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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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:
No
Fairly entertaining, but reads like a children’s book, and the premise and much of the novel was very predictable (been done before many many times). Also way too much exposition — simple takes on the human condition littered with cliches and empty quotes.
POPSUGAR 2018 Reading Challenge - A book by a local author. Matt Haig grew up in Newark which is about 25 miles from where I live now and about 35 miles from where I grew up, so pretty local :)
Sadly I'm quite conflicted with this book. I was intrigued by the concept right from the opening pages: An alien has been sent to replace a human who has made a dangerous mathematical discovery which the human race has been judged as not being ready to handle, and must now erase all evidence of that discovery. Initially the alien finds humans repugnant and the Earth terribly primitive and unpleasant, but then he starts to learn more...
Unfortunately as the book went on it became less a novel and more a vehicle for the author to beat the reader over the head with his observations on the nature of the human condition, and how life is basically pretty good even amongst the violence and hypocrisy, and you definitely shouldn't kill yourself if it all gets too much. I have no problem with these sentiments at all, it was just way too ham-fisted and preachy in a work of fiction for my tastes.
I know as I follow the author on social media that he struggles terribly with depression and I can see that much of this book was, if not autobiographical, at least based strongly on his own life experiences and opinions so I get where he was coming from.
All that said, I did enjoy the actual story that was scattered in amongst the preaching. The plot was clever enough to keep me guessing where it would go next and the relationship between Real!Andrew / Alien!Andrew and his son was well written and touching.
Sadly I'm quite conflicted with this book. I was intrigued by the concept right from the opening pages: An alien has been sent to replace a human who has made a dangerous mathematical discovery which the human race has been judged as not being ready to handle, and must now erase all evidence of that discovery. Initially the alien finds humans repugnant and the Earth terribly primitive and unpleasant, but then he starts to learn more...
Unfortunately as the book went on it became less a novel and more a vehicle for the author to beat the reader over the head with his observations on the nature of the human condition, and how life is basically pretty good even amongst the violence and hypocrisy, and you definitely shouldn't kill yourself if it all gets too much. I have no problem with these sentiments at all, it was just way too ham-fisted and preachy in a work of fiction for my tastes.
I know as I follow the author on social media that he struggles terribly with depression and I can see that much of this book was, if not autobiographical, at least based strongly on his own life experiences and opinions so I get where he was coming from.
All that said, I did enjoy the actual story that was scattered in amongst the preaching. The plot was clever enough to keep me guessing where it would go next and the relationship between Real!Andrew / Alien!Andrew and his son was well written and touching.
I'm not entirely sure where to start with this review. Or even how long it should be. I would like to write something lengthy because this book ended up being so much then I expected it to be. But I actually refrained from reading any opinions before reading it. So in case you're cruising through reviews prior to your reading, I'll keep this short and sweet so you can experience this book in a similar manner. 5 stars. I loved it. A bit of a slow beginning for me, but hang in there. Especially recommend if you need a refreshing view of the human condition.
4.5!!
rtc (maybe idk im kinda busy and tired?? im so bad at reviews now)
rtc (maybe idk im kinda busy and tired?? im so bad at reviews now)
A humorous and thought provoking book that is a real page turner. The short chapters allowed for the plot to move quickly forward without feeling too forced. Plenty of memorable quotes and many real life details sprinkled throughout the book.
It really left me thinking about how I (as a human) perceive my own life and of those around me.
Also, there's a dog. He's great. My first read from Matt Haig and I definitely intend to check out his other work.
It really left me thinking about how I (as a human) perceive my own life and of those around me.
Also, there's a dog. He's great. My first read from Matt Haig and I definitely intend to check out his other work.
adventurous
funny
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was my first audiobook and I think that medium works great for this book. It makes it seem like a podcast about the humans. It's a funny, intriguing book that in the end romanticises being human and makes you reflect. Originally, it would have been 4 stars but after discussion at my book club, I realised there are a few plot holes and parts that don't work quite well. Would still recommend, especially as an audiobook.
maybe it's not high on a plot but the all the thoughts about humans from an alien perspective? yeah my type of book (you know the answer is 42, we just don't know the question heh)
This was a really sweet story. Helps you appreciate the small things and what it means to be human.
I’ve noticed with this book and the Midnight Library, Matt Haig likes his cheesy and cliche quotes, but appreciated the Midnight Library’s cheesiness a bit more.
I’ve noticed with this book and the Midnight Library, Matt Haig likes his cheesy and cliche quotes, but appreciated the Midnight Library’s cheesiness a bit more.