I started and finished reading An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green over the past couple of days. Honestly, if ChatGPT hadn’t recommended it as similar to Upgrade by Blake Crouch, I probably wouldn’t have picked it up—let alone finished it.
The main protagonist is a 23-year-old idealist who might have resonated with my 15-year-old self, but her actions and thought processes felt too immature for my current taste. Even so, I couldn’t put the book down; I had to see what the author had in store by the end. And the end… well, is not really the end, so now I’ll be reading the sequel too.
[Written by ChatGPT]
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green is a contemporary science fiction novel that explores themes of fame, human connection, and the complexities of social media in the modern world.
Plot Summary
The story follows April May, a 23-year-old graphic designer living in New York City. One night, she stumbles upon a mysterious, massive robot-like sculpture in the middle of Manhattan. Believing it to be a remarkable piece of art, she dubs it “Carl” and, along with her friend Andy, uploads a video about it online. Overnight, the video goes viral, and April becomes an internet sensation.
As similar “Carls” are discovered in cities across the globe, it becomes clear that these sculptures are not just art—they are part of an alien phenomenon. The Carls’ presence leads to widespread speculation and mystery, as people around the world try to understand their purpose. April becomes a central figure in the global conversation about the Carls, leveraging her newfound fame to investigate their origins while grappling with the pressures of internet stardom.
Key Themes
- The Double-Edged Sword of Fame: April’s rise to fame brings opportunities but also significant challenges. It highlights the intoxicating yet isolating nature of being in the public eye.
- The Power of Social Media: The novel examines how social media can amplify messages, influence public opinion, and create echo chambers.
- Humanity’s Response to the Unknown: The Carls symbolize humanity’s reaction to the unfamiliar, ranging from curiosity and unity to fear and hostility.
- Authenticity vs. Performance: April struggles with staying true to herself versus performing a public persona for her audience.
Character Development
April is a deeply flawed yet relatable protagonist. Her journey explores the impact of fame on her relationships, mental health, and identity. Other key characters, including Andy, her ex-girlfriend Maya, and a researcher named Miranda, provide contrasting perspectives on the unfolding events.
Tone and Style
The narrative is written in a conversational, first-person tone, with humor and wit reflecting April’s personality. It balances the light-heartedness of April’s commentary with deeper, more introspective moments.
Conclusion
The novel ends on a suspenseful note, setting the stage for its sequel, A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor. April’s story is a thought-provoking exploration of modern life, blending science fiction with a sharp critique of fame and technology.
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