Aliens of Extraordinary Ability

by Maeve Higgins

New immigrant Sadie (Maeve Higgins) joins ‘Nature Fans’, a collective whose members are all on a clock, trying to get legal status. Together they alternately fight and work the system. They grow super close in the process, as doors slam all around them.

This funny, sad and almost true audio series tracks a fascinating, rowdy and all too relatable bunch of people, who happen to be immigrants, as they struggle to find their place in an increasingly hostile America.

Genres: Fiction, Audiobook, Contemporary

Audible Audio

First published July 24, 2019

About the author

Maeve Anna Higgins is an Irish comedian from Cobh, County Cork, based in New York. She was a principal actor and writer of the RTÉ production Naked Camera, as well as for her own show Maeve Higgins' Fancy Vittles. Her book of essays We Have A Good Time, Don't We? was published by Hachette in 2012. She wrote for The Irish Times and produces radio documentaries.[2] She previously appeared on The Ray D'Arcy Show on Today FM.[3] Higgins appeared in her first starring film role in the 2019 Irish comedy Extra Ordinary.

Reviews

[Luke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting listen about various immigrants living in New York City. The plot revolves around talking about immigration, xenophobia and white privilege.

The Story: The plot was all right but it didn’t absolutely captivate me. I feel like there was a lot of potential that wasn’t tapped into here and it got let hanging. The main character, Sadie, was very annoying and her little quips got old very fast. That’s just a personal note though. I have definitely met people who are like her. The other characters were well voiced but not necessarily developed. I was most interested in the Syrian character and his story.

The Cast: The cast was absolutely fantastic. I was completely engaged because of the variety of actors.

The Bad: The only thing that was bad enough that I would comment on it is the annoying transition music that lasted way too goddamn long. With all of the amount of time spent on the transition music, they could’ve easily fit in another chapter. I feel like it was a waste of audio. Fix it that.

[Cassandra Joseph · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting, but a bit hard to follow.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bittersweet audio drama following a small group of immigrants from a variety of backgrounds all trying to find a way to stay in New York as the atmosphere in America grows ever more hostile. Funny and realistically sad at the same time.

[Juan Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the reasons for not sleeping is stress, which can even be caused by a book.

For example "Aliens of extraordinary ability" by Maeve Higgins and Shaina Feinberg shows us the story of a Syrian, an Irish and a Mexican in the United States.

Everyone seeks the possibility of living in peace in the United States. Two succeed but the Mexican, who has lived there since he was 3 years old, is deported for a foolish mistake.

The stories of these characters made me tense.

[Ursula Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an audio drama about immigrant lives in New York. The cast was excellent, but the production needed to be improved. A narrator would’ve made a big difference. I couldn’t tell who was who for the first half and it was difficult to find out what was going on. The annoying music went on far too long. A disjointed mess of a production. The cast was the saving grace.

[Paul V · Rating 4 out of 5]

Impeccable narration. Excellent casting. This book was made to be experienced in audio format. One could really feel the characters heart and passion. Technically fiction but hyperrealistic. Easy to follow, and I did not mind the incidental music.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to it on Audible, excellent production. This is a very topical story of the reality faced by immigrants in America. Moving and funny at times too.

[Delphine Brunetière · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved listening to this audio drama, the story is poignant without being too heavy.
I genuinely felt for the characters (even if I was deeply annoyed with Sadie because of her carefree attitude), I believe the message it tries to convey is important.

My only issue with it is it doesn’t delve too deeply into the complexities or injustices that are faced by « illegals » at different levels. Sadie is criticized for thinking she’s the hero of every story because she’s white... and she’s still the « hero » of this one?

[Danielle Robertson Robertson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not particularly entertaining nor educational. The cast was great but the story was more depressing than humorous. Unfortunately, the story is bleak (like the 10 minutes of music that plays at the end of every chapter). The story was not enjoyable to listen to because every chapter was a reminder of how people can be jerks and life is hard. I can tolerate this harsh reality if I'm learning something. However, because of its dramatic nature, I don't feel like I really learned anything about the path to citizenship.

[Rafa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the cast and storyline, but I agree with some of the other reviews. This story does a nice job of showing, albeit lightly, some of the issues immigrants face. While I liked the fact that it shows the disparities white and POC immigrants face are much different, it would be nice to see the issues of POCs more as they struggle more with the immigration system (I used to work in this area). I hope that another story or sequel is created.

[LuAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Maeve Higgins - I think she's hysterical. So, I wanted to enjoy this one more but just couldn't get into it. I finished it because it was a quick listen at just a little under 5 hours - was easy to listen to while I was cleaning the house and making dinner. I'm not sure it needed to be presented as it was - like a radio show - with different voices for each character. And the music, my god - too much transition music!

[Tihare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dang...this was good. I got all the feels from all the characters. It was so real.

[Heather Holmes · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not like how this book was compiled; very disjointed and unpleasant for listening.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light listen.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is designed to get people to look beyond the meaning of the term illegal. There are things you can do to be legal....do them.

[Ceren · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a previous O-1 owner, I found the story extremely implausible and just wrong in so many ways. The main character was extremely annoying.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good personal stories

[Olivia Meads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t think this drama would be my cup of tea but I really enjoyed it. I’d love to hear a spin off series focusing on the Syrian man

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book; however, I found some characters absolutely unbelievable, and it just ends abruptly without any closure.

[Terri Noftsger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a thought provoking, relatable audio play about immigration. While I didn’t always like the main character, she matured over time which I appreciated. This play reflects on the differences in the immigration experience based on race and skin color. It was written during the time of a dehumanizing Presidential administration. While all the characters in this play aren’t likable, their stories are compelling. No matter your politics, this play puts a human face on immigration in the US. I am glad I listened.

[Roberta Westwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Transported me
What a lovely little audio drama. It felt like a docu drama. At first, it was simply entertaining, then I became aware of how the lives of these 'illegal immigrants' parallel the lives of people today. The ups and downs, the joys and the fears. Always the fears. Although set in New York City, and our treatment of immigrants is different in Canada, it gave me new compassion for those establishing new lives here. And empathy for refugees and immigrants everywhere. Listen and let Aliens of Extraordinary Abilities transport you...

[Niamh bonner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd give this 10 stars if I could. I loved this story from start to finish, I loved every character and storyline. It is really entertaining and addresses many contemporary issues. I regularly listen to audio stories and rate them highly but this is one of my all time favourites and imho It should be compulsory listening for all.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

[Debra Sabah Press · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.2

[Suzanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked the premise of the book and wanted to like it more. It just was put together poorly.

[Mim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and humbling,
Sounds just like New York!