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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Buy for $18.74

Buy for $18.74

The bestselling, award-winning author of The Midnight Library offers his funniest, most devastating dark comedy yet, a “silly, sad, suspenseful, and soulful” (Philadelphia Inquirer) novel that’s “full of heart” (Entertainment Weekly).

When an extra-terrestrial visitor arrives on Earth, his first impressions of the human species are less than positive. Taking the form of Professor Andrew Martin, a prominent mathematician at Cambridge University, the visitor is eager to complete the gruesome task assigned him and hurry home to his own utopian planet, where everyone is omniscient and immortal.

He is disgusted by the way humans look, what they eat, their capacity for murder and war, and is equally baffled by the concepts of love and family. But as time goes on, he starts to realize there may be more to this strange species than he had thought. Disguised as Martin, he drinks wine, reads poetry, develops an ear for rock music, and a taste for peanut butter. Slowly, unexpectedly, he forges bonds with Martin’s family. He begins to see hope and beauty in the humans’ imperfection, and begins to question the very mission that brought him there.

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 messiness of life on Earth. The Humans is a funny, compulsively readable tale that playfully and movingly explores the ultimate subject—ourselves. Science Fiction Thought-Provoking Funny Witty Humorous Fiction Literature & Fiction Comedy Genre Fiction Heartfelt Suspenseful Satire Family Life Feel-Good

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

Unique Perspective • Thought-provoking Insights • Perfect Voice • Likeable Protagonist • Heartfelt Storytelling

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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.

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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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