The Humans: A Novel

I read a lot of books, one or two a week. I don't tend to review them because I know my reactions are personal, and attempting to assign a number of stars is torturous. However, every year or so, one truly stands out for me and I find myself recommending it to everyone I know. A couple of years ago, it was *Defending Jacob* by William Landay. In the past year, it was *The Humans* by Matt Haig.I was initially interested in reading *The Humans* because the topic reminded me of "3rd Rock From The Sun", one of my all-time favorite TV sitcoms (at least the first season). Both premises are based on an outsider's interpretation of the human condition. The TV show was hilarious; this book is less so, but it has its moments. It is basically the story of an alien coming to earth on a serious mission. However, I found myself laughing almost to tears at one point as the alien was attempting to interpret a dog's conversation based on facial expressions since he couldn't decipher the dog's spoken language. The scene involves peanut butter. The alien has never experienced joy. Then on earth he discovers music! He is mesmerized by Debussy, feeling he has captured all the most beautiful aspects of the universe in his music ... but, then, wow, the alien hears the Beach Boys! And discovers the aforementioned peanut butter! And poetry! Etc. Mainly it is about what it is to be human and how it is our mortality that makes happiness possible. At one point the alien marvels that he has said "me" -- it has always before been "we". (That was thrilling.) I have inspired at least a dozen friends to read this book, and so far I think everyone likes or loves it, but for all different reasons. Some liked the collectivist vs. individual aspect, like I did. Some liked the human joy aspect, as I also did. One friend was just thrilled with all the wise observations that the alien made, his unique point of view. Another was tickled by all the Emily Dickenson quotes and references, most not attributed, and most of which, I must admit, I missed. One friend chose it for his book club, and said it was a success, both because people liked it and because it inspired lively discussion.Be aware that the novel starts slowly and is rather dark. I wasn't liking it at first, and others said the same thing. My cousin put it aside for several weeks, not enjoying it, then picked it back up one day, and stayed up most of the night with it, enthralled. The alien isn't likeable. His mission is to murder. But once the story is set, it is a compelling read, and one I will revisit. It is an easy read, but interesting and thought-provoking, at times touching, at times profound. The idea that mortality is essential to human happiness is not a theme often explored. The book is a paean to human happiness.

“I wondered if this was how people always talked to each other or if it was just unique to spouses.” (loc 863)This clever book is the literary equivalent of the TV show “Resident Alien” -- a creature from another galaxy arrives on planet Earth with a mission to kill, but he finds himself both baffled and intrigued by earthlings as he lives an undercover existence among us. The book is his first-person account of the experience, written after the fact, intended for his employers back on his home planet. It’s a funny, often goofy, invitation to poke fun at ourselves – and explore along the way the meaning of life, what’s important, and what is not.The story sags a little as it approaches the halfway point. The humor starts to feel tired, Haig tries a little too hard to be deep, and the ending is both predictable and a little clunky. But it’s a fun read, and it’s clear it comes from the author’s heart.There are a few too many (unnecessary) f-bombs to bring this book into a high school classroom. That’s a pity – the story, I suspect, would resonate with young people.

The Humans by Matt Haig is an extraterrestrial sent to Earth to rid the knowledge of a theory that could change humans forever. Clever, humorous, and though-provoking. It is interesting how honest one can actually be when the repercussions are unknown.The no name extraterrestrial becomes the human form of Andrew Martin, a Cambridge professor, and slowly learns that being human isn't that bad. The hosts want the mission completed, and when it isn't done, they send another to do it. My favorite character is Newton, the dog. It was a great book I did not expect to enjoy so much.

There are similarities here that can’t be ignored, while still being distinctly Matt Haig’s work. Very delightful read, simply wonderful, and I would recommend to anyone.