Thoughts on Paper Towns

Paper Towns is the third novel written by critically acclaimed author John Green.

Quick Plot Summary...

 It tells the story of Quentin Jacobsen (Q), a mild-manner, play by the rules, call it like you see it, teenager living in the vast hinterlands of suburban Orlando, Florida. Of course, Q’s world is quickly challenged; this all begins following the spirited events of an adventurous night of revenge and mischief (shared between Q and Margo Spiegelman). Margo disappears the next morning leaving Q to wonder what might have been; however, concerned for her wellbeing, strung along by clues left by Margo herself, Q sets out in search for his one-time adolescent friend and long-time crush, prepared to find her dead or alive.

My Impressions...

                I have sort of mixed feelings of this book. While I would not say that I disliked it, I did not particularly find it to be spectacularly fantastic (my opinion appears to be in the minority—actually, I could not find any feedback in support of my views). Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed it: it was exciting, interesting to read, it paced well, was thoughtful as well as thick with meaning and symbolism (the kind that I like, which makes you questions life, its purpose, and forces you to reconsider all that you thought was true), and it was also especially funny—I actually found myself bursting into fits of laughter every fifth chapter or so; there was even a Chuck Norris reference that I very much appreciated (it can be found on page 201, 8th line down from the top). I know what you are thinking: what more could you ask for in a book? Well I will tell you... see next paragraph

Potential Spoilers leaks for the next two paragraphs

This is perhaps my one knock of the book, it is kind of a big one in my view. I disliked the character of Margo. I disliked her so much so that it kind of ruined the story for me. I viewed her to be selfish, unrealistic in her expectations of others and the world around her, and above all, insensitive to the people in her life—even the ones she supposedly cared about. Ultimately, I found her to be difficult to relate and understand as she possessed few redeemable qualities worthy of respect. Throughout much of the novel, especially as more insights were revealed of her character, I became in different to the idea of her being found; (this is going to sound bad but) I almost wished she would be found dead as I perceived her return into Q’s life would ultimately be detrimental to him and his future.  I also sort of disliked her character because it lessened my appreciation of Q—how could he even like her; there must be something questionable about him and his character should that be his ideal of a suitable companion.

Also, through much of the book she is portrayed as a victim, someone you should feel sympathy for. That is all fine, except for the fact that she is not the victim. Nay, nay I say; she made a choice to leave—victims are not agents of power, they do not have the luxury of opportunity. If anything, Q is the victim, and in the final pages, should you have had a need to cry, I just hope those tears were for Q, because he is truly the one who has lost, suffered and sacrificed, and will likely continue to do so. In any event, I don’t know... maybe I am wrong; maybe I am missed something in reading the book which should make me see Margo in another light. If you found it please let me know because it kind of messes things up for me.

With that said, the book is a hit with YAs and those who have an appreciation for the genre and John Green’s style. As evidence of this, I found a YouTube clip; it is a compilation of about  of a thousand people saying how much they loved the book—they dance, caress the book passionately against their faces, and do other weird and slightly inappropriate things (makes you realize the power of a good book).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPgKyMrfyoM&feature=related