A Beautifully Foolish Endeavour is the much-awaited sequel to Hank Green’s first novel An Absolutely Remarkable Thing. The story picks off right where AART ended, but unlike the first book where our protagonist April May was our only narrator; we have five POV's in the sequel. This is a very subtle but effective way to beautifully incorporate the core message of the novel into its structure. The core message of this story is that the most important thing that we can do with our power is to almost always give it away. And letting people tell their story in their own words is reflective of that ideology.
There are three quotes in this book that will ring in my ears long after I have put the book down.
With an unpredictable but bittersweet ending, Hank Green takes us on a journey in understanding our best and worst instincts. I'm reminded that we humans are radically collaborative, profoundly empathetic, and deeply communal. I came out of this book hopeful and deeply respectful of my own human existence and that of others; along with a deeper understanding of the nature of power, and how none of us are really immune to it. But along with that, I came out of this book understanding love and friendship better than ever before. April, Maya, Andy and Miranda are beautifully crafted characters and there’s definitely one character that you might deeply connect with, and see yourself in; and that’s just beautiful inclusive writing that values the diversity of people and imagines them complexly.
Being a nerdfighter for many years, I see this book as an amalgamation of the values and lessons that Hank has learned during his journey of creating, and being a part of this community. And these lessons are told through a fascinating story which entices the reader with its pace and structure.
I am reminded of the value of communities and people in general, but especially of this community and the people in it.
There are three quotes in this book that will ring in my ears long after I have put the book down.
1. You will always struggle with not feeling productive until you accept that your own joy can be something you produce. It is not the only thing you will make, nor should it be, but it is something valuable and beautiful.
2. None of us have forgotten that the Carls changed our minds, but it’s important to remember that we all change each other’s minds all the time. Any good story is a mind-altering substance.
3. I think part of the point of loving someone is being able to deal with their brokenness.
2. None of us have forgotten that the Carls changed our minds, but it’s important to remember that we all change each other’s minds all the time. Any good story is a mind-altering substance.
3. I think part of the point of loving someone is being able to deal with their brokenness.
