Matt Haig - The Humans

Humans embark on journeys everyday to ‘find themselves’. Haig’s character, as far as I’m aware, has gone the furthest yet. Most would travel, learn a new language, pick up a new instrument or just read a book and develop a change. Haig’s character however takes a different route; a roller-coaster of emotion, and we get to witness the right and wrong decisions being made on this 'trip'. At one point I literally talked to the book, pleading for the character to choose the other option. Haig has created a manual to life and has produced something quite unique that really does send your head spinning and heart beating. 

When a thought to be impossible mathematics problem is solved by a professor on Earth, it does not seem to go down well with others in outer space. Professor Andrew Martin of Cambridge University wakes up naked on a motorway unsure of everything. He hates everyone and everything in this world. He thinks clothes are pointless and the food is gross. Even his wife is too horrific to look at. Lucky for him he needn’t be there long to complete his mission. But what happens when he finds a friend in a dog named Newton, reads poetry by Emily Dickinson and discovers the beautiful harmony of peanut butter and bread? 

My first impressions were that it’s such a relatable book. Everyone can pick this up and learn something from it. It is a funny read too, reading about what an alien might make of planet Earth. I actually found myself nodding along to the opinions on things such as magazines, human bodies, capitalism, the weather and “the things we do to make us happy that actually make us miserable.” I couldn’t help but agree. I really wasn’t expecting to laugh as much as I did but when Haig’s character starts defining things found on Earth like cows and photographs, you really do have to chuckle along. 

As the story goes on though it becomes heart warming, special and you find yourself needing to know more. My only critique in fact is that it was maybe too long towards the end when you really just want to know what happens. But maybe that’s just me - cut to the chase. Haig does write beautifully though so even through my impatience I learnt. One of my favourite lines that highlights his brilliant technique for writing; “She smiled a sad smile, and blew a brown tide of ripples across the surface of her drink.” A simple thing to happen yet such a wonderful description. A mesmerising way to make an ordinary moment, extraordinary.  

I could go on and on, picking out clever lines and favoured parts but instead I will just recommend you put it on your reading list. It’s a wonderful tale and incorporates surprise, love and humour. My three favourite things to find in the pages of a book. It isn’t truthful, but Haig is honest throughout. After reading you may question things around you, see things differently, love more, hurt less. I guarantee whatever it is, you will feel something. It is a powerful read and I thank Matt Haig for sharing this story with us. 

5/5

Have you read it? What did you think? 

Please leave me a comment below :) 

The Best Parts Of My Bookshelf

So as a reviewer my interest falls mainly on books/films/music and I guess I wanted to go through each of these - at different times - and discuss my favourites. So this blog entry brings you the three top titles on my bookshelf and why. 

Maybe it should be entitled "Why Cecelia Ahern is my Favourite Author" because most of my favourite titles come from her mind, but I'll just pick my favourite book by her (tough decision) and discuss that one, and then move on to a different author. But just so you know this is going to be difficult... 

Top Title Number 3 is Matt Haig's The Humans. This book is borrowed which sadly means it cannot live on my shelf forever but I am certainly considering buying my own copy to keep for when times get rough. Because Haig writes as if he knows all your problems and helps you through them with his words. 

Professor Andrew Martin solves the seemingly impossible mathematical problem but disappears. Found wandering naked along a motorway he seems different. Even his wife and son find him to be inhumane. Can he prevent himself from killing all those connected with his findings? Is peanut butter really invented by such a terrible race? The Humans is the reason for the phrase 'weird and wonderful'. 

Top Title Number 2 has to be Suzanne Collins - The Hunger Games Trilogy. 

Being part of the poorest district doesn't benefit anyone, especially Katniss Everdeen when she is called up to fight in a battle where 24 go in but only 1 returns. 

My heart stopped quite a few times whilst reading this book. The lead roles are relatable and I pictured myself in Katniss' position countless of times as I watched her story unfold. What would I do in that situation? Who would I trust if I was her? I fell in love with this book, and that love only grew after reading Catching Fire and Mockingjay. It's got action, emotion and romance all packed into one. 

But the crowned winner, Top Title Number 1 is Cecelia Ahern - If You Could See Me Now. 

Elizabeth Egan leads a busy lifestyle, running her own business whilst looking after her sisters son, Luke. She doesn't have friends and a man is the last thing on her mind. 

Ivan, fun loving, spontaneous and always seeking an adventure to embark on, finds himself befriending Luke and soon enough Elizabeth too. He helps her rekindle with aspects of her life she considered to be lost. But is Ivan too good to be true?

This heart warming and imaginative tale is what Cecelia Ahern is all about. Leaving you hanging onto every word and never wanting the stories that she writes to end. I found myself reading this book again and again and every time experiencing a different emotion. I would happily read it more too because it just doesn't get boring. It's a beautiful piece of fiction that I love having on my bookshelf, close to hand. 

So there you have it. My three top titles on my bookshelf at the moment. Each different from one another in so many ways but all fantastic reads carrying ingenious twists, which I recommend you discover when you get the chance. 

What are your favourite books on your shelf? 

Leave me a comment below :)