juliaxx's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
trout_lily's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- 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
A book gets four stars from me if it makes me feel all sorts of ways. This one did. I was skeptical because I read Haig's more recent Midnight Library and was really meh about it. The Humans is no major literary feat nor super deep, but it's a nice summer read. I would have love a bigger punch or twist but, it's lovely, and skewering. I read the last third on a coffee shop patio -glad I was wearing sunglasses.
Side rant: why do reviewers write up
such long play by plays of the book before giving their opinion? We can get the gist from the jacket blurb and sometimes we can be surprised. I want to know what the readers feel and think about not how well they can rewrite the book.
Side rant: why do reviewers write up
such long play by plays of the book before giving their opinion? We can get the gist from the jacket blurb and sometimes we can be surprised. I want to know what the readers feel and think about not how well they can rewrite the book.
merzberz's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- 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
charissepb's review against another edition
4.0
My first book of 2020! I will admit it was a little slow at the beginning, but about a quarter of the way through I was hooked. I'm giving it 4 stars!!
The book follows an alien that was sent to Earth in the body of a mathematician, Andrew Martin, to destroy evidence of a math discovery he made that would advance the human race. The book follows the alien while it journeys through living on Earth as a human; learning verbal and nonverbal communication skills, customs and daily life. At first "Andrew", was not fond of humans and thought that they had no redeemable qualities -- characterized as violent, greedy, money-driven and selfish. However, as he spends more time with the humans and begins to understand other aspects of human life (music, poetry, and the mighty power of love), he soon has a change of heart about his mission.
I really liked this book because it makes you think about being a human, the flaws and all. It was funny, insightful, heart-wrenching, and everything in-between. Matt Haig did a fantastic job of explaining our existence in this universe in a way that made you think he was really an outside person looking in. Often times I found myself thinking, "this is probably exactly how other beings in this universe thinks about us." If you are on the fence about reading this or just need a good recommendation for your next book, thank me later and pick this one up!
The book follows an alien that was sent to Earth in the body of a mathematician, Andrew Martin, to destroy evidence of a math discovery he made that would advance the human race. The book follows the alien while it journeys through living on Earth as a human; learning verbal and nonverbal communication skills, customs and daily life. At first "Andrew", was not fond of humans and thought that they had no redeemable qualities -- characterized as violent, greedy, money-driven and selfish. However, as he spends more time with the humans and begins to understand other aspects of human life (music, poetry, and the mighty power of love), he soon has a change of heart about his mission.
I really liked this book because it makes you think about being a human, the flaws and all. It was funny, insightful, heart-wrenching, and everything in-between. Matt Haig did a fantastic job of explaining our existence in this universe in a way that made you think he was really an outside person looking in. Often times I found myself thinking, "this is probably exactly how other beings in this universe thinks about us." If you are on the fence about reading this or just need a good recommendation for your next book, thank me later and pick this one up!
joymarieanderson's review against another edition
4.0
Where to begin. I want to compare it to a couple other author styles. I think I will leave that out as then people will be disappointed if they disagree. This story was the whole scope of emotions. It felt oddly real and human given the fact that the main character is an alien. In a human’s body. The synopsis is weird. Read it anyway.
markdgrover's review against another edition
5.0
I think this is Matt Haig's best. Intriguing, funny, and touching.
joyleaf's review against another edition
4.0
L'idea di un alieno che si materializza sulla Terra per studiare gli esseri umani (e impedire che facciano guai!) è stupenda e credo sia stata svolta abbastanza bene. Le riflessioni non mancano, anzi, ma l'avrei preferito ancora più introspettivo, invece mi è sembrato che scivolasse via molto velocemente, è forse fin troppo scorrevole. Rimane comunque una piacevole lettura, che offre un paio di occhi diversi con cui guardare le persone e la vita.
_ravenna_'s review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely loved it !!! It was soo sweet and funny and interesting.. i loved all the characters, including the dog, Newton (of course) and the homeless man. The writing was soo beautiful and thought provoking. It was such a beautiful book. The ending was gorgeous ! I ate.. DEVOURED all the advice that he talks about at the end.. i have heard them a thousand times and needed to hear them once more. I had a wonderful time with this book. I HAVE to read The Midnight Library now. Can't help it..
cascoma's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
0.5
Loved this book and I don’t normally read sci-fi. It was for a book club.