Finding the time to read is ridiculously difficult. Between school work, work work, socializing, and sleep, it’s hard to ever find the time to devote my attention, completely, to a book. When John Green released his new book, I was so happy, I went out and bought it the day it came out: a signed, cover-price copy, at Barnes and Noble. As excited as I was, I doubted that I was ever going to get to reading it by the time 2017 came to a close. So I cut out some socializing, some sleep, and even a bit of schoolwork, and finished reading it, before December even began.
Buying Turtles All the Way Down, I knew it was a bit below my reading level, and that was part of why I love reading John Green’s books so much. They have complicated, intricate stories and characters, but are simple enough to read and not have to rub your eyes and put it down for a minute or so (the book I am currently reading has me in this predicament).
I read in between classes, during lunch, dedicated study long-block to reading. When I finished, I was both happy to have completed a book, and happy to have completed this book. It was relatable, to say the least. I resonated with Aza, the protagonist, and I think so many teenagers today will too.
The story of Aza, a teenager with complex anxieties surrounding germs, bacteria, and disease, and her journey on finding herself, finding love, and finding Russell Pickett, a billionaire gone missing.
It was what you’d expect a John Green novel to be. It was romanticized, it was dramatic, and it was written for a teenager. Although at first, I was slightly disappointed in the first few chapters, I came to love the novel as a whole.
Davis Pickett was a character that probably wouldn’t exist in any of our lives, and his touchy-feely-ness was prevalent throughout the novel. Hs interactions with Aza were limited but important each time.
My favorite part of the book was the instance in which the title was explained. It was so subtle, but so important and dramatic.
In short, if you are looking for a deep, complex, reading to feed your brain, Turtles All the Way Down probably isn’t it. However, it is the perfect escape from the go-go-go nature of our teenage lives.
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