What people are saying
Dot Graham, Author of “Experiences of Test Automation”, @dorothygraham
A lot of testing books are (rightly) very serious reads. If you want something completely different, read the “Evil Tester”’s take on the absurdities of our craft. The more you know about software testing, the more you will find to amuse you.
Andy Glover, Author of “Cartoon Tester”, @cartoontester
The Evil Tester is not so evil after all. In his book he encourages us to accept uncertainty and doubt in software development and provides the freedom to ask questions. And what fantastic questions and answers, nothing is held back! A great read for every Tester.
Rob Lambert, Author of “Remaining Relevant”, @rob_lambert
Read it and loved it. Great book. It’s funny but there’s also the essays to balance it out. I really enjoyed it.”
James Lyndsay, workroom-productions.com, @workroomprds
Behind EvilTester’s grumpy facade lies a heart of stone. Rash sentiment never holds back his glittering, steely mind. Funny guy, though.
Rob Sabourin, Author of “I Am a Bug”, @RobertASabourin
I read “Dear Evil Tester”. I loved it. Indeed I couldn’t put it down. I hope “Dear Evil Tester” comes out in a print edition so I can put it down properly. (how do you put down a pdf really?)
I laughed - then I cried - then I laughed harder - then I cried softer.
My favorite advice was to a tester inquiring as to how to get involved in the requirement part of a project - earlier is better right? - and the Evil Tester demonstrated shrewd platonic style by asking what if the tester succeeded - how would he make a difference? Convince me you would make a difference! Wonderful stuff there. Real deep.
Gojko Adzic, Author of “Specification by Example”, @gojkoadzic
Alan is one of the smartest people in the testing community and his new book, even if written as an alter ego, is full of inspirational gems. The Evil Tester pulls off the right combination of funny and thought-provoking content, philosophy and practical advice. Between learning about the effect of Epimenides paradox on Pinocchio’s nose and eunuch testing, there are true gems about improving collaboration between developers and testers and career advice for people starting in this industry.
Paul Gerrard, Author of “The Tester’s Pocketbook”, @paul_gerrard
Needless to say, I like it a lot. For a testing book (if that’s what you call it) to have laugh-out-loud episodes (and not because its recommendations are risible) is rather unusual. I think it is mistitled, however. You should call it Gonzo Testing. The similarity to the writings of Hunter S. Thompson are there for all to see. So like HST. Except for the swearing. And the drugs. And the alcohol. And the violence. And the paranoia. And the suicidal tendencies. But other than that…
Huib Schoots, huibschoots.nl, @huibschoots
Dear Evil Tester is by far the funniest book on testing I have ever read. I couldn’t get the smile of my face and I found myself laughing out loud quite some times. Alan writes with a dark humour that I like a lot! And unlike other testing books, Dear Evil Tester deals with serious testing problems in a funny way but manages to answer the questions asked by readers. A must read for every tester or anyone in the software development industry!
Richard Bradshaw, thefriendlytester.co.uk, @FriendlyTester
“A delightfully engaging read. Alan calls on his vast experience to deliver insightful and practical advice wrapped up in a warm dark blanket of humour and wit.”