The True Meaning of Smekday

By: Adam Rex

Narrated by: Bahni Turpin

Length: 10 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

It all starts with a school essay. Twelve-year-old Gratuity “Tip” Tucci is assigned to write five pages on “The True Meaning of Smekday” for the National Time Capsule contest, and she’s not sure where to begin: When her mom started telling everyone about the messages aliens were sending through a mole on the back of her neck? Maybe on Christmas Eve, when huge, bizarre spaceships descended to Earth, and aliens - called the Boov - abducted her mother? Or when the Boov declared Earth a colony, renamed it “Smekland” (in honor of glorious Captain Smek), and forced all Americans to relocate to Florida via rocketpod?

Gratuity’s story is much, much bigger than the assignment. It involves her unlikely friendship with a renegade Boov mechanic named J.Lo, a futile journey south to find Gratuity’s mother at the Happy Mouse Kingdom, a cross-country road trip in a hovercar called Slushious, and an outrageous plan to save Earth from yet another alien invasion.

©2009 Adam Rex (P)2010 Listening Library

So Much Fun!

I actually picked this audiobook on a whim during a BOGO special. Am I glad I did! Adam Rex has written a delightfully fun story about an 11-year old girl named Gratuity "Tip" Tucci who befriends a Boov alien named J.Lo and how the two of them work together to rid Earth of the dreaded Gorg. Full of action and lots of misunderstandings, Tip and J.Lo learn a lot about each other's race and form a strong, loyal friendship. Excellent reading for ages 8 and up.

I’ve read this at least 12 times; who knows how many I’ve listened…

This is my favourite book. I have read it so many times, I nearly know it by heart. Bahni Turpin does the BEST alien voices and I absolutely adore her narration.

Goofy as heck, the author really impressively knows the mind of an 11yo girl. There are so many times I have to pause to calm myself down from laughing so hard. I recommend the Audible version specifically because of how wonderful it is to hear the voices, but you have to at least check out a copy from the library because the author is also a fabulous artist—seriously, go get it.

5 Stars in Every Way

This was one of the most delightful books I have listened to in a long time. Bahni Turpin is genius and her reading of this book was perfect!!! The story was fun and imaginative and kept me entertained the entire 10 hours and 37 minutes. Thank you Audible!

Original, Fun, and Entertaining.

Loved the alien. Loved the trip to Florida theme parks. Loved the Roswell visit.

Not wanting to spoil the plot, I'll just say it was the kind of writing that reminds you why you keep reading - to find gems like this.

Smart and Extremely Entertaining Road Trip Book!

A sci-fi buddy story that teaches about friendship, adventure, colonization and racism too. Great voice acting brings the characters to life.

Great for young and old alike!

What a fun book!! I also highly recommend listening to this one on audio Bahni Turpin’s narration is Fantastic!!

I wasn’t sure what I would think of a book about an alien invasion since I am more of a fantasy girl than a sci-fi one. However this is such a fun story I recommend it to teens and adults alike! Our heroine Gratuity “Tip” Tucci is 11 going on 40 she is assigned a paper for a time capsule on “The True Meaning of Smekday” but Tip’s story is not the usual fare and she doesn’t know where to start, should it be when her mother starts receiving alien messages from the mole in her back? Or when she meets and befriends one of the Boov named J-Lo? Or about her journey to Happy Mouse Land where the aliens are sending all the humans?

This is such a great adventure and hilarious to boot. I love Tip and J-Lo well actually every character in this book is so fun! I don’t know what else to say, I just feel like I can’t do it justice other than to say go get this book and enjoy it! You will not be disappointed!

5 Stars

Performance should be 10 Stars!!

great story but even better performance by Bahni Tupri!!!
cant wait for more from both of them

Great characters and witty dialogues. Perfect

I found out about this book via the trailer for the upcoming movie of "Almost Home". And now I'm glad the movie hasn't gotten out yet, because I find it hard to believe Pixar would be as daring in their plot as this book.
What I found most striking was the combination of humor and tragedy that surrounds Tip's recollection of the post-invasion Earth. Her commentaries about the abandoned country she and J-Lo transverse are pure writing genius. I found myself wondering if the author has done zombie apocalypse books before.
The story revolves and thrives thanks to Tip and her unique personality. This really is an amazing character that will enchant you after just two pages of dialogue.
Perhaps my only complain are some inconsistencies regarding the technology that the aliens use, especially the teleporting technology and the "feedback loop" which J-Lo exploits so frequently. I know, I know, this is not hard sci-fi. Call me stiff all you want, I still think conservation of matter is important to take into consideration regardless of your sci-fi hardness.
And that really is my only possible argument against this book. In all other aspects, this was quite an unforgettable ride.
Special kudos should be added to the outstanding performance by Turpin. I was afraid at first that I wouldn't get used to the sheepish tone of voice of the aliens, but my concerns dissipated very soon and in fact, the awkward way in which they talk added an extra layer of humor to the story. Well done!

Hell of a narrator!

This story is piquant and unexpected, and who could help but love a girl named Gratuity whose nickname is Tips! How clever! My hubby and I both listened to it and really enjoyed it--it was a great listening experience. The narrator is a genius. I'm hoping to listen to many, many books read by her in the next few years. Her portrayal of J.Lo is just too funny, and she imbued Tips with a ton of personality and charm and only heightened the intent of the author. Marvelous--a credit well spent.

This is an amazing story

This is an absolutely awesome story I loved it so much I recommend it for 9-12 year olds