Scan barcode
A review by honeyhistory103
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
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
4.25
My expectations going into this book were, admittedly, high - I love following Hank Green and the commitment to both education and creativity that he has. This book has delivered impeccably: despite the premises being both being done by numerous people before (the rise to fame and alien invasion alike), Hank's take on the story those two things would create was well-done and still unique.
More notable than anything, I think, was how April May was written. I hold great respect for an author that can write a character that, beyond just flawed, makes downright unlikable choices throughout nearly the entirety of the novel, and still create a character that is enjoyable to read. Possibly, this was helped by an addictive plot - I wanted to know the mystery of the Carls as much as April, or anyone else in this world, did.
One thing that did occasionally take me out of the story was its overall observation and quiet critique of the way that things are politicized around the world (particularly the US, but internationally regardless). Gently allegorical, Hank's reminder to readers that humanity must solve problems together sometimes felt disingenuous coming from April, who seemed to get so sucked into the political pundit part of life. But then, perhaps that was part of his message entirely.
Overall, this was an excellent read. And man oh man, did the cliffhanger at the end have me immediately looking to place a hold on the second book in the series.
More notable than anything, I think, was how April May was written. I hold great respect for an author that can write a character that, beyond just flawed, makes downright unlikable choices throughout nearly the entirety of the novel, and still create a character that is enjoyable to read. Possibly, this was helped by an addictive plot - I wanted to know the mystery of the Carls as much as April, or anyone else in this world, did.
One thing that did occasionally take me out of the story was its overall observation and quiet critique of the way that things are politicized around the world (particularly the US, but internationally regardless). Gently allegorical, Hank's reminder to readers that humanity must solve problems together sometimes felt disingenuous coming from April, who seemed to get so sucked into the political pundit part of life. But then, perhaps that was part of his message entirely.
Overall, this was an excellent read. And man oh man, did the cliffhanger at the end have me immediately looking to place a hold on the second book in the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Cursing