ICYMI: This is a gloriously oddball book with lots of heart featuring unorthodox friendships, the frightening power of social media, the emergence of alien life, and mysterious giant robots.
Green's An Absolutely Remarkable Thing is a gloriously oddball book with lots of heart.
In the middle of the night on a New York City street, April and her friend Andy stumble across something truly weird--a giant metal soldier sculpture that reminds them of a samurai. They happily record a video with the sculpture, which they call Carl, and upload it to YouTube.
The next day, the world is changed. Carls have cropped up in cities throughout the world. What is the meaning of these robotlike creatures? Are they neutral, are they sinister, or might they be here to save humanity? And how is April the only one able to communicate with the Carls--thereby becoming the spokesperson for a movement to protect the mysterious beings and find out more about their purpose?
With funny, heartwarming, heartbreaking, fantastically bizarre elements; imperfect and wonderful friendships; and an examination of modern-day humanity's reliance on social media. I loved this book so very much. It reminded me of Neuvel’s Themis books, but it was more playful.
The faulted character of April May was wonderful, and I was fascinated by the way her actions and hopes allowed a peek into a fame- and attention-seeking existence. Also: Robin! And: Carl—!
Later this week I'll post a review of the newest in this series, A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor.
Do you have any Bossy thoughts about this book?
Hank Green is brother to John Green, who wrote The Fault in Our Stars, An Abundance of Katherines, Turtles All the Way Down, and other great books.