the emotion. The book lacked a solid direction and floundered at times.
All-in-all, I don't feel like this book was worth the few hours that it took to read it. It pains me to say that, because I really like to support self-published authors. The idea behind the book was good. With several more edits and some beta readers, this book could have been much, much better.
This book was beyond frustrating. The premise was actually pretty imaginative: ya alien/sci-fi with a little teenage romance thrown in. However, there were SO many errors that I was too distracted to even enjoy the book. I literally found myself proofreading it as I went along. Now, I am by no means a book snob, nor do I have a degree in English or literature. With that said, I feel that if an author is going to put in the effort of writing and publishing a book, he/she should at least take the time to make sure the grammar is correct and there are no glaring mistakes. Because let me tell you, there were a ton of them.
Aside from the atrocious errors, the writing was...okay. For one, there were many instances when a character would launch into a multi-paragraph narrative that seemed to drag on forever! The author seemed to be telling the story rather than showing it. As well, I was somewhat confused by the characters. Their personalities seemed to change often, and the dynamics of their relationships just didn't make sense to me. There were times when a character would act angry/annoyed/happy/in love/etc. without any justification behind the emotion. The book lacked a solid direction and floundered at times.
All-in-all, I don't feel like this book was worth the few hours that it took to read it. It pains me to say that, because I really like to support self-published authors. The idea behind the book was good. With several more edits and some beta readers, this book could have been much, much better.
July 28, 2015
So Travis lives a quite life until Eliza moves next door and everything changes.
At the beginning I was interested. Travis and his best friend were pleasantly weird. And the first visit to Eliza's house definitely got me hooked. But after that, mysterious Eliza decides to talk to Travis and the story became boring. Nothing about the story was interesting anymore.
The most annoying part is that Eliza launches into monologues that go on for pages. Even worst, the entire book has long paragraphs that take pages. I cannot stand those long, interminable paragraphs.
So no, they are not aliens, but I'd have preferred they were. Eliza and her father found an alien artifact that makes incredible things (like replicate food). The machine chose to communicate with Travis, Eliza's neighbor, and now they learn about this whole different world and, like E. T., the machine wants to go home.
The machine tells Travis, by now Trav, how to go home and he sets up the coordinates back in time but then something goes wrong. Oh! Did I mention that Eliza's mom had disappeared at the site where they found the alien artifact? Well, if time goes back that means that Eliza's mom would be back because she would never have disappeared.
Hmmm, put that way the story sound interesting; it is just that the writing was horrible which, I guess, made it not interesting for me. Travis' friend was super smart and odd, something that could have been developed and taken advantage of in the story but wasn't.
Oh! It just got me bored and DNF.
At the beginning I was interested. Travis and his best friend were pleasantly weird. And the first visit to Eliza's house definitely got me hooked. But after that, mysterious Eliza decides to talk to Travis and the story became boring. Nothing about the story was interesting anymore.
The most annoying part is that Eliza launches into monologues that go on for pages. Even worst, the entire book has long paragraphs that take pages. I cannot stand those long, interminable paragraphs.
So no, they are not aliens, but I'd have preferred they were. Eliza and her father found an alien artifact that makes incredible things (like replicate food). The machine chose to communicate with Travis, Eliza's neighbor, and now they learn about this whole different world and, like E. T., the machine wants to go home.
The machine tells Travis, by now Trav, how to go home and he sets up the coordinates back in time but then something goes wrong. Oh! Did I mention that Eliza's mom had disappeared at the site where they found the alien artifact? Well, if time goes back that means that Eliza's mom would be back because she would never have disappeared.
Hmmm, put that way the story sound interesting; it is just that the writing was horrible which, I guess, made it not interesting for me. Travis' friend was super smart and odd, something that could have been developed and taken advantage of in the story but wasn't.
Oh! It just got me bored and DNF.
August 18, 2012
I read this book because I wanted to know what the moon and earth had to do with the girl next door’s secret. It took me a while to get in to. I read a bit, then put it down to read something else … then picked it back up to read it some more …
Neither the romance nor sci-fi are my favorite genres, though I read both. Really, the only reason I read this was to find out what the girl’s secret was. When the secret was revealed, I only kept reading to see where it would take the story. There were many times I almost put the book down, and a few times that I actually did so and went and read another book for a while.
I did enjoy this book, for the most part, however. There were plenty of hilarious stuff … and the concept was quite intriguing. It’s not a book that I would read a second time, but I don’t consider the time I took reading the book as completely wasted either.
For full review: http://oscarlettreviews.blogspot.com/...
Neither the romance nor sci-fi are my favorite genres, though I read both. Really, the only reason I read this was to find out what the girl’s secret was. When the secret was revealed, I only kept reading to see where it would take the story. There were many times I almost put the book down, and a few times that I actually did so and went and read another book for a while.
I did enjoy this book, for the most part, however. There were plenty of hilarious stuff … and the concept was quite intriguing. It’s not a book that I would read a second time, but I don’t consider the time I took reading the book as completely wasted either.
For full review: http://oscarlettreviews.blogspot.com/...
September 6, 2016
Definitely one of my favourite reads this year. Storytelling at its best. It's just so imaginative and yes, "weird"!
Teenager Travis leads quite a dull life until he meets the new neighbours, Eliza and her father Doc.
Travis and Eliza's first adventure together is read edge-of-your-seat stuff, and then the story just gets even more strange and engrossing.
This is a really entertaining mix of sci-fi, romance, adventure, and fun. It would make a great movie.
It's quite fast-paced with lots of interesting ideas, and plenty of twists and turns.
It could have done with a proofread, but I'm giving it five stars because it's such an amazing story. I loved the ending and the last line was just perfect.
Teenager Travis leads quite a dull life until he meets the new neighbours, Eliza and her father Doc.
Travis and Eliza's first adventure together is read edge-of-your-seat stuff, and then the story just gets even more strange and engrossing.
This is a really entertaining mix of sci-fi, romance, adventure, and fun. It would make a great movie.
It's quite fast-paced with lots of interesting ideas, and plenty of twists and turns.
It could have done with a proofread, but I'm giving it five stars because it's such an amazing story. I loved the ending and the last line was just perfect.
October 7, 2013
My mom actually made me read it. a boy and a girl Travis and Eliza and her dad try to figure out how to get back Eliza's mom. when they try they make the people in the earth disappear.My favorite quote is "Sometimes people cry because they're happy, you now. Oh, you wouldn't ever understand.You're a guy." reason is because Eliza suspects that since Travis is a guy he wouldn't understand and they way she said it him was with an attitude.Tom Upton's writing style is a little strange.I mean don't get me wrong the way he describes everything is very descriptive and you can picture it," it's just the things that he writes is odd. i would recommend this book to some friends because i know they will enjoy it , and they way that you can picture the book, that is something they will like.
April 20, 2016
I liked this book very much and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys scientifically plausible speculative fiction. At first it starts with a fairly "normal" set up between an awkward teenage boy and the cute but strange girl who moves in next door. After about a third of the story, however, the plot takes an entirely unexpected and darker twist that made me literally yell out, "wow!" I don't want to spoil it for you so I won't say what happens... It was a little scary and, again, not what I expected. However, I was glad to see that the author had put some serious thought into what his new scenario would actually look and feel like. This was one of the most original storylines that I have read this year.
October 11, 2015
This is good YA science fiction. The writing is good but the editing is non-existent. I can overlook that. When I come across a wrong word or grammar that doesn't make sense, I mentally decipher what the author means, make the correction and move on. Maybe some reviewers don't have a mental gear for that. Maybe they value grammar etc. over story and characters. Yes, ideally this would have been edited, but you would miss out on a gem of a story to dismiss it for that.
February 9, 2016
Just Plain Weird is certainly an apt title for this book! It's a little bit sci-fi, a little romance, a little dystopian and a lot weird. I would read it again in spite of the many grammar errors, misspellings, missing words, wrong words, etc. It was an entertaining story and you just kind of float over all the errors - they didn't really detract from knowing what the author intended to say. Maybe I should have taken off another star for the bad proofreading, but I really enjoyed the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews