You'll love this one...!! A book club & more discussion

One of the group reads for April is The Humans by Matt Haig. Please discuss the book in this thread.

Odette will be leading the discussion.

In order to receive a badge you must:
1. have read the book before or during April 2022.
2. discussed it in this thread. Discussion must be more than "I read the book and I liked it". Discussion requires something more substantial and analytical of what you read, for example, thoughts, opinions, impact it had on you, what was your favourite part, was it what you expected it to be like etc. You may also like to review the book and post a link to the review in this thread. Please refer to our group spoiler policy for further information.
3. Report that you have read AND discussed the book in the reporting thread (include a brief summary of what you thought of the book).

A note on discussion: Discussion must be more than "I read the book and I liked it". Discussion requires something more substantial and analytical of what you read, for example, thoughts, opinions, impact it had on you, what was your favourite part, was it what you expected it to be like etc.

In addition to this, the group reads are meant to be a "read along" so it is preferable that you discuss the book as you read rather than wait until you've finished the book.

And finally, discussion is not about just listing your thoughts. Please interact with the other group members, comment on their thoughts, and if they comment on yours, respond to them. This is what makes a good book discussion!

You may also like to review the book and post a link to the review in this thread.

Please refer to our group spoiler policy for further information.

General Rules:
1. Please mark your spoilers with the spoiler tags along with mentioning what stage of the book you are at so other's don't get a nasty shock. Chapter numbers/titles are generally best as they are the same across all formats and editions. See our spoiler policy
2. The book may be combined with the Year Long Challenge, Topplers, and Monthly Challenges.

Happy reading!

I have just started this book, which I have been looking forward to reading.

The book is divided into 3 parts, chapters are not numbered but have an appropriate title. I am about 10% of the way through and am enjoying the easy to read writing style. (view spoiler)[An alien has taken over the body of a human and is having problems with adapting to human behaviour (hide spoiler)]. Parts are humorous, making fun of (view spoiler)[of things humans do, such as wearing clothes (hide spoiler)]. Though, I find humour is perhaps difficult and reaction to it very individual.

This book is making me chuckle.

Tammy wrote: "This book is making me chuckle."

Me too! I had a chuckle about (view spoiler)[wearing clothes and going outside in the cold (hide spoiler)]
Also, in midst of the humour there appears to be a depth of meaning: (view spoiler)[Lets not forget the things they do to make themselves happy that actually make them miserable. (hide spoiler)]

Odette wrote: "The book is divided into 3 parts, chapters are not numbered but have an appropriate title. I am about 10% of the way through and am enjoying the easy to read writing style. [spoilers removed]. Part..."

I like how straightforward this book is as well. The writing style is simple and easy to follow. It has me laughing out loud as well when he realizes (view spoiler)[ that he has to wear clothes! (hide spoiler)]

I'm starting this one now =)

Grainne wrote: "Odette wrote: "The book is divided into 3 parts, chapters are not numbered but have an appropriate title. I am about 10% of the way through and am enjoying the easy to read writing style. [spoilers..."

I agree about the easy to read writing style, but am pacing myself so I do not get too far ahead of everyone.
It will be interesting to see if the chuckles continue throughout the book.
In the early chapters only one character to get to know, the narrator, who has taken over the body of Andrew Martin. How does his character develop and what about that of the original Andrew Martin?
The narrator is starting to interact with people, with some more laugh aloud incidents (view spoiler)[spitting out coffee over the psychiatrist (hide spoiler)].
Then it becomes more interesting when he interacts with family and friends.

Stacy wrote: "I'm starting this one now =)"

Hope you enjoy it.

Thank you Odette, I am enjoying it so far. It's very different from everything I've been reading recently. I'm at about 10% (view spoiler)[ Matt Haig does a wonderful job of making humans sound strange, when reading the alien's point of view on things. Eyebrows do in fact seem pointless and his view on clothes are very funny. (hide spoiler)]

Odette wrote: "Tammy wrote: "This book is making me chuckle."

Me too! I had a chuckle about [spoilers removed]
Also, in midst of the humour there appears to be a depth of meaning: [spoilers removed]"

I was trying to tell my mom about the book. The humor didn't get communicated well, I'm afraid.

Tammy wrote: "Odette wrote: "Tammy wrote: "This book is making me chuckle."

Me too! I had a chuckle about [spoilers removed]
Also, in midst of the humour there appears to be a depth of meaning: [spoilers remove..."

What appeals to me about the humo(u)r is that it is directed at all humans not just a group or one person. Irrational behavours (foibles) are highlighted. The Chapter titled Dead Cows (there are no chapter numbers) is a good example. (view spoiler)[calling cow beef when cooked (hide spoiler)]

I've started this, about 10% in. It is perfect for my reading mood right now. I am finding it quite funny.
(view spoiler)[I've enjoyed : calling cars brain dead when they couldn't pump their own fuel, learning from Cosmo magazine, and everyone's reaction to the naked guy running around! How on earth is he going to convince his family LOL (hide spoiler)]

I have read on a bit further now and plot is developing. The mathematical Riemann theory is introduced (view spoiler)[we find out that the mission of the alien is to prevent humans solving this (hide spoiler)].
More about the characters is being revealed. The alien form of Andrew Martin is growing on me, though he seems to be well controlled by his masters (view spoiler)[ their orders appear as italics in print and transferred directly to his mind (hide spoiler)]. The original Andrew Martin does not seem all that likeable. (view spoiler)[extremely focussed on his work, self centred and does not have time for his family. (hide spoiler)]
For example in Chapter title 'Dishwasher': (view spoiler)["Andrew you never load the dishwasher" (hide spoiler)]

Vicki wrote: "I've started this, about 10% in. It is perfect for my reading mood right now. I am finding it quite funny.
[spoilers removed]"

Vicki, pleased that the book works for your reading mood. There are so many funny moments.

Odette wrote: "Tammy wrote: "This book is making me chuckle."

Me too! I had a chuckle about [spoilers removed]
Also, in midst of the humour there appears to be a depth of meaning: [spoilers removed]"

I've enjoyed these critiques as well.
I'm laughing a lot. Some thing are so clever!

I hope to be joining in soon. Crossing my fingers that the book come in time.

Christina wrote: "I hope to be joining in soon. Crossing my fingers that the book come in time."

Hope your book arrives in time.

I have finished Part 1 now.
The plot progresses and more is revealed. The light and humorous style of writing continues. There are some surprises with a couple of confronting incidents. I feel perhaps that the style of writing diminishes or trivialises these incidents. I am interested in what others think when they get to it.

Just finished The War and Money Show chapter. I also like the simple writing style and the little humorous things that make me chuckle out loud. My coworkers are going to think I'm crazy.
It's funny how we are so used to things just being how they are and don't often question why. (view spoiler)[ Like beef, I never question why it's beef or pork, I just know it is. There are definitely deep points mixed in with the humor. The fact we do things to make us happy, but they really make us miserable was a valid point. The description of the news is so true! Why don't we care about the other species on the planet or even other humans far away?! The spitting coffee scene made me laugh out loud! I can absolutely see that happening when a being tries it the first time! (hide spoiler)]

I'm shocked that (view spoiler)[ the alien chooses to become human (hide spoiler)]. How about you?

Laura (Lclwags) wrote: "Just finished The War and Money Show chapter. I also like the simple writing style and the little humorous things that make me chuckle out loud. My coworkers are going to think I'm crazy.
It's fun..."

What great points. Humans!

Tammy wrote: "I'm shocked that [spoilers removed]. How about you?"

I think he may have had second thoughts as in chapter titled 'The Rhythm of Life' (view spoiler)["What had once seemed exotic began to feel rather monotonous" (hide spoiler)].
Though, life from where he came from does not sound much fun.

I have this one on hold at my library - and I'm just waiting for it to GET here. There are three copies in our system, and as I check, ONE of them is overdue, so I'm hoping it will be in MY hands pretty soon. I'm next in line for it!

♞ Pat wrote: "I have this one on hold at my library - and I'm just waiting for it to GET here. There are three copies in our system, and as I check, ONE of them is overdue, so I'm hoping it will be in MY hands p..."

Hope it gets to you soon!

Sill in part 1, just finished "The Dog and the Music"

(view spoiler)[ I am really hoping our alien impostor will grow to appreciate and come to love humans. It seems like it is inclining that way but we are not there yet. When he discovered love once he had fatally injured the other professor, Daniel Russel, and he views the wife's despair I was hoping that might move him to reverse what he did. Of course, then he would be exposed but still. But then, when he watched the son and the train, knowing he looked suicidal and waiting to see what would happen. Oh, that chilled me to the core. (hide spoiler)]

The Dog and the Music - (view spoiler)[ I'm glad he bonded with Newton. It lets us see a bit of the change happening when he heals Newton in effort to balance killing Daniel. I thought he was going to stop it when he saw the pain and love from the wife, but he was still too stuck in his logical way of being. The scene with the train was disturbing. (hide spoiler)]
Crunchy Wholenut Peanut Butter - (view spoiler)[ I love that he seems to be able to understand Newton. I laughed out loud when he said "I'm sorry Newton, but it appears we have run out of peanut butter." It could be the way the narrator said it in the audio book or that it's just such a silly image, a man and a dog sitting in the kitchen eating an entire jar of peanut butter. (hide spoiler)]
Sloping roofs (view spoiler)[ It's interesting to see how the connection between "Andrew" and Gulliver is growing. I really thought he had died there for a minute. (hide spoiler)]
The Hat and Feathers, The Ideal Castle, Somewhere Else and Places Beyond Logic(view spoiler)[ Ugh! Of all the human things he's figured out, how did he miss the importance of marriage and fidelity?! I kept thinking why was he going along with her when he already said he didn't like her. Maybe it was a reminder that very intelligent people can often be oblivious to social cues as they aren't always logical. The scene with Isabel was about how I expected that to go. (hide spoiler)]

I'm at about 50% now. (view spoiler)[ I don't know if anyone else has experienced this.. but the book seemed to lose a bit of the humour towards the middle. There was a brilliant start and then the laughs are more few and far between for me. It just didn't keep my attention as well as it did at the beginning, not quite sure how to describe what happened. I'm hoping it picks up again. Maybe it's just me? (hide spoiler)]

Vicki wrote: "Sill in part 1, just finished "The Dog and the Music"

[spoilers removed]"

Vicki wrote: "Sill in part 1, just finished "The Dog and the Music"

[spoilers removed]"

I was also concerned (view spoiler)[about the cold and calculated way he murdered Daniel Andrews. No empathy for Daniel's wife Tabitha. I imagined killing someone could have been a bigger deal for the aliens as they did not have to face death themselves. After that he perhaps sees things more from a human perspective (hide spoiler)].
and, (view spoiler)[his reaction to Gulliver contemplating suicide, though he does redeem himself in Part 2 (hide spoiler)]

I’ll join this read. I just got it from the library and downloaded it.

Part 1 ended on a high note for me with the chapter, 'The Mother', which brought back the humo(u)r, when he talks to his mother on the phone. (view spoiler)["Why are you calling me Mother, you call me Mum". (hide spoiler)]
Also when he asks his mother (view spoiler)[to come over and says "Twelve thousand miles didn't sound like much. Come over this afternoon." (hide spoiler)]

Stacy wrote: "I'm at about 50% now. [spoilers removed]"

I agree (view spoiler)[the humo(u)r does seem to fall off. It seems to coincide with his increased empathy for humans. For example, rescuing Gulliver from the roof.
After Part 1 the focus of the books does seem to change and becomes perhaps a bit more philosophical on what it means to be human. (hide spoiler)]

Yes Odette, (view spoiler)[ you're right, the book does seem to be getting philosophical. I don't think I was expecting that, I couldn't really put my finger on how it was changing. I have read a bit further and he definitely has more empathy now, I get the impression he may not want to complete his mission anymore. (hide spoiler)]

Finished and happy with the ending.

I have finished this one now. (view spoiler)[ The ending was good, the book did pick up again. I still think the humour was more in the first half of the book, but it was a good read. (hide spoiler)]

I have just finished part 2
(view spoiler)[ Definitely less funny as he tries to deal with the fallout of previous Andrew Martin's failings with his family. Though I do find the wooden way he speaks to everyone to be kind of funny, like they must all think he has really lost his mind. He's messed up bad now though and that was all him. Would a being so far advanced really ever give up powers, immortality, and traveling the universe to be stuck on Earth with Isobel? I don't think so! lol (hide spoiler)]

Newton(view spoiler)[ So happy he at least saved the dog before giving up his powers! (hide spoiler)]

I have finished this book now.

I agree with Vicki that Part 2 is less funny. (view spoiler)[It starts with Gulliver's issues and the alien asking his controllers for more time to get to know humans better. Thus putting off having to kill Isabel and Gulliver (hide spoiler)].
The style of writing is still easy to read. At the same time perhaps too simplistic, detracting from the seriousness of the issues involved. Parts are a little bit funny for example when (view spoiler)[Andrew greets Ari and trying to sound friend like asks, 'How are you? How's your marriage?" (hide spoiler)]. The humo(u)r is sounding a bit forced to me now.

I read this book back in 2020. I remember the book was funny in the beginning and the tone gradually changes as the alien learns more about humans and loses the prejudices; as he explores what it means to be human. I had liked some of the advice from Advice for a human. I loved it, both when it was funny and after it turned thoughtful.

I started this one today. I am finding it quite funny overall. I just finished part 1 (view spoiler)[ I loved the part where he thinks he has to curse to communicate with his teenage son. I loved his take on listening to music and also his developing relationship with Newton. The alien is beginning to question his orders to destroy Gulliver. (hide spoiler)]

I finished today. I thought it was well written and heartwarming. I loved the poetry and music stuff. I enjoyed this book more than The Midnight Library.

Reading on further, the story evolves and each of the 3 parts having a different emphasis.
In Part 2 - (view spoiler)[Gulliver is rescued from the roof (alien still has his powers which he will lose soon), decision to become human, confrontation between Matthew and replacement with Gulliver's help.
After making decision, Matthew is experiencing what it is like to be human in this part. (hide spoiler)]
In Part 3 - (view spoiler)[Matthew leaves Isabel due to affair with Maggie, which is eventually resolved.
Chapter titled, 'Advice for a human', contains 97 items of advice directed to Gulliver. These are light feel good sayings. (hide spoiler)].
I did enjoy reading this book. There were more laugh aloud moments in the earlier sections. The light easy to read tone continues throughout, while examining what it means to be human.

Just started the book. Im hooked!

Oops! Just realized there was no reporting thread! My apologies. If you finished the book, please go ahead and report. It's there now :)

I’m listening to the audio version and this first part I thought was comical.

Part 1 (view spoiler)[I thought it was hysterical when he gets arrested and he thinks quoting cosmopolitan was surely going to help him get out of his situation. I also thought it was funny that he was mentioning that the clothes chafe him. I felt like he does about boiled carrots as I detest them. Looking back, I never gave it a second thought that it was a cow and then beef when we eat it. My employee brought that up just this week in our conversation and that same day I hear this referred again but in a book. Weird. (hide spoiler)]

I have to say that I’m not a math major and do not care for it so all the references to prime numbers send shivers down my back.

I finished the book.

I would agree the three parts felt very different
(view spoiler)[ For me Part 3 was way too sappy and preachy. It was fine and I liked the ending but I liked the funny alien bumbling through human idiosyncrasies a lot better. (hide spoiler)]

Jannene wrote: "I have to say that I’m not a math major and do not care for it so all the references to prime numbers send shivers down my back."

Same here! Thankfully there is not as much as I feared.

Started this one yesterday, quite promising, enjoying the comical aspect of it.
Only did read "The Midnight Library" from the author and I did enjoy that one a lot, quite different from this one.

I just finished the book. (view spoiler)[I thought it was interesting that he decides he loves his wife yet decides to have sex with Maggie then tattles on himself.

It was interesting that he gave up all of his gifts to become human. I found the last part of the book boring and a bit painful to finish. I wish the momentum from part 1. (hide spoiler)]

Vicki wrote: "I finished the book.

I would agree the three parts felt very different
[spoilers removed]"

Yes, thinking about it more the 3rd part was weak compared to the earlier parts of book. The Chapter, 'Advice to Humans' was too long and did not work for me. Perhaps the author wanted to say something serious, but it did not gel for me with the earlier humorous parts.