A Fresh Take on First Contact & Internet Fame
Hank Green's debut novel, An Absolutely Remarkable Thing, delivers a clever blend of science fiction and social commentary that feels both wildly imaginative and uncomfortably relevant. With over 124,000 ratings and a solid 4.04 average on Goodreads, this 343-page adventure has clearly struck a chord with readers looking for something different in the sci-fi genre.
What Makes This Book Special?
The story follows April May, a twenty-something graphic designer who stumbles upon a giant robotic sculpture in New York City. When her viral video about the mysterious artifact (dubbed "Carl") catapults her to internet fame, April finds herself at the center of a global mystery as identical Carls appear overnight in cities worldwide.
What readers consistently praise is Green's ability to:
- Create a protagonist who feels authentically flawed yet compelling
- Explore the double-edged sword of viral fame
- Blend humor with profound questions about human connection
- Present complex ideas in accessible, engaging prose
Why You'll Love April May's Journey
April May isn't your typical hero - she's messy, makes questionable decisions, and struggles with the sudden spotlight. This authenticity makes her journey through internet stardom and extraterrestrial mystery feel genuine. Green doesn't shy away from showing how social media fame can distort relationships and self-perception, making this far more than just a first-contact story.
The pacing keeps pages turning, with the mystery of the Carls unfolding at just the right speed to maintain intrigue without frustration. Readers particularly enjoy how Green balances:
- Moments of laugh-out-loud humor
- Thought-provoking commentary on modern media
- Exciting sci-fi elements that avoid typical alien tropes
Perfect For Readers Who Enjoy:
If you like stories that mix contemporary issues with speculative elements (think Ready Player One meets The Social Network), this book delivers. It's particularly great for:
- Fans of John Green looking for something with more sci-fi
- Readers who enjoy questioning narrator perspectives
- Anyone fascinated by internet culture and its impacts
Final Verdict: Remarkable Indeed
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing succeeds as both an entertaining adventure and a mirror held up to our social media-obsessed world. While some readers note the ending leaves questions unanswered (presumably for the sequel), the journey is so engaging that most find this forgivable.
At its heart, this is a story about human connection in the digital age, wrapped in an irresistible mystery. Hank Green proves he's just as talented at crafting compelling fiction as his famous brother, while bringing his own unique voice to the literary world.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.04/5)
Length: 343 pages
Where to buy: Available on Amazon
Whether you're a longtime Hank Green fan or new to his work, this thought-provoking page-turner offers one of the most original takes on first contact in recent memory - and will leave you looking at social media (and possibly alien sculptures) in a whole new light.
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