Reviews with content warning for Gore - An Absolutely Remarkable Thing

Thought I didn't like scifi, but it turns out I really like first contact stories!

This is a really fun, funny, gripping read from YouTube science dad Hank Green, which explores first contact through the lens of its impacts on people: themes include the all consuming and uncontrollable nature of fame, becoming someone whose brand is expressing hope for humanity, and the ways we dehumanise ourselves as individuals in efforts to humanise a collective experience.

Also contains Carly Rae Jepsen lyrics, so truly the perfect fun read.

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illianjay's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

the manner of narration is confusing when u think about it too hard but the ending left my jaw dropped so A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor is already otw to my house 😍

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gabbyblayden's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I am blown away by how much I enjoyed this book. It’s unlike anything I’ve read before (I’m not normally a sci-fi reader). Twitter and human emotions are right up my alley, but the aliens and Dream Sequence code added a spin to my reading that I couldn’t get enough of.

While I found the writing a bit clunky at times, the plot was meticulously thought out and researched, and Hank totally nailed April as a narrator. Who knew the science brother could also be an amazing writer?!

Pretty psyched to read the sequel!

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jenarae's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny mysterious reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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lilacverses's review against another edition

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funny mysterious reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This is a fantastic debut novel. I like this book way too much for my own good. I find the candid, self-aware narration style to be just my kind of thing, and a great way to approach writing your first book, especially when you're an older adult writing younger adults who are making blatant mistakes. It also fits really well with the plot/narrative context of the novel. Hank Green, you have impressed me, thrilled me, and I cannot wait to read the sequel.
**I have tagged this with two violence content warnings, but I want to note that they are noted in the book when to skip. I did not skip, knowing I am sensitive to these things. I found them graphic, but because they are announced and readers have the option to ship, I would really, really recommend that people sensitive to gore or body horror read, if they find themselves interested. I don't think it takes away from the book in a significant enough way. Green knew exactly what was necessary, and what was not.

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hrivers03's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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allylig's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

AMAZING!! This book is incredibly compelling and leaves you wanting more. It talks about fame and social media success in an honest way and in a way that only someone who recieved success on social media can do. It does contain queer characters, and the queerness of the main character, April May, plays an especially important role in the story.

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