Book Review: An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green

This was such a cool story! It reminded me in some ways of Sylvain Neuvel’s Themis Files (but in a wholly different way, if that makes any sense at all).

The appearance of something unexpected with the attendant worldwide consequences that accompany Things We Don’t Understand lends itself to everything from slapstick antics to thoughtful consideration of what it means to be human in the modern world, and in the hands of a talented writer (which Green clearly is) that blend makes for a marvelous ride. I also REALLY enjoyed the exegesis on fame, social media, and the fleeting nature of public opinion in this day and age. Add in excellent writing and spot-on pacing, a clever heroine (who is, in the nature of the best heroines, often too clever for her own good or the good of those around her), a fantastic (literally and figuratively) idea, and the result is a book that pulled me in from the opening salvo and never let go.

There’s a subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) biting wry wit at work here. It simultaneously makes a mockery of our obsession with social media “fame” and pays a reluctant homage to the bizarre power of masses of people to shape the way the world works (for good and most definitely for ill). I found it thoughtful and thought-provoking and infuriating and inspiring – an amalgamation that doesn’t come along in one entertaining package all that often.

I must confess, John Green isn’t much to my taste. I find him a little too angst-y and existential-why-of-youth focused. I’m not his prime audience, so that’s not a criticism so much as a comment. Hank Green is ENTIRELY to my taste though, and I’ll be seeking him out in his myriad fora from now on!

My review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley.