Reviews with content warning for Suicide attempt - The Humans

Despite the clear Sci-Fi elements expressed in the blurb of this story I was interested in reading more Matt Haig novels, especially as The Midnight Library and How to Stop Time are some of my favourite books.

Here's what I liked:
-Short, sharp and snappy chapters. I am so much more motivated to read the story quickly when it is like this.
-The Mr Bean like character of Professor Martin/alien. It was especially comical and light while allowing me to think about all the ways that humans are the strange race. His character arc was also intriguing to follow, a tad predictable though.
-Classic Matt Haig writing style. I love how philosophical, reflective and true his narration is. Makes you really think. This novel in particular made me reflect on the meaning of life (pgx) and love (pg221) as well as body and mind connection (pg108). I terms of human nature I was also encouraged to consider the inherent good, or bad, (pg128), the many contradictions we have as humans (pg248) and the power of hope (pg170).
-The family dynamic that the alien encounters whilst in the skin of Professor Martin and how this takes shape throughout the story.

Here's what I didn't enjoy:
-I felt like a lot of the sci-fi elements were too extreme for me and flew over my head. A lot of the maths also drove straight on by. It zapped me straight out of the fiction each time.
-There were actually a few gory, uncomfortable moments to read.

Key quote "Maybe that is what beauty was, for humans. Accidents, imperfections, placed inside a pretty pattern. Asymmetry. The defiance of mathematics" (pg100).

Overall this is not my favourite book or a stand out Matt Haig book for me however It was a memorable one.

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c340's review against another edition

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funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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hhaikyee's review against another edition

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informative reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

TBH i’dve finished this book way earlier if it wwrent for exams LOL— it was honestly a pretty interesting read. i kinda zoned out towards the end though which i regret CZ I FEEL LIKE I MISSED A LOT OF IMPORTANT MESSAGES THAT THE BOOK WAS TRYNA SEND?? also, its so funny how not-andrew is the complete opposite of real andrew??! all that technology and u couldnt have found one douchey middle aged man to do the job for u? fake!!!

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zoe_thebookdragon8's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Absolutely loved this book! I liked the concept and the general idea. The outcome was a little bit predictable, but there were still some twists i didn’t expect at first.

I am always fascinating when a book is trying to give us an outside view of human life and I am obsessed with the way Matt Haig did it. Just in a very humorous way, with a lot of criticism (never too harsh) and adoration.

Definitely a must read!

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haleyreads32's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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damesies's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

This isn't a massively novel concept but what a rich, humorous and touching story well told. Haig's words sing in a flawless rhythm and all of a sudden you're laughing at a razor sharp joke from two pages back. Delightful!

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sarahesterman's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

This wasn’t for me. I didn’t hate the premise, but the execution was just… not it. Also grapes are toxic to dogs and when the dog ate the grape I was horrified (but it seems the author maybe just didn’t know that because the dog was fine).

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snickerdoodlesmile's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

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