SFF

A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor

Dutton. (Carls, Bk. 2). Jul. 2020. 464p. ISBN 9781524743475. $27. SF
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This sequel to An Absolutely Remarkable Thing, the first book in Green’s “Carls” series, continues the story of 23-year-old April May and one of the Carls, a statue from outer space who hovers in major cities around the world, causing mixed feelings of wonder and dread among Earth’s billions of residents. After the shockingly public death of April May and Carl’s sudden disappearance, the world is more confused than ever. The event ultimately brings friends Andy, Miranda, and Maya back together, with Andy willingly absorbing April May’s fame, using it to make personal appearances and join a secret online society, and Miranda, feeling lonely and displaced, taking on a covert scientific assignment. Maya, meanwhile, flounders without purpose until she discovers an anomaly too mysterious to be ignored. What happens next to the group is more powerful than anyone could imagine.
VERDICT Throughout this 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.
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