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A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor
‘Adventurous, witty and compelling’ Library Journal (starred review)
The hugely anticipated sequel to Hank Green’s #1 New York Times bestselling debut novel, An Absolutely Remarkable Thing
The statutes 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 impact was the untimely death of April May: a young woman who stumbled into their path and named them the Carls, gaining viral fame and putting herself in the middle of an avalanche of conspiracy theories.
Now, 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-Carls; 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 – which seem to suggest April may be very much alive . . . But there’s a new threat. A growing force that wants to control our reality.
Did the Carls ever really leave us, and what happens if they’re here to stay?
A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor is a bold and brilliant conclusion that asks whether anyone has the right to change the world forever.
‘A raucous, boldly inventive tale’ Booklist (starred review)
‘A hopeful read that provides a Black Mirror-like warning of new technology without the heavy feeling of dread’ USA Today
The hugely anticipated sequel to Hank Green’s #1 New York Times bestselling debut novel, An Absolutely Remarkable Thing
The statutes 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 impact was the untimely death of April May: a young woman who stumbled into their path and named them the Carls, gaining viral fame and putting herself in the middle of an avalanche of conspiracy theories.
Now, 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-Carls; 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 – which seem to suggest April may be very much alive . . . But there’s a new threat. A growing force that wants to control our reality.
Did the Carls ever really leave us, and what happens if they’re here to stay?
A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor is a bold and brilliant conclusion that asks whether anyone has the right to change the world forever.
‘A raucous, boldly inventive tale’ Booklist (starred review)
‘A hopeful read that provides a Black Mirror-like warning of new technology without the heavy feeling of dread’ USA Today
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Reviews
A book about people pursuing second acts after a traumatic crisis is pretty timely - and such a book, filled with compassion, bravery, smart mobs and stupid ones, and a hell of a metaphor for late-stage capitalism, besides
A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor builds in every way on the thrills of the first book, featuring twists that are even twistier, mysteries that are even more mysterious, and, most impressive of all, solutions to those mysteries that are as interesting as their set-ups. This is a book that thinks deeply and wisely about fame, wealth, the internet, and the future of humanity, but also, and I'm not sure how Hank pulled this off, it's fun as hell
[Green's] writing is light-hearted, clever, resonating and funny, tackling socially relevant themes, including the darker side of social media, sexuality, the naivety of youth and media representation . . . Get ready to be absorbed in the story, glued to the book and a little more afraid of Twitter [on An Absolutely Remarkable Thing]
The book we all need right now [on An Absolutely Remarkable Thing]
Adventurous, witty, and compelling novel, Green delivers sharp social commentary on the power of social media and both the benefits and horrendous consequences that follow when we give too much of ourselves to technology. An essential choice for all sf collections [A BEAUTIFULLY FOOLISH ENDEAVOR]
A hopeful read that provides a Black Mirror-like warning of new technology without the heavy feeling of dread [A BEAUTIFULLY FOOLISH ENDEAVOR]
fast-paced follow up: part adventure novel, part sharp social commentary about modern life and living online [A BEAUTIFULLY FOOLISH ENDEAVOR]
a raucous, boldly inventive tale [A BEAUTIFULLY FOOLISH ENDEAVOR]
While there are many parallels to our current climate, A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor is a hopeful read that provides a "Black Mirror" like warning of new technology without the heavy feeling of dread. Green gives nuance to the privileges of escapism with humor and grace through main characters taking a chance on hope, even if it is beautifully foolish
A raucous, boldly inventive tale of alien technology, social media and influencers, the limits of the human mind, and the lengths humans will go to get what they want. Even after a satisfying ending, readers will have much to think about