The Humans
By Matt Haig
- Release Date: 2013-07-02
- Genre: Fiction & Literature
Description
The bestselling, award-winning author of The Midnight Library offers his funniest, most devastating dark comedy yet, a “silly, sad, suspenseful, and soulful” (Philadelphia Inquirer) novel that’s “full of heart” (Entertainment Weekly).
When an extra-terrestrial visitor arrives on Earth, his first impressions of the human species are less than positive. Taking the form of Professor Andrew Martin, a prominent mathematician at Cambridge University, the visitor is eager to complete the gruesome task assigned him and hurry home to his own utopian planet, where everyone is omniscient and immortal.
He is disgusted by the way humans look, what they eat, their capacity for murder and war, and is equally baffled by the concepts of love and family. But as time goes on, he starts to realize there may be more to this strange species than he had thought. Disguised as Martin, he drinks wine, reads poetry, develops an ear for rock music, and a taste for peanut butter. Slowly, unexpectedly, he forges bonds with Martin’s family. He begins to see hope and beauty in the humans’ imperfection, and begins to question the very mission that brought him there.
Praised by The New York Times as a “novelist of great seriousness and talent,” author Matt Haig delivers an unlikely story about human nature and the joy found in the messiness of life on Earth. The Humans is a funny, compulsively readable tale that playfully and movingly explores the ultimate subject—ourselves.
Reviews
The Dilemma
5By SparkklerA Vonnadorian comes to Earth to inhabit the body of Andrew Morton, solver of a mathematical system which will destroy worlds. The improbability of this theme may cause readers to turn away from this book, but that would be a mistake. Matthew Haig has written a heartfelt, thoughtful, interesting story about what it means to be human.Amazing!! I couldn’t put it down!!!
5By Shaye bae baeThis book is so good and suspenseful! I could not put it down and wanted to read constantly!!! Great, great book. One of the best I have ever read!Brilliant
5By RLOMDI may disagree with some of this author’s beliefs, but his writing is brilliant. For him to experience what he did and imagine this book while in the grips of severe anxiety/agoraphobia is wonderful. This is no ET, and can be both sweet and violent, as humans can be. I liked Midnight Library more, but I still like this one for its loving and funny stories in times of great stress.All too human
5By Kmr1958His words were so true as to remind me of my own complicated ways of being. This book is a way to mirror our own truths about being human .Breathtaking
5By SNicMIt an emotional roller coaster and gets you thinking.I’m so happy I read this.
5By where do you get instructionsAmazing. How does he do this enchantment? Thankfully he does!Disappointing
1By Savannah720The Midnight Library is one of the best books I’ve read in years, so I had high hopes for The Humans. Unfortunately I can’t say that it was anywhere near as good. A painfully slow read with many inconsistencies and plot holes, cheesy love tropes and tired life advice that sounds like it came from a fortune cookie. The ending was totally anticlimactic but at that point I was just glad to have finished the book. Sorry I don’t mean to sound harsh, but if you’re looking to read this book because you are a fan of the Midnight Library, it won’t compare. I will still read some of his others, hoping this one was just a fluke.Matt Haig does it again!
5By jillhardy2Such an excellent writer; I’ve loved every book he’s written from The Midnight Library to A Boy Called Christmas. An amazing storyteller that makes me smile, laugh and cry. My hope is that all his books become movies. The fact he comes from the town my son in law is from just makes his stories more enjoyable since he talks about the different areas in England he’s lived. Love his books! Jill HardySimply amazing
1By KO11Not just a great read, though it is, this book has an amazing ability to describe and think about our experience as people. Funny and at times poignant. Never dull. A wonderful book!So Good
5By STEMteacher2020Fun to read. Insightful and satisfying. You’ll enjoy it.KeeperI
5By DFitLifeI think I’ll be reading this again, and again, and...again.👍🏼
4By Igivein2sinI cried. Twice.The Humans
5By HoganCashWow.....I can’t remember when I have enjoyed a book more! I find myself (often) telling others about this understated jewel. This guy, Matt Haig is really, really good. HoganCashOne of my new favorites
5By anna.luiza11AmazingYou CANNOT put it down 🌿
5By Maryam76MagicalYou Need To Read It.
5By كيميا.مThis is the exact book you need to read. As Hemingway says "All good books have one thing in common– they are truer than if they had really happened." And this is what I felt when I was reading The Humans. I've read it over and over. And I know I'll read it again. This is a book about friendship, noses, an old dog named Newton, rain, Bowie and simply, living as a Human Being. A reminder.Give it a chance
4By Sandy_saysIt took a while to enjoy this book. At first I didn't care for the writing style. Didn't understand the great reviews. But after a few chapters I got sucked into the storyline and just had to know how it ended. The perspective of being human can be as philosophically deep or shallow as you choose to make it.Amazing
5By Birdyman13This is truly an amazing book. I had never read anything by Matt Haig before but look forward to reading him again. This is a story of human behavior told from a unique perspective and I must say, I believe I've learned something quite valuable. I highly recommend it and plan to revisit the 100 "life lessons" on occasion. Several hit home.
