Review: Paper Towns by John Green

Paper Towns
By: John Green
Source: Purchased

Review:
Continuing with my theme this summer, of road trip, realistic fiction novels, this week I am reviewing Paper Towns by John Green. This book is about one night of mischief of two childhood friends, Q and Margo, weeks before their high schools graduation. But the aftermath from this trip is something no one expects. Margo, who was always the “it girl” that no one really knew, becomes even more of a mystery, and Q is the only one determined enough to figure it out.

I have been hearing really good things about this book, and since I have been on a John Green kick lately as it is, I was excited to pick it up. The book had a weird pace for me when I read it. The beginning went really fast. There is a really dark tone to the start of the book, which eventually does lighten up. But in the mean time I found myself questioning everything, anticipating that something big would happen. The middle was slow, as the characters put together clues piece by piece. The monotony of connecting the dots , eventually snowballs into the fast pace of the ending.

My favorite part about this book was the characters. You had complete opposites in the two main characters. Q was really developed, and you really feel like you are in his head. Even when he goes a little crazy, and does some things that everyone else in the book considers to be slightly insane, you don’t question him. You are so far in his thoughts, and you go along with him for his whole journey, you completely understand his motivations. Margo on the other hand is a mystery. We know very little about her, and what we do know comes from the mouths of other people, in a very Regina George kind of way. That is really what drives the whole book. The mystery of Margo makes you want to figure it out, and you don’t blame Q for trying.

Even though I thought the plot was similar to John Green’s Looking for Alaska, you know the mysterious girl, and the boys that go to crazy lengths to win her heart, I really enjoyed it. It was definitely a good summer read, and the end is really satisfying.

“ The town was paper, but the memories were not”

Until next time!

--Marissa

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

The Fault In Our Stars
by John Green

Summary: Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

Review: On Goodread's The Fault in our Stars has 4.52 stars. That has to be one of the highest rating's I've seen on that site ever. Which must mean that it's universally like. Once I closed the last page I could see why. This is a story that sticks with you, it makes you think, makes you laugh and makes you cry. 

I put off The Fault in our Stars by John Green because I knew it would be an emotional story, and it was. With a story like this one you have to be in the right mind set to read it. When I finally got up the courage to pick this one up, I was glad I did. The character's are so likable. I was routing for the best, even though it's centered around Cancer patients. They had their flaws but that just made me like them even more. 

This is a novel that you won't be able to put down. John Green crafted a beautiful story that will keep you entranced until the very end. You will be dying to know what happen to Hazel and Gus. Green also keeps you on your toes. While you might think you know how this novel ends, I thought I did, but you're probably wrong (I was). 

No matter what age you are, make sure you pick this one up. Just make sure you bring some tissues with you. Because this will be you at the end... 

--Danielle