We're the Weird Aliens

by Mara Lynn Johnstone (Editor), Jo Hempelmann, Lauren Glover

In science fiction, humans are usually boring compared to other spacefaring small, weak, with no claws or tentacles, and no special abilities to speak of.  If we're lucky, humans have an indomitable spirit when the chips are down.  Not much more than that.  But what if they weren't? What if humans were the ones who all the other aliens talked about, in tones of appreciation, fear, or utter confusion? What if humans weren't the boring ones, but the weirdest things among the stars? 28 authors explore some of the many ways that we can be the talk of the cosmos.

Genres: Science Fiction, Anthologies, Short Stories, Ebooks

319 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 18, 2020

About the author

Mara grew up in a house on a hill, of which the top floor was built first. She split her time between climbing trees, drawing fantastical things, reading books, and writing her own. Always interested in fiction, she went on to get a Master's Degree in creative writing, and to acquire a husband, son, and two cats. She still writes, draws, reads, and enjoys climbing things. She also has been known to make and wear costumes given any excuse, and to thoroughly enjoy life.

Reviews

[Grey Story · Rating 4 out of 5]

This anthology of sci fi short stories was overall a delight. There were a small handful that I found to be on the tepid side, feeling lackluster or too predictable for an anthology whose premise was to expound on the creative and imaginative question, "What if?" as it specifically pertains to humans being weirdos in the collective cosmos. Beyond those, the rest were enjoyable and a fun* little romp of brief glances through alternate realities. (*Except one that was particularly sad but well done and well written)

[Leslie Pessagno · Rating 5 out of 5]

This anthology was wonderful and deserves more love

So many lovely …. albeit most very short…stories. This was a great anthology—every story had some unique perspective to offer. Some were amusing, some were thought provoking, one made me tear up. I enjoyed everyone one and read the whole thing through in one sitting. I highly recommend.

[Dustin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Most of the stories range from just okay to terrible.

[Sami · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the idea behind this book - a lot of the stories had really interesting and unique concepts, and I enjoyed reading them all.

However, it seemed like the book overall wasn't very well edited. There were some stories where I struggled to follow the thread of the plot, or got confused about the characters. I don't think this was a problem with the stories themselves - if they'd been more closely edited, this would be a solid 4 star book for me.