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hannahyorkey's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Death, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
espookiee's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and Murder
bookstorian's review against another edition
3.75
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.
Graphic: Death and Gore
Moderate: Suicide attempt
c340's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
Minor: Bullying and Sexism
hhaikyee's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, Grief, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, and Injury/Injury detail
zoe_thebookdragon8's review against another edition
- 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
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!
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
haleyreads32's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Suicide attempt
damesies's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Suicide attempt
Moderate: Infidelity
sarahesterman's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Suicide attempt and Murder
snickerdoodlesmile's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Cursing, Infidelity, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Suicide attempt, Murder, and Alcohol
Minor: Rape, Self harm, Vomit, and Abandonment