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TL;DR: April May, a young woman in New York, finds a giant metal statue on the street and records a video with her friend. The video goes viral, and April becomes famous as “the Carls,” as identical statues appear all over the world, begin a mystery and reshape her life.
Table of Contents
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing at a Glance
| Author | Hank Green |
| First published | 2018 |
| Type | Contemporary science fiction |
| Best for | readers who like funny, modern sci-fi about fame and the internet |
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing is a novel by Hank Green, first published in 2018. Hank Green is also known for YouTube. The novel is the first of a duology. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, a few ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it most. The part-by-part section gives away the plot, including the ending, so skip it if you have not read the book yet.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
A statue
April finds the statue and names it Carl.
The video
A video of the statue goes viral overnight.
Fame
April becomes a celebrity. Her relationships change.
The Carls
There are 64 statues worldwide. The Carls give puzzles.
The cost
Fame brings danger and pressure.
Cliffhanger
The ending sets up the sequel.
The Summary at a Glance
| Part | In one line |
|---|---|
| A statue | April finds the statue and names it Carl. |
| The video | A video of the statue goes viral overnight. |
| Fame | April becomes a celebrity. |
| The Carls | There are 64 statues worldwide. |
| The cost | Fame brings danger and pressure. |
| Cliffhanger | The ending sets up the sequel. |
5 Key Takeaways
- Fame changes people.
- The internet can amplify and distort.
- Mystery brings communities together.
- Identity is shaped by attention.
- Authenticity is hard online.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- April is flawed and funny.
- The story is about social media.
- The ending is a cliffhanger.
Who Should Read An Absolutely Remarkable Thing?
Read it if you like modern sci-fi. It is fast.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of An Absolutely Remarkable Thing:
- Which character did you understand best, and what did the author do to make you feel that way?
- Which scene would you change, and what would that do to the ending?
- What does the book say about its main theme that you agree or disagree with?
Quick Facts to Remember
- Book: An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green (2018)
- Type: Contemporary science fiction
- Best for: readers who like funny, modern sci-fi about fame and the internet
- Main idea in one line: Fame changes people.
Reading Time and Format
Novels differ a lot in length and pace, so check the page count of your edition before you start. If you prefer to listen, many public libraries lend audiobooks through free apps, and a narrated edition can suit a long novel well. Whichever format you choose, a library copy is a low-cost way to try the book before you buy, and used or digital editions are often cheaper than new print copies.
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether An Absolutely Remarkable Thing is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full argument, examples and style, which no short summary can carry.
A simple way to get the most from it: first read the TL;DR and the takeaways to decide if the book fits your interests, then read the part-by-part section for the structure, and finally write down one idea you want to remember or one question you want answered by the full text.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of An Absolutely Remarkable Thing, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary from your copy.
Should You Read the Book?
If you plan to read it, set aside a few evenings and read the opening chapters before you decide. A summary tells you what happens, but the voice and pacing are what make a novel work or not. If you are still unsure, read a free sample or the first chapter, because the opening pages usually show whether the voice and subject suit you. Reviews from readers with tastes like yours can help too, but your own reaction to a few pages is the best test.
Check price of An Absolutely Remarkable Thing on Amazon
What to Read Next
- A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor by Hank Green: the sequel
- Ready Player One by Ernest Cline: a virtual world quest
- The Martian by Andy Weir: a stranded astronaut
Related: 15 Books Like An Absolutely Remarkable Thing You’ll Love
Frequently Asked Questions
Is An Absolutely Remarkable Thing a series?
Yes, a duology.
Who wrote it?
Hank Green.
What age is it for?
Teens and adults.
Is An Absolutely Remarkable Thing worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who like funny, modern sci-fi about fame and the internet. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.
Can this summary replace reading An Absolutely Remarkable Thing?
No. A summary covers the main events and ideas, but it cannot carry the author's voice, detail or pacing. Use it to decide whether to read the book, to refresh your memory or to prepare for a discussion.