Scan barcode
cavendish9's review against another edition
5.0
Must read the first one - but intriguing story and so entertaining
lahowitt's review against another edition
fast-paced
2.5
[audiobook]
I hated the first half of Carl 1 and liked the second half. Of Carl 2 (this one), I liked the first half and hated the second half. April is incredibly annoying and I hate that people are always whipping out their cellphones and taking videos to change the world.
I hated the first half of Carl 1 and liked the second half. Of Carl 2 (this one), I liked the first half and hated the second half. April is incredibly annoying and I hate that people are always whipping out their cellphones and taking videos to change the world.
lucky_clover_'s review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sheridanwaverly's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
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
4.0
This book is a beautifully *ambitious* endeavor that just nearly sticks the landing. Whereas book 1 has a page-turning mystery that is believable as a few degrees away from reality, this follow-up reveals a surprisingly complex answer to that mystery which is trying to be both allegorical and scientifically plausible. It ends up feeling somewhat convoluted (at least for my non scientific brain) and a little forced in terms of its commentary on humanity. Having multiple narrators this time is fun, but poses some challenges to the pacing (and sometimes veers into territory that feels like blogging). Plus, where did Robin go? It feels like he gets completely forgotten about halfway through the book. That said, I fell in love with this story in the first book and really enjoyed getting to spend more time with these characters and see the story through. Hank Green has a keen awareness of how the internet, culture, science, and media interplay and the Altus plotline feels very relevant and poignant. The character development is also really strong and offers a lot of food for thought. Overall I definitely recommend!
muppetincrisis's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
apaulson99's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
mysterious
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? No
3.75
Such an interesting concept. I read the first about three years ago and didn't remember too much (that isn't a criticism on that book, I am just terrible at remembering plots) but I felt like this sequel brought me right back into the world. It reintroduced me to April and the Carls but then got right on to what happens next.
Like his brother John, Hank has a great way of writing fiction that also comments on society at large. But Hank is able to add that science element. The message is even more prevalent now with the rise of AI and what it means for our future. Will there be a day where AI controls so much that we don't have to think for ourselves? How will we know when it's all gone too far? Big questions like that are answered by incredibly real and likeable characters.
I appreciated the amazing group of narrators for this audiobook and the bonus feature at the end just for people who listen to books!
Like his brother John, Hank has a great way of writing fiction that also comments on society at large. But Hank is able to add that science element. The message is even more prevalent now with the rise of AI and what it means for our future. Will there be a day where AI controls so much that we don't have to think for ourselves? How will we know when it's all gone too far? Big questions like that are answered by incredibly real and likeable characters.
I appreciated the amazing group of narrators for this audiobook and the bonus feature at the end just for people who listen to books!
patheher's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
All of the issues I had with the first book were "fixed" nicely in this sequel. A variety of viewpoints allowed for the opportunity to find characters I could relate to, and I was very pleased with the ending, which I couldn't say for book one. I enjoyed listening to this very much and I'm glad I listened to my friends who encouraged me to pick it up.
steelcutoats's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
v32's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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
5.0