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From the #1 bestselling author of The Fault in Our Stars
Winner of the Edgar Award for Best Young Adult Mystery
New York Times bestseller
USA Today bestseller
Publishers Weekly bestseller
When Margo Roth Spiegelman beckons Quentin Jacobsen in the middle of the night—dressed like a ninja and plotting an ingenious campaign of revenge—he follows her. Margo’s always planned extravagantly, and, until now, she’s always planned solo. After a lifetime of loving Margo from afar, things are finally looking up for Q . . . until day breaks and she has vanished. Always an enigma, Margo has now become a mystery. But there are clues. And they’re for Q.
Printz Medalist John Green returns with the trademark brilliant wit and heart-stopping emotional honesty that have inspired a new generation of readers.
"Green is not only clever and wonderfully witty but also deeply thoughtful and insightful. In addition, he's a superb stylist, with a voice perfectly matched to his amusing, illuminating material." - Booklist, starred review
Green melds elements from his Looking for Alaska and An Abundance of Katherines- the impossibly sophisticated but unattainable girl, and a life-altering road trip-for another teen-pleasing read. Weeks before graduating from their Orlando-area high school, Quentin Jacobsen's childhood best friend, Margo, reappears in his life, specifically at his window, commanding him to take her on an all-night, score-settling spree. Quentin has loved Margo from not so afar (she lives next door), years after she ditched him for a cooler crowd. Just as suddenly, she disappears again, and the plot's considerable tension derives from Quentin's mission to find out if she's run away or committed suicide. Margo's parents, inured to her extreme behavior, wash their hands, but Quentin thinks she's left him a clue in a highlighted volume of Leaves of Grass.Q's sidekick, Radar, editor of a Wikipedia-like Web site, provides the most intelligent thinking and fuels many hilarious exchanges with Q. The title, which refers to unbuilt subdivisions and "copyright trap" towns that appear on maps but don't exist, unintentionally underscores the novel's weakness: both milquetoast Q and self-absorbed Margo are types, not fully dimensional characters. Readers who can get past that will enjoy the edgy journey and off-road thinking. Ages 12-up. (Oct.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Gr 9 Up
Quentin Jacobsen, 17, has been in love with his next-door neighbor, Margo Roth Spiegelman, for his entire life. A leader at their Central Florida high school, she has carefully cultivated her badass image. Quentin is one of the smart kids. His parents are therapists and he is, above all things, "goddamned well adjusted." He takes a rare risk when Margo appears at his window in the middle of the night. They drive around righting wrongs via her brilliant, elaborate pranks. Then she runs away (again). He slowly uncovers the depth of her unhappiness and the vast differences between the real and imagined Margo. Florida's heat and homogeneity as depicted here are vivid and awful. Green's prose is astounding-from hilarious, hyperintellectual trash talk and shtick, to complex philosophizing, to devastating observation and truths. He nails it-exactly how a thing feels, looks, affects-page after page. The mystery of Margo-her disappearance and her personhood-is fascinating, cleverly constructed, and profoundly moving. Green builds tension through both the twists of the active plot and the gravitas of the subject. He skirts the stock coming-of-age character arc-Quentin's eventual bravery is not the revelation. Instead, the teen thinks deeper and harder-about the beautiful and terrifying ways we can and cannot know those we love. Less-sophisticated readers may get lost in Quentin's copious transcendental ruminations-give Paper Towns to your sharpest teens.-Johanna Lewis, New York Public Library
laughing_in_the_rain
Posted February 1, 2009
When I first started reading this book I was completely in love with it. It was one of those books where you laugh out loud, cry, and think a lot. I think we can all relate to some of the situations in this books. It was really amazing. It kind of teaches us that we can chase somebody across the United States, but in the end our fantasies won't become real. I really liked the characters in this story. I would be reading in class and just bust out laughing. It was really good and now it's one of my all-time favorite books.
34 out of 35 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 12, 2009
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The first book I read by John Green was an Abundance of Katherines. I was hooked. This brilliant man who I knew through Nerdfighting and Brotherhood 2.0 videos had a completely different, and yet the same, side. He could write far better than almost any modern author I'd read- and that was only his second book. I read An Abundance of Katherines three times after I got it, and promptly bought a copy for myself. Then, I heard about Paper Towns. I had to read it. If it were even half as good as his other books, then it would be a miracle. But it wasn't. It was exponentially more amazing.
I read the whole book in one day. I checked it out from the library in the morning at school and read it under my desk in class all day long. In seventh period, I read the last sentence, having heard nothing of class all day, closed the book, amazed, and excused myself to go deliver the book to one of my friends, who had begged me to lend her the book when I finished it, in her math class. I couldn't wait to pass it on.
Everything about Paper Towns screams MASTERPIECE like nothing I've ever read. In the first fifteen minutes after the final punctuation, Paper Towns beat out each and every one of my favorite books, some of which I've called my favorite since elementary school, and became my favorite book.
The characters are real, alive, vibrant. You can feel the story and live it along with them. John Green makes you cry one moment and laugh your ass off the next, all in one fluid motion. This book... is amazing. I feel like I've known Q my whole life. Hell, I'm even ordering a Black Santa online.
If you haven't yet, buy this book. Read it. You'll never, ever regret it.
Everything about Paper Towns is just beautiful. I can't say it enough. My way of thinking was changed. My way of writing was changed. My way of talking was changed. My way of life was changed. This book, though it is printed on paper, is NOT a paper book, to be passed by. By no means 2-dimensional, this book is like the V for Vendetta of literature- everyone should experiance it. Paper Towns changed my life, and my perspective of modern literature.
Buy this book.
26 out of 26 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 24, 2010
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The story has so many layers it was like peeling the layers from an onion only to discover more layers underneath.
Written in 1st person narrative, from Quentin's (Q's) perspective. Q was surprisingly easy to relate to even in my female dominated household. Q epitomises the boy next door stereotype. A good student and all round nice guy. John Green makes geek/nerd sexy.
Margo & Q are tied together by a traumatic incident in their childhood. Although no longer friends, Q has had a crush on Margo from an early age. Following their night of adventure and Margo's subsequent disappearance, Q has to analyse how well he knows/doesn't know Margo.
The notion that we are different versions of ourselves with different people really comes under scrutiny within the narrative. How well do we really know someone when we only see a single side of them. In the same context how well do we know ourselves, when we are different with different people. There are a complex set of psychological theories beautifully entwined in the plot.
Making Q's parents psychiatrists in the story adds an extra dimension to the analysis. Elements of the nature versus nurture debate especially with the contrasts between Q's parents and Margo's.
The use of Walter Whitman's poem Leaves of Grass within the plot adds another layer to the story (see what I mean about peeling the layers of an onion). The analysis of the poem parallels the analysis of people within the plot.
Q evolves tremendously throughout the book. At the start he has always been on the periphery of his own life. Through his search for Margo, he discovers who he really is. I think that is why finding Margo became a compulsion for him, as he was also finding himself.
I adored John Green's writing style, the use of metaphors & similes were fantastic. Decay never sounded so good :0)
A story about growing-up, self discovery, endings & beginnings. The realisation that the world is a big place and we are just a small part of the whole. A highly recommended read :0)
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Wben you look at the headline of my review, you may be turned off by my random capitalization, but that actually is a portion of the book, and a very clever one, at that. Paper Towns is a book that you pick up, you laugh a lot, you cry a little, you think a lot, you piece things together. It is everything a realistic fiction book needs and so much more. The characters are lifelike beyond words and MANY things said in the book remind me 100% of my friends. This is officially one of my favorite books now, a real page-turner to say the least.
5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted September 4, 2012
Wow. I first read the fault in oir stars (also bby john green) and thought and still claim that it is my allbtime favorite book. So when i found paper towns i was like"YEAH BUDDY? GIMME MY FIX OF JOHN GREEN FOR THE NEXT 3 DAYS". because i already knew i would read this book in that minimal amount of time. But i was wrong. This book was so explicitly awesome that i finisshed it in 2 days. Paper towns has such a unique story line with amazingly funny, bright characters who make you hate your friends because they aren't like them. Super funny and in depth thinking, great for everyone especially teens. Mr. Green, if you happen to come across this review, i want you to know that if you ever. EVER, stop writng books, punch a wall. Yeah that,s right. Be intimidated by my wall punching. (I really hoped that made u laugh because i was trying reeeaallyyy hard hahaha). ANYWAYS! Every humam being should read this book.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted December 4, 2008
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, who¿s been her neighbor ever since they were little kids.<BR/><BR/>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 other¿s presence. One night though Margo appears in his window dressed as though she was ready to go rob a bank.<BR/><BR/>She¿s 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.<BR/><BR/>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.<BR/><BR/>I could really feel not only the characters emotions, but also the author¿s 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.<BR/><BR/>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, you¿re 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.<BR/><BR/>This book is one of the deepest and quickest reads you¿ll find. You¿ll never want it to end and you¿ll 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.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 16, 2008
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John Green has once again given us the gift of an awesome novel.<BR/>He doesn't have a cult-like following for no reason. He is very talented and unlike many other modern Y/A authors. Mr. Green writes well, something that many other Y/A authors forget to do while they are constructing familiar plots full of empty, but attractive, "characters". <BR/><BR/>Paper Towns is an entertaining mystery that I just could not put down. Q, Ben & Radar are hilarious and engaging and Margo Roth Spiegelman is interesting and mysterious (that's kind of the point, isn't it?). I thoroughly enjoyed Paper Towns and I have suggested it to all of my friends.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted August 7, 2012
John Green's writing is the most high quality kind I have ever read. It has personality and spunk, Which is pretty much the only reason why i continued with this story line. I enjoyed the way the story ended, unfortunately parts of the story seemed pretty repetitive such as the mini mart scene. But all in all I love the way John writes and i will continue reading the rest of his works.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted April 18, 2012
Definitely a must read for John Green fans. This book plays with your mind on the ups and downs of a "paper perfect" town. The book leaves you with immense feelings of awe. I cant even describe how i felt after this book was over. It was just so good. GO NERDFIGHTERS ;)
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I loved Paper Towns. That's basically it. But seriously, I only got it in January (yay for Barnes and Noble gift cards!) but I've already read it twice and I'll probably be reading it for a third time very soon. That's how good it is- I've owned An Abundance of Katherines for over a year and have just now gotten around to reading it a second time but Paper Towns? Twice in three months and it never got dull. The awesomeness that comes out of John Green's mind is unbelievable. Yeah, I love your books John. And Hank rocks too :D...DFTBA!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 12, 2013
Another success John Green. Good Job.
Save yourself the Time spent Reading Reviews and Put it toward something Productive such As reading This book.
D.F.T.B.A.
-your fellow nerdfighter
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 26, 2013
Not the best of John Green, but very notable indeed.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 17, 2012
This is masterfully written in such a way that touches you on so many levels. It is funny, sad, and all the emotions in between. Most of all, it is thought provoking and leaves you thinking about life and what really matters!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 16, 2011
It isn't every day you come across a book as thought provoking or as understatedly riveting as John Green's 'Paper Towns.' At the end of the book, after a whirlwind of a journey with great people, you think-holy sh*t, did I just learn something? And you did. You learned something just like you learned something after reading any other of John Green's books. I can't say I took the same thing away from this book as another person, but I'm pretty sure anyone who reads this will take at least a few words away with them. This is a wonderful read that literally had me hysterically laughing at certain parts (black santas) as well as searching for air as others. Another masterpiece by John Green.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 30, 2011
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I loved this book!! I finished fairly quickly because putting it down was one tough task! The characters seem so real and have real depth. If you are a Nerdfighter or John Green fan, you no doubt have to read this book! DFTBA! -Proud Nerdfighter, Madi
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.John Green is one of the best authors out there, and Paper Towns is extraordinary!! It inspires conversation and thinking, unlike some books out there. The plot makes me wish I wrote it! All of the characters are perfectly developed, and extremely hilarious! Two people, including me, in my class read it. One time we were on a looong road trip for school and a kid was like "Oh no. I have to pee," every 5 minutes. I told her to pee in a beer bottle! If you don't get it, read the book!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted August 7, 2010
This book was great! I found myself literally laughing out loud at many parts. The dialogue is unbelievably true to teenage boys and Green's writing style is funny and witty. I would suggest this book to anyone, it's a fun, heartwarming story.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted December 7, 2009
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This was one of the best books I have read in a while! It kept me interested the entire time and I was always wondering what was going to happen next! I literally could not put this book down and read it in less than a day because of it!
Highly recommended - it will keep you wondering so that you'll be upset if you put it down and don't find out what happens next. A lot of the time I would put it down and keep thinking about it and just have to pick it up and start reading it again. Wonderful book!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted November 29, 2009
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Every teenager must read Paper Towns by John Green. You will experience heartwarming and humorous parts and will never be able to put the book down.
Quentin Jacobsen, also known as Q, and Margo Roth Spiegelman, have lived next door to each other in the same subdivision in Florida for most of their lives and were best friends until they were nine years old. Since then, Quentin and Margo barely acknowledge each other's presence. Now as high school seniors, they are totally different people. Margo is beautiful, popular, fashionable, spontaneous, and adventurous. Quentin, by comparison, is shy, nerdy, and too much of an over-thinker to be either impulsive or adventurous. However, Q still continues to love Margo from a distance. Out of the blue, a few weeks before graduation, Margo appears at Quentin's window in the middle of the night. She convinces him to go on an unforgettable night of adventures seasoned with revenge. The next day at school, Quentin discovers that Margo is gone. She leaves clues for him, and he hopes these clues will lead him to her. As Q searches for Margo, he realizes that he and Margo are different than what they appear to be.
Even though this was a coming of age story, its theme is powerful and profound. I learned from this book that sometimes a person doesn't know who they really are until they look into someone else. John Green also shows that a real person is different from an idea of that person and without imagination, nothing can ever happen.
Paper Towns is one of the best mystery books I have ever read. I really like John Green's use of witty and humorous dialogue that certainly makes you laugh out loud. The way John Green develops his characters is quite unique. I definitely changed my perception of who I thought Margo and Quentin were from the beginning of the book to the end of the book. I also like the way the author intertwines Walt Whitman's poem, Song of Myself, in developing the storyline. The only thing I didn't like about this book was that it was a little slow when Q was sad about Margo being gone, but it didn't take that long for the story to spark my interest again. Over all, I highly recommend this awesome book for all teenagers. This is an enjoyable read that won't disappoint you. By reading this book, you will understand why Paper Towns by John Green made the New York Times Bestseller list.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I have to say, I love John Green. I think he's a hilarious and well-spoken writer. His books never fail to be fun and meaningful. The cast of Paper Towns is lively and feels like they would be the sorta friends you would want to have. I didn't particularly find the story all that interesting, as I found it a lot like his other books. They all feature some geeky guy trying to win over the vibrant, mysterious girl. Certainly not a bad book, but I hope his next one branches out more.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Overview
From the #1 bestselling author of The Fault in Our Stars
Winner of the Edgar Award for Best Young Adult Mystery
New York Times bestseller
USA Today bestseller
Publishers Weekly bestseller
When Margo Roth Spiegelman beckons Quentin Jacobsen in the middle of the night—dressed like a ninja and plotting an ingenious campaign of revenge—he...