An Absolutely Remarkable Thing: A Review
Start writing a post
Arts Entertainment

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing: Book Review

Hank Green's debut novel is a hilarious sci-fi tale sure to please all "Nerdfighters."

86
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing: Book Review
https://www.hankgreen.com/

Hank Green, beloved by the internet for his podcasts and multiple successful YouTube series has moved from digital storytelling into the analog realm of books. Well, kinda. Green's first novel, An Absolutely Remarkable Thing, is a sci-fi dream, seemingly influenced by his own experience with internet fame.

The story is set in the near future, arguably even an alternative timeline of our own world (the POTUS is an unnamed woman in this reality), where 23-year-old April May seemingly discovers an alien technology in the middle of the night, completely by accident. The recently graduated art student blasts into internet fame that she never asked for and finds herself in the middle of an international (and possibly intergalactic) mystery she isn't prepared to solve. May steps up to the challenge, perhaps a little too enthusiastically. April is a somewhat quirky, but rather realistic protagonist whose complex motivations both complicate her relationships and endear her to the reader. Her first person account is channelled through Green's humor, which incredibly relevant and just a little bit nostalgic at the same time.

References to David Bowie and Queen add a vintage feel to the overall futuristic vibes of this very cinematic tale. There's somewhat of a Ready Player One feel, but the comparisons end with tone. AART is truly unique in its premise. Besides the incredibly fun and imaginative world Green creates, the novel engages with the extremely performative aspect of our society that social media has only encouraged. The price of fame is the conversion of real people into symbols, and there are moments in which the novel seems like a meditation on Green's reputation rather than April's fictional stardom. The novel also deals with the contentious political climate in the US and the tribalism that seems to drown out any positive or productive discussion. While these parallels may be a little heavy-handed at times, they are important and as this book will likely attract a younger audience, they add a much needed level headed look at the world. Overall, the book is what I would expect from Green in the sense that it is a fun and intriguing read that made me laugh out loud and think about the world around me. However, the mystery that April uncovers stands alone and I'm looking forward to the next installment.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

53818
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

34651
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957072
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181742
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments