I read a novella many years ago that I think was written in the '50s or '60s. The story centers around a couple of teenagers who live in a small desert town. They notice that adults in their town are getting very lethargic, and one by one they turn into plants (cacti I think?). Turns out that there was an alien invasion of sorts, and anyone who did any harm to the environment got turned into a plant. The kids were safe because they didn't drive. I think it had a kind of cheesy title, but that is all that I remember.
1 Answer
It may be The Plant People , by Dale Carson. First published in 1977.
I don't see a simple synopsis, but according to the Retroist link above it does have people turning into cacti.
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Yeeess! I tried looking for it earlier (same title, even!), but Google totally failed me. This is the one. It's been over 20 years since I've read it. Thanks! Commented Feb 10, 2015 at 2:27
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I found it by googling for "something turns people into cactus cacti" . Seventh entry down.– Joe L.Commented Feb 10, 2015 at 2:41
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1Because I'd never heard of this ISFDB until now? I'll use it from now on, though, thanks. Commented Feb 10, 2015 at 2:43
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Joe, I was trying with "old science fiction book alien invasion turns people into plants". That search actually led me here, haha. I didn't remember the bit about the cactus specifically, until I started typing. Commented Feb 10, 2015 at 2:44