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A review by jedore
The Humans by Matt Haig
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
“No one will understand you. It is not, ultimately, that important. What is important is that you understand you.”
This is a story about an alien who inhabits the body of a Cambridge mathematician after being sent to Earth to prevent humanity from advancing too far. As he navigates human life and discovers the complexities of love, relationships and the beauty of imperfection, his cold, logical perspective shifts. It’s a heartfelt exploration of what it means to be human, filled with humor and wisdom.
Matt Haig is known for his ability to blend genres and explore themes of mental health and existentialism in his work. This book was partly inspired by his own struggles with depression, which led him to reflect deeply what makes life both challenging and beautiful.
This book surprisingly made my all-time favorites list. Even though it's sci-fi (my least favorite genre), it really just used the alien perspective as a vehicle to explore profound truths about being human.
The character development, especially of the alien, was outstanding. Watching him evolve from a detached observer to someone deeply connected to the people around him was beautifully done. By the end, I was in love with all of the characters, even the lesser developed ones.
What often makes a fiction book an all-time favorite for me is when it blends story with "self-help" elements. This book does exactly that—it calls you to think about your own life in an organic, non-preachy way simply by telling the story. There’s a chapter toward the end that clinched it for me. I won’t spoil it for you—you’ll just have to read this amazing book!
This book is a rare gem that would resonate equally with men and women and a wide variety of readers. If you’re in the mood for a book that’s heartfelt, thought-provoking, and totally unique, pick this one up! It’s a story that will make you laugh, cry, and think about life in completely new ways.
Graphic: Infidelity, Grief, Murder, and Alcohol
Moderate: Bullying and Injury/Injury detail