If you have ever heard of John Green, then hopefully you know that he isn't the regular young adult author. No, Green is in a class of his own. His earlier books, Looking for Alaska and An Abundance of Katherines were both nominated for awards (and Looking for Alaska even won the Michael L. Printz Award). So when I heard about Paper Towns, I couldn't help but hold high expectations.
And good thing too. John Green did it again in this tale of Quentin 'Q' Jacobsen and his eccentric next door neighbor, Margo Roth Spiegelman. When Margo appears at Q's windowsill, asking for him to accompany him on her escapades, he can't refuse. Off they go to various houses and stores across town, playing pranks on all of Margo's enemies. Their last stop is Sea World, into which they break in and dance to a song playing on the old speakers. The next day at school, Q is looking forward to seeing Margo now that they are connected by their crimes, but she is nowhere to be seen. After no sign of her for a few days, Q and his friends go looking for her. Their search leads them to Margo... and to a Paper Town.
This book was brilliant. Green really captured a teenager's feelings, which is something most YA authors strive to do but never achieve. The plot was smooth and the dialogue quick. Q and his friends were likeable from the start, especially his friend Radar and his embarrassment over his parent's collection of Black Santas. Beneath the witty teenaged banter though, questions lurk that will have you pondering the answers throughout the book. This review gives a more indepth explanation and also explains the title. I give the book a four and a half stars out of five. I took off half because I thought the middle was a little bit slow. Other than that, it was an excellent book.
No comments:
Post a Comment