Watertown Library Looks to Uplift with 2021 One Book

WATERTOWN, MA — Each year the Watertown Free Public Library invites everyone to read the same book during the same period of time and then explore the themes and messages together.

After an incredibly trying 2020, with relief just barely in sight, the librarians were in search of a title to lift up spirits and warm the heart. They landed on "The Humans" by Matt Haig.

"The Humans" tells the story of a reluctant alien who arrives on Earth with the goal of erasing all
traces of a monumental scientific discovery. To do this, he takes the place of Professor Andrew
Martin, the mathematician who made the breakthrough. The alien’s initial impression of humanity is one of disgust and confusion, and he finds he prefers the company of Martin’s dog, Newton.

Through creating a life with Martin’s wife and teenage son, he comes to see the hope and beauty
in their mortality, and the value in human life. As he begins to understand the concept of love, he
realizes his mission endangers everything he now holds dear. Matt Haig’s book is a laugh-out-loud, heart-filled exploration of what it truly means to be human. It’s the kind of story everyone needs to hear right now.

Copies of The Humans will be available in multiple formats beginning in January. Join us in March
for virtual library events and programs. A full list of events will be available in late January.