Introduction
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing Summary By Hank Green An Absolutely Remarkable Thing (2018) is the debut novel by Hank Green, a well-known YouTube personality, author, and entrepreneur. Green is recognized for his popular educational YouTube channel, Vlogbrothers, which he runs with his brother, John Green, author of The Fault in Our Stars. An Absolutely Remarkable Thing marks Hank Green’s first foray into fiction, and the novel quickly became a sensation, appealing to fans of speculative fiction, young adult literature, and those interested in the intersections of social media, fame, and human nature.
At its core, An Absolutely Remarkable Thing is a contemporary science fiction novel that explores themes of fame, identity, societal division, and the consequences of viral internet culture. The story follows Carla “April” May, a 23-year-old New York City resident who unwittingly becomes a global sensation after posting a viral video of herself discovering a mysterious statue in the middle of the night. This seemingly innocuous event leads to a series of far-reaching consequences, challenging April’s views on her life, the world, and her place within it.
Set in a world where the internet and social media have redefined fame and influence, An Absolutely Remarkable Thing touches on modern issues such as the responsibility of being an online personality, the volatility of public opinion, and how quickly fame can change the trajectory of a person’s life. Green’s novel is a reflection on the nature of human curiosity, the quest for meaning, and the unpredictable nature of both personal and collective actions in an age dominated by social media.
Summary of An Absolutely Remarkable Thing
The Discovery of the Carls
The novel begins in the early hours of the morning when April May, an art school graduate and a struggling young woman in New York City, encounters an enigmatic sculpture on the streets of Manhattan. The sculpture is part of a mysterious collection of giant robot-like statues, later referred to as the Carls, that have appeared simultaneously in cities across the world. Initially dismissing it as a strange art installation, April decides to film herself interacting with one of the statues and upload the video to YouTube.
This seemingly mundane decision leads to an unexpected consequence: the video goes viral. In a matter of hours, April is thrust into the limelight as millions of people watch her footage and discuss the Carls. She gains instant fame and is offered media attention, interviews, and lucrative endorsement deals. The Carls, which remain inexplicably still and silent, generate worldwide curiosity, speculation, and even political unrest as people across the globe try to understand their origin, purpose, and meaning.
April is thrust into a new world of celebrity, with the public constantly following her every move. While the attention is intoxicating, it also begins to have a psychological toll on her. In an age where social media defines a person’s worth, April’s identity becomes increasingly tied to her viral fame. The weight of her new public persona and the pressure to provide answers about the Carls force April into a new role she’s not fully prepared for.
The Rise of the “April May” Phenomenon
As April’s fame escalates, she finds herself navigating a complex world of media interviews, public relations, and online scrutiny. April quickly becomes a spokesperson for the mystery of the Carls, even though she doesn’t understand them herself. As her influence grows, she is offered the opportunity to partner with a group of intellectuals and scientists who seek to unravel the mystery of the Carls’ purpose and origins.
Despite her initial excitement, April begins to struggle with the emotional and moral implications of her newfound fame. She feels the constant pressure to maintain a persona that satisfies the public, and she finds herself losing touch with her authentic self. The novel raises questions about the nature of fame and the consequences of becoming a viral sensation in the age of social media, where personal identity is often inseparable from public perception.
As April becomes more involved in the global phenomenon surrounding the Carls, she must deal with growing divisions within the public, including skepticism, conspiracy theories, and the dark side of the internet. The Carls’ presence in various cities around the world sparks significant political tension, as different factions try to interpret their meaning and purpose. What started as an innocent, playful moment for April has spiraled into a serious global event with consequences that she cannot control.
The Mystery Unfolds
As the story progresses, April’s journey takes a more introspective turn. She begins to question her own role in the viral phenomenon. While trying to maintain her public image, she struggles with issues of authenticity, responsibility, and self-worth. Her relationships with those closest to her, particularly her best friend Andy, also start to strain under the pressure of her new life. She questions the ethics of fame and the nature of the power she holds over millions of people.
Eventually, April is drawn into the mystery of the Carls, which is not just about discovering their origins but also about understanding what they represent for humanity. The book delves into the philosophical and existential questions about the nature of technology, our place in the universe, and the importance of human connection. In the end, April must come to terms with the impact of her actions, the person she has become, and how to reconcile her public life with her private self.
The resolution of the mystery behind the Carls is revealed in a dramatic twist, bringing together the various plot threads and offering a reflective conclusion about fame, identity, and the pursuit of meaning in an increasingly digital world. The novel ends with a thought-provoking message about how people, particularly those in the public eye, must grapple with the unintended consequences of their actions, as well as the complex relationship between personal identity and societal expectations.
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Themes in An Absolutely Remarkable Thing
1. Fame and Identity
One of the most central themes in An Absolutely Remarkable Thing is the relationship between fame and identity. April May’s experience as an internet celebrity forces her to confront the disconnect between her real self and the persona that the public has created for her. Throughout the novel, she wrestles with the idea of how she is perceived versus who she truly is. Fame, especially in the social media age, becomes a double-edged sword—while it offers opportunities and validation, it also strips away authenticity and forces individuals to constantly perform for the public.
The novel explores the idea that fame is not something one can control once it is attained, and it often comes with pressures that can lead to an identity crisis. April’s struggle to find meaning in her life despite her viral popularity is a commentary on how modern society elevates individuals to celebrity status, often without fully considering the toll it takes on their mental health and self-image.
2. Social Media and the Impact of Viral Culture
Another prominent theme is the power of social media and how it has transformed the way we interact, communicate, and form opinions. An Absolutely Remarkable Thing critiques the way viral moments—such as April’s initial video—can quickly spiral out of control and influence millions of people. In today’s world, moments of viral fame are often fleeting, but the consequences of those moments can have long-lasting impacts.
The novel explores the complexities of living in an online culture where the public is quick to judge, scrutinize, and form opinions without fully understanding the person or event involved. The internet, particularly social media platforms, creates a space where people are more likely to become famous for moments of spectacle rather than sustained talent or merit. April’s rise to fame illustrates the ways in which online attention can feel exhilarating yet dangerous, as her personal life becomes subject to the whims and opinions of a global audience.
3. The Search for Meaning and Purpose
The mystery of the Carls becomes a metaphor for humanity’s search for meaning and purpose. Just as the statues stand silent and enigmatic, humanity is shown to be in a constant state of searching for answers to existential questions. April’s engagement with the Carls—trying to make sense of their presence and determine their significance—is symbolic of the human desire to understand the world around us.
In a broader sense, the novel touches on the philosophical idea that people are constantly seeking answers to life’s great mysteries. Whether it’s the question of where the Carls came from or the more personal quest for meaning in April’s life, the novel explores how humanity grapples with the unknown, often seeking answers that may not be immediately clear or easily understood.
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4. The Ethics of Publicity and the Burden of Responsibility
The novel also delves into the ethical implications of fame and the responsibilities that come with having a public platform. As April’s influence grows, she must grapple with the idea that her actions, whether intentional or not, have real-world consequences. She is thrust into a position of power—though she doesn’t always want it—and must deal with the consequences of her influence on the global stage.
April’s internal conflict regarding the ethics of her role in the media frenzy and her feelings of guilt over the unintended consequences of her fame raise questions about the morality of social media and viral content. What responsibility do influencers and celebrities have for the impact they have on their followers? The novel challenges readers to think about the ethics of fame in a world that prizes viral moments over long-term personal growth or integrity.
5. Human Connection in a Digital Age
Lastly, An Absolutely Remarkable Thing touches on the theme of human connection in the digital age. While April becomes more famous and connected with millions of people online, she finds herself becoming increasingly isolated from those who are closest to her in real life. The book examines how digital connectivity, while seemingly uniting people, can also contribute to feelings of loneliness, disconnection, and alienation.
April’s relationship with her best friend Andy, as well as her internal journey to reclaim her personal sense of self, highlights the tension between public fame and private authenticity. In a world dominated by screens, the novel raises questions about the importance of face-to-face human interactions and the ways in which technology both connects and divides us.
1. What are the Carls, and why are they important in the novel?
The Carls are mysterious, giant robotic statues that suddenly appear in cities around the world. Their origin and purpose are unknown, and they spark a global frenzy of curiosity and speculation. In the novel, the Carls symbolize humanity’s search for meaning and the unknown. Their appearance acts as a catalyst for the story’s exploration of fame, identity, and social media.
2. What role does April May play in the viral phenomenon surrounding the Carls?
April May unintentionally becomes the face of the Carls’ mystery after posting a viral video of herself interacting with one of the statues. She quickly gains fame, and her life changes drastically as she is thrust into the spotlight. She becomes a key figure in the public’s search for answers regarding the Carls, though she struggles with the ethical implications and personal toll of her newfound celebrity.
3. How does the novel explore the impact of social media and viral culture?
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing critiques the power of social media and the way viral moments can quickly elevate individuals to fame. The novel examines how social media can create fleeting attention and superficial connections, while also forcing individuals to live up to public expectations that may not reflect their true selves. It raises questions about the ethical implications of viral fame and the responsibilities of online influencers.
4. What are the major themes in An Absolutely Remarkable Thing?
The major themes in the novel include fame and identity, the impact of social media and viral culture, the search for meaning and purpose, the ethics of publicity, and human connection in the digital age. Through April’s journey, the novel explores how modern fame impacts personal lives, as well as how humanity grapples with the unknown and seeks connection in a tech-driven world.
5. Is An Absolutely Remarkable Thing part of a series?
Yes, An Absolutely Remarkable Thing is the first book in a planned duology. The second book, titled A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor, continues the story of April May and the Carls, exploring the consequences of the events that unfold in the first novel.
