The Humans by Matt Haig

 

An alien race kills a mathemetician who has solved a mathematical equation which will change the world in some unspecified way that humans are not ready to handle. Quite frankly, this is exactly how I felt in GSCE maths every single time there was a tick at the end of my sum. Or was it dangerous to the rest of the galaxy/ universe. I forget. Although these things are fairly intertwined. Anyway, they send one of their own to replace him so that they can make sure he hasn't told anyone so they can stop the secret from spreading.

The great thing about writing from the point of view of a non-human, especially one who is studying humans, is that you can make all sorts of poignant observations and highlights of our oddities and absurdities. Let's face it, we're an odd bunch.

Matt Haig, of course, does this brilliantly. He makes you laugh, makes you pensive, makes you sad. Sometimes all in one page! He also does a list of great pieces of advice too including:

• "Don't worry about your abilities. You have the ability to love. That is enough."
• "Technology won't save humankind. Hamans will."
• "Peanut butter sandwiches go perfectly well with a glass of white wine. And don't let anyone tell you any different."
• "When you watch the news and see members of your species in turmoil, do not think there is nothing you can do. But know it is not done by watching the news."
• "Men are not from Mars and Women are not from Venus. Do not fall for categories."
  
• "Alcohol in the evening is very enjoyable. Hangovers in the morning are very unpleasant. At some point you have to choose: evenings, or mornings."
• "A watched pot never boils. And that is all you need to know about quantum physics."
  

This is my first Matt Haig book and it definitely won't be my last.