A review by haley_b
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green

adventurous emotional funny hopeful reflective tense fast-paced

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

4.0

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing tells the story of April May, a 20-something in NYC who happens across a mysterious robot statue that soon reveals itself to be much more than anyone anticipated. This wild ride touches on everything from virality to misinformation to the interconnectedness of the human spirit. 

This book had an unputdownable-ness that I VERY rarely experience even in the most action-packed stories. Even when the plot lagged or characters floundered, I found myself eager to return to it just because I had to know how it ended, and boy howdy did it deliver. It even got me on a juicy plot twist even though they don’t tend to land for me the way they do for a lot of readers. 

Of course, it’s impossible to discuss this book without its author. I might not have picked up this book had it not been Hank Green’s, and there are certainly moments throughout this book where the author seems very present in the characters and social commentary. However, between its lovably flawed characters and quirky lightning-paced plotlines, this book has its own merits. 

I would recommend this book to anyone, but those interested in Hank Green as one of the internet’s most beloved creators will find it an especially thoughtful and inspired read. While I wouldn’t call the ending a true cliffhanger, it has me immediately interested in getting my hands on the sequel.