Reviews with content warning for Kidnapping - An Absolutely Remarkable Thing

***MILD SPOILERS AHEAD***

I truly believe that everyone should read this book. One of the reasons is because we live in this period of time in which the amount of likes and followers you have is seen as one of the greatest things you could accomplish. And even if it actually is a great accomplishment for creators, some of them spiral down into a dark, superficial version of the world in which nothing else matters except getting more followers. April, like many creators, does try to use her fame to help a bigger cause. This is why I like this book so much, because even if the choices she made weren't always the best she always tried to use her fame and notoriety for a good reason. I'm glad that Hank decided to touch this topic not only on the story but also on his author's note at the end. However, the main reason I believe everyone should read this book is because it perfectly depicts what humanity is capable to do due to their fear. Most importantly, how we should fight against letting our fear control us and stick together. One of my favorite phrases of this book is "This is what humanity is, solidarity in the face of fear." I believe we should start practicing it more.

Plus, Hank narrates Andy's POV. Chef's kiss.

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foreverbookwandering's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I could not put this book down, I had to keep reading to find out what would happen next. I absolutely loved it!

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eamily's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious reflective medium-paced

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

4.25

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kylieqrada's review

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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

4.0

I didn't expect to like this as much as I did. I didn't even intend to ever read it, really. I like the Green brothers, who doesn't! But I've never really vibed with John's books, and I figured Hank's were going to be more of the same. But An Absolutely Remarkable Thing is not just more John Green YA contemporary romance, in a few ways: 1) This is not YA. It is adult. Granted, new-ish adult, the characters are in their early 20s, but it is very much not YA. 2) This is not contemporary romance. It's contemporary, but more like speculative/sci-fi in a real-world setting with dashes of satire. 3) Hank definitely has his own voice, and I LOVE that voice. It's edgy, and meta, and self-aware, and very raw. I do not think it is for everyone, but it was perfect for me, especially the humor. I also deeply enjoyed listening to this on audio. If I continue the series, I will certainly do so via audiobook, because Kristen Sieh IS April May, and quite honestly her voice reminds me a little bit of my friend Chessa, which I loved, but I digress. This book also had some parallels to life in America in the 2020s that were weirdly apt. It's like, there are no giant robots named Carl on our city streets, but the way people are acting, you would think that there were. I don't want to spoil anything, but essentially, July 13th has an eerie real-world analog that hit close to home.

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gracecleo's review against another edition

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mysterious reflective medium-paced

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

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nomatophobia's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

5.0

THIS IS A GREAT BOOK FOR PEOPLE WHO DON'T LIKE TO READ

Whomst,,, who gives him the right to break my heart like that. What a fucking rennaissance man Hank Green is. Just read it. Seriously.

I could not put this book down. It's so fast-paced I couldn't even tell it takes place over a year. I love stories that dive into humanity and look at it like the glorious thing that it is. AAA idk how to write a book review but just,, 5,000,000,000/5 stars

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samchase112's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious reflective medium-paced

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

5.0

Starting off 2021 with an absolutely fantastic read! This was a fun, wild ride through the world of fame, social media, human connection, and some really weird sh*t. I had a great time reading this one, and was fully engrossed in the story the entire time. The plot is so creative, unique, and engaging, and because of that you really never know where the story is going to end up. I also loved the way this book talked so much about fame and the power of social media, and the effects both have on a person's psyche and relationships with the people around them. Hank Green was able to explore a lot of different aspects of fame and the media along with everything else happening in the book, and it's a testament to the story that he was able to fit so much in and I was never bored. I love a quotable book, and there were so many places I wanted to underline or make a note of that I now need to buy this book! I can't recommend this one enough, but I hope it's not an omen for what might happen in 2021...

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