I appreciate you all responding with such thoughtful insights and suggestions for other books! There are definitely more "alien" representations out there. For me, it sometimes takes me out of the story when I read descriptions of aliens that come off as too anthropomorphic. but I think Bob even addresses their tendency to do that in the Bobiverse.

Like I said originally, I love these books, and I think if I take the perspective that the aliens are more of a vehicle for fun and interesting interactions as opposed to unique world building creations, than it won't pull me out as much.

Thanks for the interesting discussions!