Reviews

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing, by Hank Green

caitlinhf's review against another edition

3.0

3.5 stars*

this was such a cool and interesting story about first contact with aliens and how social media impacts something like that. sci-fi and my brain usually don’t mix well, but this was a very accessible story for non sci-fi readers! if you haven’t been able to get into sci-fi then i recommend this one as it was easily digestible and not intimidating/confusing at all. i also liked how it was narrated, the narrator did an excellent job. super fun and would recommend!

*audiobook*

therazzdazzler's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

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

5.0

neobridgeburn's review against another edition

5.0

saur good

readingdoll's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

gabieowleyess's review against another edition

4.0

I tried reading this book physically and I couldn't get into it. Well, this was SUCH a great audiobook. Hank Green has something here. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next!

wgibson624's review against another edition

reflective fast-paced

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

3.75

ahill33's review against another edition

adventurous challenging funny medium-paced

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

4.0

book_otter's review against another edition

5.0

If you can please listen to at least the last chapter in audiobook format because it is read by Hank Green!!! And that frickin' ending... I'm still mad lol.
But besides that, this is one of the ebst books so far this year. An Absolutely Remarkable Thing was amazing. While the main character, April May, was so frustrating sometimes, that was what made her so realistic and human. You couldn't help but like her. The book put so much in prespective, and I can't wait to buy my own copy so I can mark it up. I wasn't sure if I would like it or not, because sci-fi-y stuff is always hit or miss, but I wouldn't necessarily classify this as sci-fi, just... aliens? idk.
Basically, it was SO GOOD and I am super hyped for the next book!
-
One more thing: I listen to Brizzy and Tessa's podcast, Fantastic Geeks and Where To Find Them, and a while ago they had a podcast in which Hank came in and they talk about the book, without spoilers, and they sort the characters, and it is great. Would highly recommend, it's available for free download on Spotify or Apple podcasts.

book_otter's review against another edition

5.0

This book is amazing. I didn't know what to expect from it, because I had heard so many good things but without specifics, so I went in nothing almost nothing. That was the best way to read it. I read this book almost two weeks ago. I know that isn't a long time, but I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. And you know what, it's not because

Spoiler

of the alien Carls, I don't even like aliens normally. It has stuck with me so much because of what Hank is writing about our society, about social media, about how quickly people can change. April May is not a super likeable character. She has her flaws, and there are some big ones. But those kinds of characters can be the best characters if they change and develop and that's where I see this story going. At the beginning, April changed for the worst. Before, she had no interest in social media. After the video and her becoming famous, she became sucked into a world of perfectly crafted tweets and interviews with talk show host after talk show host. She broke up with her girlfriend. She put her trust in the wrong people. She said the wrong things, did some stupid stuff, and wasn't the greatest person to be around all the time. But at the end, you can see her changing little by little and I can't wait to see even more of that in the next book. In fact, as future April is writing you can see her regret in some bad descions that were made.
This wasn't the most clear or conclusive review and I apologize. It's all over the place. But this book was amazing and I had to get my feelings out.

witherswriters's review against another edition

4.0

Hank Green's Absolutely Remarkable Thing is a stunning work of fiction. It follows a twenty-three-year-old graphic designer that makes "first contact" with an ABSOLUTELY REMARKABLE THING while navigating the strenuous waters of limelight, sexuality, and relationships.