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Humans are Weird #1
I Have the Data
If you are looking for epic space battles, if you are looking for generals winning victory through genius tactics, if you are looking for berserker warriors carrying empires aloft on their swords, look elsewhere my friends. Here you will find laughter. Here a quartermaster must discover why the humans insists that the mass produced broom, identical down to the molecule to every other broom on the base, is the "wrong" broom, and why and how they expect him to fix it. Here aliens learn the meaning of "enough C4." Here a medic meets the challenge of understanding why a human thinks it can survive on chocolate cake. Here Monty Python meets Star Trek.
286 pages, Paperback
Published December 31, 2020
63 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Betty Adams
6 books13 followersBetty Adams lives in a particularly damp and remote corner of the Pacific Northwest and like a hobbit enjoys visitors so long as she knows them in advance and knows when they are coming. She was born sometime last century and will likely die sometime this century. She works winters on a small organic research farm when not writing and spends most of her time herding eccentric genius scientists (she is absolutely certain cats would be easier) with the help of her 4 year old Great Pyrenees mix. Summers she spends nomadically wandering the Pacific Northwest in search of material for her stories and a regular paycheck for a biology major (she is reasonably certain those are on the Endangered Species List). She has several works published in the National Park Internal Database which may or may not be classified documents.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 6, 2022
Thank you
I am sorry that my grammar will not be up to your standards. I do, however, want tell you (and anyone else) that I had so much fun reading this book. I am 66 years old and I laughed so much much that my husband ( who is 70 years old) would ask me to read those parts out loud to him (which was about the whole book). He is retired Army and really loved the ones with the Rangers. He did say that you were absolutely correct in that you do not let bored military personnel have certain things to play with and proceeded to give me a longer list.
I am sorry that my grammar will not be up to your standards. I do, however, want tell you (and anyone else) that I had so much fun reading this book. I am 66 years old and I laughed so much much that my husband ( who is 70 years old) would ask me to read those parts out loud to him (which was about the whole book). He is retired Army and really loved the ones with the Rangers. He did say that you were absolutely correct in that you do not let bored military personnel have certain things to play with and proceeded to give me a longer list.
May 13, 2025
Yes, I bought this in 2023 and started reading it then. Yes, I only just now finished it. I remember being so excited to buy it because I really enjoyed the author's writing snippets on tumblr and I'm a big fan of the "humans are space orcs" or "Earth is space Australia" concept. I love reading stuff that plays around with that idea in sci fi and I love the way people creatively incorporate all kinds of interesting biological quirks and sociocultural norms into the trope.
Here's the unfortunate thing: This is a whole book of those snippets. There isn't a plot. No overarching story. Although they include some recurring characters and exist in the same universe the author created, they have little to do with one another. I couldn't tell you if 98% of them happen in any kind of chronological order. I have no idea why the author chose these specific ones to include in the book or if it was simply a matter of these were the ones written so far or what.
Now, that's not necessarily a bad thing and I did enjoy reading them - I am giving this four stars after all - but it really doesn't read the same way a book normally does, not even a book of short fiction. Becky Chambers' The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet is written as a series of vignettes, of sorts, but they are ultimately connected and string together a story that is greater than any individual scene. Not only does Betty Adams not achieve anything like that, I don't think it was even attempted.
So, was it fun to read? Sure, yeah, I enjoyed it. But I could have also done with something more - some character growth, some character development, some kind of progression of the friendships, professional, and interpersonal relationships between the characters.
There's two more books in this vein and I'm not sure if I'll read them as well. Maybe eventually? Ask me in a few years.
Here's the unfortunate thing: This is a whole book of those snippets. There isn't a plot. No overarching story. Although they include some recurring characters and exist in the same universe the author created, they have little to do with one another. I couldn't tell you if 98% of them happen in any kind of chronological order. I have no idea why the author chose these specific ones to include in the book or if it was simply a matter of these were the ones written so far or what.
Now, that's not necessarily a bad thing and I did enjoy reading them - I am giving this four stars after all - but it really doesn't read the same way a book normally does, not even a book of short fiction. Becky Chambers' The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet is written as a series of vignettes, of sorts, but they are ultimately connected and string together a story that is greater than any individual scene. Not only does Betty Adams not achieve anything like that, I don't think it was even attempted.
So, was it fun to read? Sure, yeah, I enjoyed it. But I could have also done with something more - some character growth, some character development, some kind of progression of the friendships, professional, and interpersonal relationships between the characters.
There's two more books in this vein and I'm not sure if I'll read them as well. Maybe eventually? Ask me in a few years.
January 24, 2022
Really cool ideas, but it seems really unfinished. It's more like reading a lot of Tumblr writing prompts in a row than a book. There is no real world here, just some ideas thrown together more or less randomly (at least it seems like that). Would have been well served with a good editor, I guess.
But as I said, I liked a lot of the things the author came up with, so still four stars. Just do not expect a coherent story.
But as I said, I liked a lot of the things the author came up with, so still four stars. Just do not expect a coherent story.
February 15, 2021
The joint colonization of a newly discovered planet has given aliens like Undulates just the right opportunity to observe and study the behavior of humans. Between their internal skeleton and ability to generate heat, human beings differ greatly from their alien companions. But their biological differences are nothing compared to the variance in their actions. Through a collection of observations, seven different alien species attempt to illuminate the obscurities of human behavior.
Told through a series of short vignettes, this story is more of a collection of observations than a traditional narrative. Each section has its own title, beginning with “Humans are Weird” and followed by a seemingly innocuous human activity. Instead of being explicitly stated, the plot and setting unfold gradually in pieces within each short segment. The expert delivery of this unique story captures readers’ attention, rewarding educated minds with high level humor. Excellent writing propels readers through the book, unveiling comical observations of the admittedly absurd human experience. Best suited to advanced young adult or adult readers, this quirky approach to human/alien collaboration is a treat for those with an affinity for complex vocabulary. Though this story does not follow a traditionally recognizable narrative structure, it is nonetheless an enjoyable diversion from the relative banalities of everyday life.
Told through a series of short vignettes, this story is more of a collection of observations than a traditional narrative. Each section has its own title, beginning with “Humans are Weird” and followed by a seemingly innocuous human activity. Instead of being explicitly stated, the plot and setting unfold gradually in pieces within each short segment. The expert delivery of this unique story captures readers’ attention, rewarding educated minds with high level humor. Excellent writing propels readers through the book, unveiling comical observations of the admittedly absurd human experience. Best suited to advanced young adult or adult readers, this quirky approach to human/alien collaboration is a treat for those with an affinity for complex vocabulary. Though this story does not follow a traditionally recognizable narrative structure, it is nonetheless an enjoyable diversion from the relative banalities of everyday life.
January 2, 2023
Really fun, I just wish the chapters/stories were more connected so I could get a better understanding of both the characters and the different species introduced. I recommend this (and probably any book like it) for anyone who liked "The Martian Chronicles" or who browse the tags "humans are space orcs" or "earth is space australia" online (mainly tumblr from what I can tell lol).
February 11, 2024
My wife loved it, but me not so much
My wife devoured this series and enjoyed it immensely. Based on her experience, I decided to give it a whirl.
I did not find it as pleasant as my wife did. There was no discernible plot or story line, but delivered a series of vignettes that had little or no cohesion bonding them together.
For me, it was almost entirely episodic with various species of creatures struggling to catalog human proclivities, mannerisms and psychology.
There was no specific protagonist with whom I could identify, locations were not defined or detailed, no explanation of how humans and other life forms got together... or why, no antagonist to lend suspense, just a cluster of vignettes that didn't seem to go anywhere.
The saving grace was how the aliens tried to fathom the foibles and illogic of human behavior.
That was entertaining, but not particularly hilarious.
My wife devoured this series and enjoyed it immensely. Based on her experience, I decided to give it a whirl.
I did not find it as pleasant as my wife did. There was no discernible plot or story line, but delivered a series of vignettes that had little or no cohesion bonding them together.
For me, it was almost entirely episodic with various species of creatures struggling to catalog human proclivities, mannerisms and psychology.
There was no specific protagonist with whom I could identify, locations were not defined or detailed, no explanation of how humans and other life forms got together... or why, no antagonist to lend suspense, just a cluster of vignettes that didn't seem to go anywhere.
The saving grace was how the aliens tried to fathom the foibles and illogic of human behavior.
That was entertaining, but not particularly hilarious.
February 7, 2021
So this comes from a Tumblr post started by the Author (their handle being articfoxbear) called Humans Are Weird and while this book is much more mild than what I expected, I’m only taking off .25 for a score of 4.75 simply because I really wanted to read about the parts of the Tumblr thread where humans come from Space Australia (death planets) and we gleefully terraform planets that no other (sane) sentient species would ever wish to. ;) But there IS indeed fanfiction of that already existing and this book in itself is just another form of delightful and words very well together. ❤️
June 3, 2022
Like science fiction? Want a bunch of very short, very entertaining reads? If so, try HUMANS ARE WEIRD by Betty Adams. It is not a novel, or even a group of short stories. Instead it is a series of loosely connected vignettes, each bringing up what are, from the standpoint of aliens observing our species, strange behavioral characteristics of humans. Few are laugh out loud funny, but all are amusing. I enjoyed it, and if you are a science fiction fan, or someone who enjoys writing that gently pokes fun at human foibles, I think you will enjoy Betty Adams’ HUMANS ARE WEIRD as well.
January 4, 2023
Funny Collection of Shorts
Very short, barely interconnected stories with no overarching thread except observations on the strangeness of everyday human values, behaviors, and anatomy- as seen through the eyes of various aliens for emphasis! Some of them are thought-provoking, most of them are at least giggle-level funny (beware giggling humans…), and all of them make you nod your head and go, “oh yeah, that!”
If only because, if you yourself don’t do the Weird Human Thing in the chapter, you definitely know someone who does!
Very short, barely interconnected stories with no overarching thread except observations on the strangeness of everyday human values, behaviors, and anatomy- as seen through the eyes of various aliens for emphasis! Some of them are thought-provoking, most of them are at least giggle-level funny (beware giggling humans…), and all of them make you nod your head and go, “oh yeah, that!”
If only because, if you yourself don’t do the Weird Human Thing in the chapter, you definitely know someone who does!
September 20, 2024
Overall, this was great fun. This was the first audiobook I have listened to, and I think I would have enjoyed reading it more; sometimes my attention wavered and I missed things. I did admire the way the author was able to pronounce some of the alien names, though! This is essentially a book of short stories, very humorous. Perhaps my attention would have been kept better if the stories had been arranged in some semblance of a plot. But it was fun to imagine how humans would appear to alien creatures!
January 19, 2021
Short stories & vignettes about the weirdness of humans, from an alien POV. Positing that Earth is a deathworld, full of dangerous climate, landscape, flora, and fauna, that makes natives of the planet incredibly durable, and also very weird.
Stories are funny and often insightful. None of them are very long so you can read one for a quick moodlift or just gulp down the whole book in one sitting.
Stories are funny and often insightful. None of them are very long so you can read one for a quick moodlift or just gulp down the whole book in one sitting.
June 21, 2022
Super cute
I really enjoyed this. I got a little burnt out on all the angsty, sad, romance-y, war filled etc. sci-fi. If you like the humans are weird/ space orcs bits on social media then you'll love this. The only thing that I would have liked to have was some sort of glossary or preface. But I liked the little story bits and the humor throughout and I'll definitely be reading the second one too.
I really enjoyed this. I got a little burnt out on all the angsty, sad, romance-y, war filled etc. sci-fi. If you like the humans are weird/ space orcs bits on social media then you'll love this. The only thing that I would have liked to have was some sort of glossary or preface. But I liked the little story bits and the humor throughout and I'll definitely be reading the second one too.
August 6, 2022
Read this book and you will fall in love with aliens...and weird humans.
I listened to a number of Betty's stories on YouTube and I had to have more. So I bought both books and I've laughed and cried and loved her characters. I recommend her books to everyone who wants to visit a wonderful universe where humans are their own weird selves and you get to read the aliens' interpretations of that weirdness.
I listened to a number of Betty's stories on YouTube and I had to have more. So I bought both books and I've laughed and cried and loved her characters. I recommend her books to everyone who wants to visit a wonderful universe where humans are their own weird selves and you get to read the aliens' interpretations of that weirdness.
June 19, 2024
A great twist on the Humans are space Orcs thing.
Great little bite sized stories for when you have 2 or 3 min to spare. I tried to get a friend to read, but there wasn't much description of the aliens, who they were, and what they looked like. (Its fine if you already know the author's works from reddit, you can look stuff up. Just not if you've just been introduced to it.) Fun over all.
Great little bite sized stories for when you have 2 or 3 min to spare. I tried to get a friend to read, but there wasn't much description of the aliens, who they were, and what they looked like. (Its fine if you already know the author's works from reddit, you can look stuff up. Just not if you've just been introduced to it.) Fun over all.
February 26, 2021
Great fun
Short amusing stories very similar to ones I read when I was (much) younger...In the best style of the masters of the genre Really good book. I'm looking her up now to see what else she has written.
Short amusing stories very similar to ones I read when I was (much) younger...In the best style of the masters of the genre Really good book. I'm looking her up now to see what else she has written.
May 5, 2021
FANTABULOUS
This was an ABSOLUTELY delightful read! Fluffy and interesting, the little incidents really make us think about humanity and human behavior. I would absolutely read 10 more of these!!!
This was an ABSOLUTELY delightful read! Fluffy and interesting, the little incidents really make us think about humanity and human behavior. I would absolutely read 10 more of these!!!
June 22, 2021
This is cute, in small doses. It's a set of set pieces in the same universe about culture clash between humans and other species. Not big culture clashes, little ones. But they're framed as "what are these ridiculous humans doing now?" And that Schtick gets old after a story or two.
November 5, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyable!
A series of shorts showing just how incomprehensible humans would be to alien species. Can be read all at once or in short doses but will have you smiling either way.
A series of shorts showing just how incomprehensible humans would be to alien species. Can be read all at once or in short doses but will have you smiling either way.
June 12, 2022
Good laugh
A fun look at human habits from the view of aliens. Very easy read, and thought inspiring.
Would recommend to anyone who enjoys little insights into human behaviour, or just a good read.
A fun look at human habits from the view of aliens. Very easy read, and thought inspiring.
Would recommend to anyone who enjoys little insights into human behaviour, or just a good read.
April 14, 2023
Sweet and enjoyable
This is a cute and fun look at how strange, funny and enjoyable humans can be. Its refreshing to be reminded just how incredible and interesting we really are, and how much we take for granted.
This is a cute and fun look at how strange, funny and enjoyable humans can be. Its refreshing to be reminded just how incredible and interesting we really are, and how much we take for granted.
November 24, 2023
Cute and Funny Vignettes
If you like the HFY reddit, this collection of short stories celebrating the inherent contradictions of our language, culture, and humour will leave you laughing.
If you like the HFY reddit, this collection of short stories celebrating the inherent contradictions of our language, culture, and humour will leave you laughing.
January 8, 2022
I absolutely loved this!!! I devour all the little shorts in this tag on tumblr and to have a whole book of them was amazing!!!
May 4, 2022
Lots of fun
This is a good easy read if you like interactions between aliens and humans. No huge story, just aliens wondering about humans.
This is a good easy read if you like interactions between aliens and humans. No huge story, just aliens wondering about humans.
May 17, 2022
This review was first published on Kurt's Frontier.
Synopsis:
Humanity is strange. As several alien species begin to work closely with humans, it is becoming more and more evident. They sprinkle a substance on their food that most creatures use as a nonlethal defensive weapon. They like to adopt pets that are inherently dangerous to their alien companions. (“Isn’t it cute!”) The alien commanders have learned that if humans giggle for more than 15 minutes, it is safest to forbid whatever activity they are engaging in. Some poor alien safety officers have suffered from high levels of stress. Don’t even get them started on how humans use explosives!
Review:
If you are looking for laser battles and strange aliens looking to conquer Earth, look elsewhere. However, if you want to find yourself in stitches as aliens try to figure out humanity, you’ve found the right book. Betty Adams has decided to write about human/alien interactions from the “strange” aliens’ point of view. The result is a book that, while not exactly a page-turner, shines on how much fun it is to read the various vignettes about the interactions of multiple species with their human teammates with such interactions leaving the aliens scratching their heads (or whatever). So, strap in and prepare for a fun ride.
Synopsis:
Humanity is strange. As several alien species begin to work closely with humans, it is becoming more and more evident. They sprinkle a substance on their food that most creatures use as a nonlethal defensive weapon. They like to adopt pets that are inherently dangerous to their alien companions. (“Isn’t it cute!”) The alien commanders have learned that if humans giggle for more than 15 minutes, it is safest to forbid whatever activity they are engaging in. Some poor alien safety officers have suffered from high levels of stress. Don’t even get them started on how humans use explosives!
Review:
If you are looking for laser battles and strange aliens looking to conquer Earth, look elsewhere. However, if you want to find yourself in stitches as aliens try to figure out humanity, you’ve found the right book. Betty Adams has decided to write about human/alien interactions from the “strange” aliens’ point of view. The result is a book that, while not exactly a page-turner, shines on how much fun it is to read the various vignettes about the interactions of multiple species with their human teammates with such interactions leaving the aliens scratching their heads (or whatever). So, strap in and prepare for a fun ride.
November 2, 2021
This was really cute! It very much feels like a bunch of Tumblr posts about the original theme of Humans Are Space Orcs. It is definitely best read in small chunks as a couple of the vignettes are a smidge repetitive, but overall this was just pure fun.
June 22, 2021
A funny and happy little book.
April 24, 2023
A selection of very short word pictures of Human relations with a couple of small intelligent aliens species. Interesting approach, and quite amusing in places. Worth a read!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews