The Humans by Matt Haig

“ I was reminded that humans have to read books. And that takes time. Lots of time...By the time they have read enough books to actually reach a state of knowledge where they can do anything with it, they are dead.”

"The Humans" by Matt Haig is an exceptionally engaging and thought-provoking novel that offers a fresh, humorous, and unique perspective on the human condition through the eyes of an alien race. The book's charm lies in its ability to blend profound insights with simplicity, making it a fun read.

From the outset, the book's pace might seem slow, echoing the initial struggle of the protagonist to understand humanity. As I came to understand, this deliberate pacing serves a purpose, as it mirrors the reader's own journey of discovery alongside the character. The initial chapters require some patience, but stick with it, it gets better (like really good IMO).

As the narrative progresses, the story picks up momentum, culminating in an irresistibly compelling second half. It's in these later chapters that the book truly shines, effortlessly combining humor, emotion, and philosophical musings. Haig has a knack for distilling complex ideas about life, love, and humanity into accessible and relatable insights. While I try to highlight 1 or 2 quotes from each book to represent the narrative, this book was chalk full of great quotes, it is so hard to choose.

What makes "The Humans" stand out is its approach to exploring the human experience through an outsider's perspective. This viewpoint allows for a fresh and often amusing critique of human behaviors and societal norms, which might otherwise go unquestioned. The book manages to be both light-hearted and deeply moving, often within the span of a single page. You'll want to hug your dog, get drunk on wine, and eat peanut butter sandwiches all at the same time.

Themes of #scifi #love #relationships #aliens #humanity #war #evolution #math