The Humans

This is a great book for any students aged 14+. It is humourous but asks all-important questions about what makes us human. It's accessible but carries enough weight to encourage thinking and critical reflection. It's told from the perspective of an alien who finds himself in a human body, trying to work out the rules of human language and behaviour.

I enjoyed this, but not as much as some of his other books. Would recommend still.

Funny and witty. I enjoyed the comments on pointless human behaviour while coming back to the things that can make humans great. Well written and I thoroughly enjoyed.

My Novel Lovers Reading Group discussed this at our last meeting and it received overwhelming approval (although it’s true that our one male reader didn’t experience the same uplifting effect as the rest of us did).

The Vonnadorians know that Professor Andrew Martin has proved the Riemann hypothesis. Anxious that this important mathematical breakthrough does not become public knowledge on earth, they send one of their own to destroy Andrew’s wife and teenage son, and anyone else that may have been privy to the information. And what better way to do this than arrange for a Vonnadorian to inhabit Professor Martin’s body?

The only problem is that the Vonnadorian in question is at first disgusted and horrified by humans and their way of life; how will he ever blend in? He comes from a more sophisticated planet, where logic and mathematics are all important. But as his mission continues, he discovers music, Newton the dog, and then, most disturbing of all, what love means.

When I first started reading this novel, I thought it was rather odd and then the humour and warmth overrode all my reservations. It’s a life affirming, very funny and original story; lovely to read by yourself or as part of a reading group.

Loved this quirky book. I went straight out got a copy of The Radley by the same author.
If you like Hitch Hikers Guide To Galaxy and More & Mind then you will love this