Paper Towns

Reader reviewed by the book muncher

Quentin Jacobs has always loved his beautiful and wild next-door-neighbor Margo Roth Spiegelman. Their childhood friendship has all but disappeared by high school, yet Q is content to observe Margo from afar. Then one night, Margo climbs through Qs window, inviting him to join her on a vengeful adventure, and, ignoring practicality, Q accepts. However, the next day, it becomes apparent that Margo has disappeared. Worried and confused, Q is desperate to find Margo. But as he follows the obscure clues his mysterious Margo has left for him, Q realizes just how little he knows about the girl he thought he knew so well. In this wonderfully written novel, Green explores the connections between friends and what it means to be alive.

Paper Towns was a fantastic mix of mystery, suspense, and profundity, and all in a completely natural way. I loved the flow of this story; all the separate memories, clues, and dreams were seamlessly interwoven. The characters, their wants, feelings, and actions were very realistic, as was, surprisingly, the unique plot. My opinions of this novel may be slightly skewed because this was just my kind of story; its got pranks and mischief, a search that leads to deep questions about identity, and a little bit of romance. I especially liked the mix of entertainment with emotional depth. Having a deeper meaning always adds a little extra to a story, and I felt the one in Paper Towns was only magnified by its nearly universal relevance. This novel shows the dangers of assuming you know someone better than you actually do and disputes the fine line between selfishness and being true to yourself. If there was one fault within this novel, it would be that Margo was so difficult to understand, even after the story was completed, although this could also have been calculated in to increase Margos enigma. Im tempted to say Paper Towns was pretty close to perfect, but some readers may dislike some of the repetitiveness and lack of extremely high action in the plot. Overall, though, I immensely enjoyed this well-written and thought-provoking novel.

Paper Towns was a great combination of the best aspects of literature, although in moderation. It will be enjoyed by all readers, because its about things that actually matter to teens; fans of Maureen Johnson, Alyson Noël, and even Ellen Hopkins will also appreciate Greens realism. I look forward to reading Greens other novels, Looking for Alaska and An Abundance of Katherines.

reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com

Reader reviewed by Tasha


Margo Roth Speigleman is one popular girl. On the outside she appears to have it all, the looks, the friends, the personality but in all honesty her inside is a mystery to the world. Margo is especially a mystery to Quentin, or Q, whos been her neighbor ever since they were little kids.

When they were young they used to do everything together. Some may have even considered them to be best friends. Now though they are about to graduate high school and they barely even acknowledge each others presence. One night though Margo appears in his window dressed as though she was ready to go rob a bank.

Shes on a mission to pay back all the people who have wronged her and she is determined to complete her list before the next morning. Using Q as her mode of transportation, she gives him the night of his life. Then she disappears and is now an even bigger mystery to him. Leaving him few clues and a lustrous heart Q is determined to find Margo, and maybe even himself.

John Green has done it again, except maybe even better then the last two times. Both his other books have always been near and dear to me, but this one was particularly special. It was compiled of all the classic Green elements of, nerdy guy wanting amazing girl, girl being a little out there, guy finding himself on the way to getting the girl, but it also had this extra wow factor included that easily made it his best book yet.

I could really feel not only the characters emotions, but also the authors in every sentence. Many times I found myself laughing along, feeling upset, or just plain frustrated with the events in the story and started wondering if this was a real life experience. There was such truth and purpose to each word that the book seemed alive in many aspects. The characters had real personalities and it was easy to imagine them as real people and these characters dealt with mostly real life situations that I could easily picture myself in. I loved how everything felt so real and alive that most of the time it was excruciatingly hard to come back to reality.

For me the plot line was very original and compelling. It was also really easy to relate to. I know in this case that everyone can find someone in the story that they know. Whether it be yourself or a really good friend, youre sure to find someone similar enough for the story to really hit home. I know in my case I was really able to see where the very complex and interesting Margo was coming from. She reminded me a lot of a close friend and helped me see where she might be coming from. It was very evident that the author put a lot of time and effort into developing his characters, which I know as a reader is the mark of a truly great author.

This book is one of the deepest and quickest reads youll find. Youll never want it to end and youll find great meaning in it. Paper Towns is truly an unforgettable book that is easily the best of the best. With no doubt I am sure it is the best book of 2008 and one my of my new personal favorites.

Reader reviewed by anancybrown

I was in awe from start to finish. John Green has once again proven himself to be a great writer. This book is ultimately about how we perceive each other. There was not a dull moment in this book. It was hard to put down because it always left me dying to know what happens next. Wonderfully unpredictable, it will hold your attention.

Do I hear Printz Award #3? Well he would deserve it!

Reader reviewed by TheBookworm

Not Enjoyable.

Paper Towns by John Green*
Publication Date: October 2008
Not Rated.

Paper Towns has been reviewed by many readers and most of them of declared it a great book. I did not finish this book.

There were unneeded curse words, sexual situations, and I believe a little innuendo also. These things in a book are bad enough but the biggest turning point was the fact that these things were just added so subtly. They were made to appear normal and right and okay. But they are not.

Maybe this book could have been good, but how can I enjoy a book that makes me feel extremely uncomfortable for just reading it.

If you wish to read Paper Towns go ahead, but just be wary of the things that lurk in the shadows.

Date Reviewed: October 3rd, 2008