The Humans Audiobook By Matt Haig cover art

The Humans

A Novel

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The Humans

By: Matt Haig
Narrated by: Mark Meadows
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The critically acclaimed author of The Radleys shares a clever, heartwarming, and darkly insightful novel about an alien who comes to Earth to save humans from themselves.

When an extraterrestrial visitor arrives on Earth, his first impressions of the human species are less than positive. Taking the form of Professor Andrew Martin, a leading mathematician at Cambridge University, the visitor wants to complete his task and go back home, to the planet he comes from, and a utopian society of immortality and infinite knowledge.

He is disgusted by the way humans look, what they eat, the wars they witness on the news, and totally baffled by such concepts of love and family. But as time goes on, he starts to realize there may be more to this weird species than he has been led to believe. He drinks wine, reads Emily Dickinson, listens to Talking Heads, and begins to bond with the family he lives with, in disguise. In picking up the pieces of the professor's shattered personal life, the narrator sees hope and redemption in the humans' imperfections and begins to question the very mission that brought him there. A mission that involves not only thwarting human progress... but murder.

Praised by The New York Times as "a novelist of great seriousness and talent" author Matt Haig delivers an unlikely story about human nature and the joy found in the very messiness of life on Earth. The Humans is a funny, compulsively readable tale that playfully and movingly explores the ultimate subject - ourselves.

©2013 Matt Haig (P)2013 Simon & Schuster Audio Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction Humorous Literary Fiction Literature & Fiction Satire Science Fiction Comedy Funny Heartfelt Witty Feel-Good Thought-Provoking Suspenseful

Editor's Pick

Exploring a new world (ahem, genre)
"I’m not normally a sci-fi listener, but this story was the perfect way to dip my toes in without feeling overwhelmed. Focused a little more on the drama and emotion of the human experience, this story offers a fine balance between comedy, drama, and science fiction that makes it a little hard to classify. Poignant and touching, it offers a kinder take on humanity, highlighting empathy, compassion, and all the good and bad that make us human."
—Michael C., Audible Editor

Thought-provoking Perspective • Heartfelt Storytelling • Excellent Narration • Likeable Protagonist • Clever Humor
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You may not be inspired and radically change your life after reading this one, but you won;t regret spending a credit on it.

The story is slightly above average at best, but the analytical process of a 'fish out of water' comes across as humorous and entertaining, and in the end, didn't disappoint.

Safe to Use a Credit On

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It's always fun to look at the world afresh. This book shares insights we often overlook. I wish I had bookmarked more of them.

Profound but fun

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The Humans is a clever tale with a oh so unique look at our behavior and evolution. It offers a lot for contemplation and provides many a laugh. Read it!

Delightful entertainment

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A wonderful premise with believable, likeable characters with a first rate narrator! What's not to love?

Now. Let me go read some Emily Dickinson.

What does it really mean to be human?

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When I first read about this book, I was stoked, and the first part of the book didn't disappoint. It has the quirkiness of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, the TV shows The Neighbors and 3rd Rock From the Sun, and similar setups. However, as the story progresses, it frankly shifts genre a little bit, and loses a lot of its appeal in the process. I finished it, and I'm overall glad I bought it, but truth be told I was waiting for it to be over at the end.

A great start that unfortunately didn't last

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A thoroughly satisfying story of how each of us decides for ourselves what makes happiness, what is really important, and how to life a fulfilling life, simply by confronting each day with open eyes.

Best Book Listen in Quite a While

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Emily Dickinson does Twilight Zone you will understand what it is to be human you will laugh your cry you will appreciate

Philosophical Classic

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i listened to this book as i spend another holiday home alone. i love the way the author weaves together so many human insights.

very insightful....

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If you're prone to over-examination and melancholy, this book will distract you from your beleaguered brain as it's subtly illustrating the simple pleasures this world has to offer (even to folks like us!). Beautifully written and narrated, this novel carried me from beginning to end without losing me once. If you could do with a brief from respite from existential angst and cynical nihilism - without any syrupy cheer - this is the book for you.

The fiction form of "Reasons To Stay Alive"

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I absolutely loved everything about this story. Matt Haig really knows how to write gripping, heartfelt, and wonderful stories to experience.

What an Incredible story!

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