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Cover of Sweet Tooth

Sweet Tooth

Written by Robert F. Young

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Science FictionShort storiesHuman-alien encountersExtraterrestrial beingsAutomobilesJournalists

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About this book

"Sweet Tooth" by Robert F. Young is a science fiction short story published in the early 1960s. The narrative revolves around the absurdity and humor that derive from two alien monsters that consume automobiles, causing havoc in a small town as they adapt to Earth's metal-based environment. The plot explores themes of human curiosity and adaptability in the face of bizarre extraterrestrial encounters. The story follows Dexter Foote, a newspaper reporter assigned to cover a fallen star, who finds himself in the ridiculous situation of witnessing the destruction of his convertible by two massive, metallic creatures that devour cars. As Dexter investigates further, he teams up with the local sheriff and army personnel to understand the nature of these "Vehicle-Eating Monsters" (VEMs). Through a series of comedic events, including absurd military strategies and the absurdity of the aliens' gluttonous behavior, Dexter formulates a plan to capture the creatures, leading to unexpected revelations about their origins and motivations. The story mixes elements of satire, adventure, and humor to comment on human perceptions of alien life and the absurdity of materialism.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Sweet Tooth, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 2 hours
  • intermediate
  • humorous
  • absurdist
  • satirical

Robert F. Young's "Sweet Tooth" is a humorous science fiction short story from the early 1960s, chronicling the chaotic arrival of two alien monsters with an insatiable appetite for automobiles. The narrative follows Dexter Foote, a newspaper reporter, who uncovers the bizarre truth behind a supposed fallen star: two metallic creatures devouring cars in a small town. Teaming up with local law enforcement and the military, Dexter navigates a series of absurd events and strategies to understand and capture these 'Vehicle-Eating Monsters' (VEMs). The story cleverly blends satire, adventure, and comedy to explore themes of human adaptability, the absurdity of materialism, and our often-misguided perceptions of extraterrestrial life, culminating in unexpected revelations about the aliens' true nature and purpose.

“It appears, Sheriff, that our fallen star has quite the appetite for Detroit's finest steel.”

Key themes

Human Curiosity and Adaptability
The story highlights humanity's innate drive to understand the unknown and its capacity to adapt to radically new circumstances. Dexter Foote embodies this theme, moving beyond initial shock to actively investigate, learn, and devise solutions for dealing with the alien threat, rather than succumbing to fear or despair. The town, too, eventually adapts to the bizarre reality.
Absurdity of Materialism
Through the literal consumption of automobiles by the aliens, the story satirizes humanity's attachment to material possessions. Cars, often status symbols or objects of pride, are reduced to mere sustenance for the VEMs, highlighting the arbitrary value humans place on consumer goods and the potential for their ultimate meaninglessness.
Perceptions of Alien Life and the Unknown
The story explores how humans react to extraterrestrial encounters, moving beyond typical fear-driven responses to a more humorous and ultimately understanding perspective. It challenges the assumption that alien beings must be hostile or technologically superior, presenting them instead as creatures with simple, fundamental needs that accidentally intersect with human civilization.

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How does "Sweet Tooth" use humor and absurdity to comment on human materialism and our relationship with possessions?

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