Reviews with content warning for Blood - An Absolutely Remarkable Thing

Thought I didn't like scifi, but it turns out I really like first contact stories!

This is a really fun, funny, gripping read from YouTube science dad Hank Green, which explores first contact through the lens of its impacts on people: themes include the all consuming and uncontrollable nature of fame, becoming someone whose brand is expressing hope for humanity, and the ways we dehumanise ourselves as individuals in efforts to humanise a collective experience.

Also contains Carly Rae Jepsen lyrics, so truly the perfect fun read.

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jenarae's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny mysterious reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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biab00's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious 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

Really fun and weird.

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ssgcedits's review against another edition

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adventurous informative lighthearted fast-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

4.5

Ah, yes... The better Green.
A very fast-paced adventure with much information and reflection on social media, media narratives, and how we see international/global problems. It reads a bit like a stream of consciousness but in a very effective and organised way. It is clearly written by a science person, but I mean that in the best way possible. It is very straightforward and unpretentious. Because it is so rooted in what our culture is actually like, it feels extremely possible, even real, despite being an alien invasion sci-fi story. I can't wait to pick up the next book in the series and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a page-turner regardless of their interest in sci-fi.

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theirgracegrace's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

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baponthecob's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful mysterious reflective fast-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

Honestly I wasn't initially that compelled by a first contact story, but I became really invested in the plot and characters??? April May felt so real. She's kind of a shit, but that's the point. I relate to the parts of her that are impulsive and want to sabotage her relationships and are overly prideful to hide how she's deeply insecure. She wasn't some kind of hero; she was just. A person.
I love how she had to learn that she couldnt do everything by herself. She had to let go of her pride and allow herself to be vulnerable, and to admit that she needs help.
The writing style threw me off at first bc it was so casual, but I ended up liking it. Hearing it on an audiobook made it feel like something a regular person actually documented. Kind of refreshing compared to what I've read lately
The pacing was fast for me, but it didnt bother me too much. Maybe some of April's traits could have been built up to instead of her kind of info dumping before something happened. But overall, not a big deal
That cliffhanger at the end should be illegal though 😔 jail

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