Reviews with content warning for Murder - 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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scruffie's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful mysterious reflective tense 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

An absolutely remarkable book. Loved the plot, loved the writing style, couldn't stop once I started reading it. Five stars from me, without any reservations whatsoever. I hope the second book in the series is just as good!

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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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empathephant's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

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

3.0

So the first time I read this I ate it up. I was sick, it was like a two day read, and all I cared about was the plot and the mystery. At times I kind of rolled my eyes a little bit as I thought Hank was definitely using the book to insert some vlogbrothers-style essay musings on life, which, while interesting pulled me out of the story a little as the voice felt more like Hank than the narrator. But I liked it enough to immediately suggest it as a book I could read aloud to my husband.

In forcing myself to slow down and read it I realized that I never really bonded with the characters. April is kind of annoying as hell. She has "flaws", but they don't seem to get in her way nor does she ever grow past being an impulsive entitled asshole towards people she theoretically should care about. And while the cast is "diverse," they are all gorgeous, ridiculously smart/talented women. Which doesn't feel relatable to me. These people are becoming more and more famous and are literally never self-conscious? Never think about their bodies? Maybe I'm wrong and most women around me are shining beams of confidence in every moment, but...

All of that said, I'd still recommend this book. I think many of its flaws are ones that can easily be ascribed to a first time author who had a pretty quick avenue to getting published, and Hank has an amazing imagination and I can't wait to see him grow as an author. And even more importantly, this book is super timely in the questions it makes you ask yourself about society, politics, and the dynamics of healthy debate on the internet. The idea of

The Dream

was delightful, and I loved every moment I got to spend in it. I grew from reading the book despite not connecting with the characters, which to me says the ideas it contains are pretty smart.

(Also, I'm finding the second book a lot better in terms of character development, and it has a compelling story, so it's worth it to read this just to get to that.)

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