An Absolutely Remarkable Thing (The Carls, #1) (2018) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

The protagonist, April May, is bisexual; her relationships with her girlfriend Maya and friend Andy involve moderate descriptions of intimacy. In Chapter 12, there is a scene depicting post-coital conversation and kissing that establishes their physical relationship, though explicit anatomical details are absent. References to casual hookups occur as April navigates her newfound celebrity status and personal desires. The narrative focuses more on the emotional complexity and timing of these encounters rather than…

Violence is largely tied to political unrest and radicalization throughout the second half of the novel. There are descriptions of protests turning violent as the 'Defenders' group becomes more aggressive, leading to an explosion at a news studio in Chapter 18. The tension culminates in Chapter 25, where April is lured into a warehouse trap and surrounded by an intentional fire. The scene is physically intense, ending with a character being crushed by falling debris and a presumed death. Earlier chapters include…

Strong language is used frequently throughout the narrative to reflect the voices of young adults living in New York City. This includes frequent use of 'f*ck,' 'sh*t,' 'bitch,' 'asshole,' and various other profanities used for emphasis, humor, or during high-stress situations. April's narration is conversational and often uses swearing to convey her frustration with the media circus. The frequency of the f-word is consistent with an adult or older teen audience. Verbal abuse from online trolls is also quoted…

Social drinking is a common background element as the twenty-something characters frequent bars and attend parties in New York. April, Andy, and Maya are often depicted drinking beer, wine, or cocktails while discussing the viral success of their video or processing the day's events. There are mentions of characters feeling the effects of alcohol or being hungover, particularly as a way to cope with the stress of sudden fame. In Chapter 11, April uses alcohol specifically to dull her anxiety before a public…

The book heavily explores the dehumanizing effects of social media, the mechanics of viral fame, and the rise of extremist 'Defender' groups. It examines how the internet can radicalize individuals and create deep societal divides through the 'Us vs. Them' mentality. Additional themes include abandonment, the ethics of first contact with an alien species, and the psychological toll of public scrutiny. The narrative also touches on the loss of privacy and the way celebrity can warp a person's identity and…