An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green is an enjoyable read that really hits the nail on the head with a number of very timely and important topics.
When I saw this was an option for the October Book of the Month, I was ecstatic! I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy to see what it would be like. I just love Hank’s vlogs, so I could only imagine how wonderful a book would be!
While I absolutely enjoyed the read, it felt like it was lacking just a little oomph for me.
My Thoughts on An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green
This is such a tricky one to review! There is so much that I want to touch on, but I don’t want to spoil it! So I’ll keep it pretty short.
This book hits on a lot of really important and timely elements and Hank did an absolutely wonderful job with the topics.
Of course, how people treat one another both online and in the real world was one of the biggest elements. Things like this really gets my blood boiling. I just want everyone to be capable of keeping an open mind and to just be kind to one another. When I see people that are totally close-minded and think that only their opinion is correct, it just makes me sad.
The writing style was easy to read, and it all flowed pretty well. While I was reading, I was easily sucked right in! But when I put the book down, I wasn’t itching to pick it back up, exactly. I have to admit, I just didn’t love the characters which was a major bummer. I found April quite frustrating and irritating most of the time. And then with the writing itself, some of the random capitalization and punctuation threw me… though I will say that it did work for this novel, I just found myself wanting to edit it more than I appreciated it. There was also some repetition that I definitely could have done without.
In my opinion, the best part of the book was a few chapters toward the end. I loved how scary things got there for a bit! Because of the way the narrator tells the story, she also warns readers when it’s about to get dark. So if slight gore bothers you, no worries! The narrator will literally warn you and you can skip ahead! How neat?!
And how awesome is the last paragraph of this acknowledgment page?!
My Favorite Passages An Absolutely Remarkable Thing
He was skinny and awkward with printer-paper-pale skin. I assumed he began his haircuts by asking the stylist to make it look like he had never received a haircut.
The power that each of us has over complete strangers to make them feel terrible and frightened and weak is amazing.
It’s like a warehouse crashed into the lobby of a three-star hotel and then they just left the mess there.
Marketing is a lot more thinking than doing.
Humans are terrible at believing reality.
My Final Thoughts on An Absolutely Remarkable Thing
Overall, definitely one I would recommend! I had a lot of fun while reading, but I’m not sure this would be one that I’d reread. We’ll see though!
When I found out that this has been marked as book number one, I am definitely interested to see where the story goes next! The audiobook sample that I just listened to sounds really great, so perhaps I will snag that and give it a listen before book two comes out! 🙂
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YES! I totally agree. I had tons of fun reading this book, but I found April annoying and the other characters flat. Still, if there’s going to be a sequel, (it seems like there’s going to be one?) I’ll happily read it.
Aj @ Read All The Things!
😀 I'm so glad someone else feels the same way! I had only read raving reviews until I saw yours! Then I felt so relieved! 🙂
Love that acknowledgments page! I like books that deal with social media and stuff like that; it's so interesting to see the way people portray themselves online and how people will say anything behind the anonymity of their screens.
😀 Definitely! I love how much good the internet can do, but it's certainly upsetting to see the bad things it can help facilitate as well…
I hate when that happens while reading. Perfectly fine book but doesn’t make you want to pick it up after setting it down. Frustrating.
Right?! I definitely prefer the books I just don't want to put down!
Bummer you didn't really love the characters, but I do want to read this at some point. I'm glad you're interested in the sequel – that does say something!
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
I would love to see what you think!! It's an interesting storyline for sure!!
Is this author the same as the Youtube famous Hank Green? If it is anything John Green's books I am giving it a pass.
Gayathri @ Elgee Writes
It is indeed! 🙂
I also adore Hank, and I've heard generally good things about this book, but the premise just doesn't appeal to me ^^; I think if I read it, I would feel the same as you. I'm glad the book is doing well, though, of course!
😀
Sometimes you have a book you really like but you wouldn't reread ever again and that's okay! I have been seeing a lot of people reading this lately and with such a relevant subject topic as the main thing in the book, it makes sense that this one is a hot book lately. Love the acknowledgement end paragraphy.
Totally!! 🙂