Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
Reviewed by: Joscelyn Lockwood, Youth Services Assistant
Genre: Contemporary YA Fiction
Suggested Age: Teens, Adults
What is the book about?: Aza never wanted to investigate the disappearance of fugitive billionaire Russell Pickett, but her most fearless and best friend, Daisy, is tempted by the hundred-thousand-dollar reward. Connected by a link from childhood, they start the hunt with Russell’s son, Davis. All the while, Aza is trying. Trying to be a good friend. A good daughter. A good student…. While dealing with ‘the ever tightening spiral’ of her own thoughts.
My Review: True to life and heart-wrenching, Aza’s diagnoses of anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder are at the forefront of this story. As Daisy and Aza are immersed in the hunt for Russell Picket, Green masterfully weaves in her daily struggle. He writes about the medicine, the therapy sessions, the spiraling thought patterns. All of it in detail, so you really understand and sympathize with the character’s struggle.
The only possible downfall to this, and this may have even been the author’s intention, is that the disappearance plot does fall by the wayside at times. It is still a wonderful read. This was the first book I’ve read by John Green, but it won’t be the last.
Three Words That Describe This Book: Angsty, Philosophical, Emotive
Give This a Try if You Like… The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, Jenny Lawson, The Dear Hank and John podcast.
Rating: 4.5/5
About FDL Reads
FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.