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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
hello_ned'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
4.5
The dislikes
- It did have a similar tone of self-help an advice, some of which were cheesy. But somehow, coming from an alien, it felt appropriate.
- I couldn’t believe
he only spent like a year living away from his family. though appropriate, understandable, and a tear was shed, I did feel as though I was rushing through that part to get to the end.
- Probably one of the funniest books of his I've read. So much dead pan comedy that I just really enjoyed. Some of the humour reminded me of "The hitchhikers guide to the galaxy" as it deals with the same themes.
- I've always thought this is a very unique story idea. I could really see how much of himself Matt haig put into this book: the feeling that you are an alien making your way through the contradicting and insane human way of life. (Which I feel is relatable to everyone, especially those with mental health issues or are neurodivergen, like Matt Haig.)
- Very consistent and good pacing. Except for maybe 8 pages at the end, I enjoyed every bit of it, and it felt as though it really flowed.
- I had to sticky note a lot of this book. There are so many quotes I just love.
Humans are one of the few intelligent beings in the galaxy who haven't quite solved the problem of death. And yet they don't spend their whole lives screeching and howling in terror, clawing at their own bodies, or rolling on the floor. Some humans do that- I saw them in the hospital - but those humans ate considered the mad ones.
But what happened in heaven? What did you do there? After a while, didn't you crave flaws?
Moderate: Death
Minor: Self harm
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
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
cathem2'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
4.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Infidelity, Mental illness, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
rachael_jo's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Death and Murder
Moderate: Sexual content
janai's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Death, Infidelity, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Murder
corallydeer'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
3.5
Graphic: Self harm and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Infidelity, Sexual content, and Murder
Minor: Blood and Injury/Injury detail
Self Harmkassidyreads'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
3.0
Graphic: Death, Infidelity, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Mental illness and Violence