A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor by Hank Green
The Carls disappeared the same way they appeared, in an instant. While they were on Earth, they caused confusion and destruction without ever lifting a finger. Well, that’s not exactly true. Part of their maelstrom was the sudden viral fame and untimely death of April May: a young woman who stumbled into Carl’s path, giving them their name, becoming their advocate, and putting herself in the middle of an avalanche of conspiracy theories.
Months later, the world is as confused as ever. Andy has picked up April’s mantle of fame, speaking at conferences and online about the world post-Carl; Maya, ravaged by grief, begins to follow a string of mysteries that she is convinced will lead her to April; and Miranda infiltrates a new scientific operation . . . one that might have repercussions beyond anyone’s comprehension.
As they each get further down their own paths, a series of clues arrive—mysterious books that seem to predict the future and control the actions of their readers; unexplained internet outages; and more—which seem to suggest April may be very much alive. In the midst of the gang’s possible reunion is a growing force, something that wants to capture our consciousness and even control our reality.
A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor is the bold and brilliant follow-up to An Absolutely Remarkable Thing. It’s a fast-paced adventure that is also a biting social commentary, asking hard, urgent questions. How will we live online? What powers over our lives are we giving away for free? Who has the right to change the world forever? And how do we find comfort in an increasingly isolated world?
A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor by Hank Green
My Thoughts
I went into this book with NO expectations at all. I just knew the story about Carl and April wasn’t finished and I wanted to find out where the author would take it next.
That I was surprised by the plot is an understatement.
This sequel is probably one of the few rare sequels that are mind-blowingly different.
Overall the story was incredibly thought provoking in its relevance without being too much. The author covered multiple topics in a brilliant way. The book is a glimpse into what being human could mean to some AI watching us, and deciding we are too flawed and destructive to be allowed to go on as we do.
Looking at the 20th century from the view of an alien AI, was a bit like being opened up, dissected and our human flaws laid out on a platter for all to see.
This is one of the most surprising books of 2020 for me. The story was much more thought provoking than An Absolutely Remarkable Thing and a fantastic ending to a unique duet.
Although the ending was somewhat predictable, but I enjoyed the different POV’s and the entirely different story arc. It felt fresh, different and the audiobook was well done.
All in all it was an audiobook that kept me invested and engaged – everything I hope an audiobook to be.
ADD IT TO YOUR GOODREADS TBR || GET THE BOOK
A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor by Hank Green
Maybe I should give it a try. I wasn’t overly enthusiast with An Absolutely Remarkable Thing but this sounds better…
If you read the first one I at least would give this one a try – grab a library copy, you won’t waste money that way
I’m afraid our library is unlikely to get the book – at least in English. Their English department is rather limited and one will have the best chance to get either classics or the real bestsellers from there…
But I’ll keep it in mind. I got the first one as a Kindle deal cheap so who knows, they might also do it for this one…
When I found out Hank Green was writing a book I was curious, but I certainly was not expecting the rave reviews both books have been getting. I love how he makes the book thought-provoking without being too in your face about it. I definitely need to give this series a chance.
The first one was interesting and different, but this one was much better. And if you want to read something unique, this duet fits the bill.
Ah omg okay SO GLAD you loved this!! I have been SO excited to read the first book and have a feeling I’ll love it. Lovely review xoxo
Now, since I read them both, I can say that the duet is different and stands out from the crowd. I was very pleased with it all.