I'm off to my friends' birthday party soon, which should keep me busy up till the wee hours of the morning, but I wanted to leave you with a review, and a contest. I'm in the midst of reading Tam Lin by Pamela Dean, and it's slow going so far, what with trying to squeeze my dry Adolescence readings in between funfun fantasy, but it's getting there!
I chose this review because I've heard so many people criticize this book, and it's one of the best books I've read in 2008. And also because I, like every other literate female teenage reader out there, has a crush on the author.
Yup, you guessed it.
Paper Towns by John Green
The brilliant John Green's third novel starts off quietly, then builds to a roaring finish that sets a new bar for all young adult literature.
After years of running in different social spheres, towards the end of senior year, Quentin Jacobsen's childhood friend, next-door neighbor, and unrequited love, the beautiful and eccentric Margo Roth Spiegelman, enlists him to help her in what becomes the wildest night of his life. However, just when he thinks he and Margo are on track to being friends--and maybe something more--again, she disappears, leaving some clues behind for him to wonder about.
Quentin is convinced that following and figuring out the clues will lead him and his friends to Margo. What happens next, then, is an epic, unforgettable journey of self-discovery, humanity, adolescence, friendship, and love.
What could be a typical detective plot is brought alive at the hands of the witty and talented John Green, but this book is so much more than a simple mystery: you'll want to read it again and again to discover all the philosophy, themes, and lessons Green has packed into this novel, as well as to laugh again and again at the many hilarious moments. I thought that Looking for Alaska couldn't be topped, but I am proved wrong. With Paper Towns, John Green establishes himself as the premier young adult author, one to which every other author will be compared.
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Also, run along and go check out Keri's blog for a chance to win 3 cool books! Have a good evening, all!
Sounds like you really liked this book. Adding it to my lusting-after list. haha.
ReplyDeleteHi Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteLoving your blog. Followed your link from PBS. Great tbr. I've read Unwind, Stardust and The Absolutely True. Great reads!
We've got to chat. I'm not a teen. The mom of one freshly minted teen and one adult child (Thank Maude, one down, one to go.)
Anyhoo, please share about our contest at Color Online. I will add you to my list of blogs to visit as well.
Peace,
black-eyedsusan
p.s. I'm going to see what the fuss is over this Green guy. :-)