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bookstorian's review against another edition
3.75
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Gore
Moderate: Suicide attempt
hhaikyee's review against another edition
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!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, Grief, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, and Injury/Injury detail
solarorange's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, and Death of parent
Minor: Drug use, Gore, and Blood
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