A review by honeyhistory103
A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor by Hank Green

adventurous emotional hopeful medium-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

4.25

I am simply blown away by the nuance and skill that Hank Green utilized in this story. I'm coming pretty quickly off of the first book, and in this one, every good thing about book one has been elevated. Though still fueled the existence of alien technology, the dystopia that Green crafts feels as though it could lurk around the bend in our very own future - he has written a very human story amid the battle of two alien forces. 

What stands out the most to me about this story is the incredible way Hank develops his characters, for better and for worse. When you've read the narratives back to back (or close to that), the subtly with which the players in his story change throughout them is absolutely mind-blowing. Andy and April, in particular, were extraordinarily well done - there was never a moment when they seemed to have flipped suddenly into a different character. Their changes were the consequences of the choices that were made, both by them and for them.

Despite a grimness that seemed to coat the story, Green still manages to end the book on a hopeful note - you can feel his sincere love and care for humanity, both in the story and in real life, shining off of the pages. It is an excellent read - it preaches less than the first book, and simply invites you to feel, and reflect on what you're feeling. It's incredibly easy to picture yourself within his narrative, and I think that is precisely what he set out to do. Would highly recommend.

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