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A review by jordan_noel
Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I thought Aza’s character explored the complexities of OCD and anxiety extremely well. I agree with John Green that Ada describing her condition more directly, rather than purely in vague metaphors, helps others who don’t share her struggles better understand mental illness.
The only real issues I had with the book were the sort of childishness present in even adult topics. For me at least, Aza and Davis’s grief didn’t feel real. It felt like a story. The only real adult figure (Aza’s mom) felt without control and aimless. And though I loved the intricacies of Daisy and Aza’s friendship, I could not find myself to take Daisy’s character seriously. She just did not feel entirely real either.
But overall, I think this book just solidifies John Green’s impact as a writer capable of bringing such important issues to young people. I did enjoy this book.
The only real issues I had with the book were the sort of childishness present in even adult topics. For me at least, Aza and Davis’s grief didn’t feel real. It felt like a story. The only real adult figure (Aza’s mom) felt without control and aimless. And though I loved the intricacies of Daisy and Aza’s friendship, I could not find myself to take Daisy’s character seriously. She just did not feel entirely real either.
But overall, I think this book just solidifies John Green’s impact as a writer capable of bringing such important issues to young people. I did enjoy this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Death of parent, and Grief
Moderate: Medical trauma, Car accident, Panic attacks/disorders, and Terminal illness
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, and Injury/Injury detail