Paper Towns by John Green

*Posted in 2014, Edited in 2016*

So this is my first and last review of the year.

I read a book from the one and only the astounding John Green.

Alas, my high expectations were not met this time.

Before I get the storm of hatred electrifying me with a 1000 volts of fury echoing in the stars (See what I did there). Allow me a chance to explain myself.

The plot:

The story begins and zooms in on a typical unimpressive group of individuals. Gaining my approval for immensely interesting, non-interesting characters. These rather unremarkable teenagers dream to be approved by the popular.

Our main character Quentin starts off with talking about the miracles we all get in live. How his miracle was, in fact, his neighbor, Margot.
One night they go on an adventure that changes his life forever and the next day changes it even more.

I know that might not be the most thorough plot description but for those who have not read the book yet, and who still intends on reading it after this review. That should be enough to give you an idea of what happens. Also, somewhere you will find black Santas. This is an important part of the story. It is also not a spoiler so do not fret.

My experience

The story started off with a great tempo and with even greater humour.
Then all of a sudden it started to drag. Slowly but surely metaphors became the bread of the story. It began swimming in all forms strangling me and dragging me along forcefully. Only to then suddenly throwing me down a slide of action and adventure just to be halted again by the metaphors and inner monologues.


It took me more than a month to finish it.

I was truly overwhelmed by this book and at the same time underwhelmed by Margo's paper town analogies.


There were some great quotes as to be expected from the esteemed John Green.

"You keep expecting people not to be themselves."


There were some very long paragraphs...
Sometimes I thought it would never end.

Sometimes I did not want it to end.


The verdict:

It's good but you get better.


If you could identify with the metaphors then your experience would have been vastly different then mine.

My rating for this book is a 3 out of 5.

1 = I thought it would never end. I felt like I was being punished.
2 = It was okay... It only felt like torture reading it every now and then.
3 = I'm a bit unsure where I stand with this book. It possibly underwhelmed me or I possibly enjoyed       it slightly. We might never know.
4 = I applaud the author. It was phenomenal. It gripped me. It taught me something I can carry with
      me.
5 = I will re-read this book again. I want to meet the author. I want a signed copy. I will be talking
      about this experience for weeks.


 Snow