"She loved mysteries so much that she became one."♡
The thing about John Green books is that the stories are not about exceptional people, or somebody you would not see yourself becoming in your life. The characters are made to be as normal as possible. Maybe it is the fact that they are all just like us that makes the book convincing. Also, obviously, this being the 2nd book by John Green that I've read; I've realized that metaphors and figure-of-speeches have a big impact on his books.
Nobody could actually expect anything more from a book.
Yes, it is yet another masterpiece by John Green.
Oh my Gods (Percy Jackson reference :p), let me tell you that I was able to find a quote that I would like to note down, on every single page of this book!
Paper Towns is that one hard-bound book that shines brightly in your dull and monotonous shelf; and every time you look at that book, you feel proud that you spent your money on buying it. It is the type of book you'd read at least ten times, or maybe until you've memorized each and every page of the book. It is that book, which you'd never lend to anyone, because you want it to be with yourself forever.
I think what I just said explains it all.
✿Margo Roth Spiegelman is that one rebellious, adventurous, socialistic and popular girl that every school has, who is known for all the crazy adventures that she's had. Quentin Jacobsen, is the complete opposite of Margo. He is cowardly, nerdy and extremely conscious about every risk that he takes in life.
So this random day, Margo talks to Quentin as a friend after 10 years, even though they are neighbors. She proposes him to be her accomplice in her next adventure, and he can't help but say yes. The adventure was a success, and the next morning, when Q expects to see Margo at school, she is not present. And in one guess, they all know that she ran away. She had left some clues for Quentin to find her, and his love for Margo makes him follow those trails which may or may not lead to her in the end. ✿
Paper Towns is a story which shows how Q changed while he was on his quest to find Margo; how he decided to take risks in life and completely changed as a person. The mysteries behind the real personality of Margo are unraveled.
This book is so realistic, but at the same time exciting. The best part is that the ending was perfection. And you know what, the thing that's so funny about any book is that the last two pages matter more than the rest of the 500 pages of the book! The ending is basically what gives a book it's identity among the readers. Oh, and not to forget the characters! ☺
John Green has used the most difficult-to-read and boring poems like Leaves Of Grass in such a beautiful way, that it's description in the book actually made me read the actual poem. The three main concepts- The Stings, The Grass and The Vessel gave me a different insight into philosophy. Yes, I admit that I had to read those pages more than once to understand what John actually means to say, but believe me, when I really understood what they meant, I couldn't be happier!
Yes, even I think that Q became a little too emotional at one point in the book. He did keep reading Song Of Myself all day long, but maybe he was just influenced by Ahab from Moby Dick. And yes, that is why he wrote that Ahab was brave, and not desperate. Because what Ahab was doing was not idiocy. That was true determination- something that Q had developed.
Also, I loved how the context of a Paper Town changed in the course of the book- from a figure of speech, to an actual place that existed. It really touched me when Margo said that she was tired of being a paper girl- that she wanted to be real, she wanted to be herself without worrying about the judgments that people would pass. The fact that she followed her dreams, escaped to places where she could find happiness; even though people would call that selfishness.
John Green has used the most difficult-to-read and boring poems like Leaves Of Grass in such a beautiful way, that it's description in the book actually made me read the actual poem. The three main concepts- The Stings, The Grass and The Vessel gave me a different insight into philosophy. Yes, I admit that I had to read those pages more than once to understand what John actually means to say, but believe me, when I really understood what they meant, I couldn't be happier!
Yes, even I think that Q became a little too emotional at one point in the book. He did keep reading Song Of Myself all day long, but maybe he was just influenced by Ahab from Moby Dick. And yes, that is why he wrote that Ahab was brave, and not desperate. Because what Ahab was doing was not idiocy. That was true determination- something that Q had developed.
Also, I loved how the context of a Paper Town changed in the course of the book- from a figure of speech, to an actual place that existed. It really touched me when Margo said that she was tired of being a paper girl- that she wanted to be real, she wanted to be herself without worrying about the judgments that people would pass. The fact that she followed her dreams, escaped to places where she could find happiness; even though people would call that selfishness.
The thing about John Green books is that the stories are not about exceptional people, or somebody you would not see yourself becoming in your life. The characters are made to be as normal as possible. Maybe it is the fact that they are all just like us that makes the book convincing. Also, obviously, this being the 2nd book by John Green that I've read; I've realized that metaphors and figure-of-speeches have a big impact on his books.
Actually, if you ask me to compare this book with The Fault in Our Stars, I'd rather prefer this one. Sometimes, I just think that The Fault In Our Stars is hyped to such an extent that many people forget to acknowledge the other books by John Green. The Fault In Our Stars was a tragedy, and this book is suspense, so comparing the two eminently would make no sense.Maybe it is my keen interest in suspense that makes me consider this book to be better. The fact that one of my favorite authors has written it just adds up to the splendor of this book.
Even though this book is basically classified as a suspense, it had that fun element that every John Green book has. He never ends up making the teenagers sound extremely serious or boring, no matter what situation it is. Sometimes, I laughed my head out, and the other times, I read the book with such keen interest that I forgot to keep track of time. It hardly took me two days to complete reading this, as there was nothing else I could think about!
As I conclude this review, I would like to say that I would probably be the happiest girl in the world if John Green started writing a series (where people don't die hopefully). I loved this book, and I have already read it more than once. Also, they are making a Paper Towns movie (aaaahhhh!), which is releasing in July.
This time, I would like to recommend this book STRICTLY TO TEENAGERS as we are the only people who would be able to understand this book clearly. (And end up loving it :p) Jane Austen had once said, "If a book is well written, I always find it too short." How I wish this book would never end!
Till then,
Keep Reading. :)
Mahek Ghelani. ♥
