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A review by dreamcat
Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Slow start and middle, but by 3/4 of the way through, I was invested. The conversations are unrealistic. I've never met people who quote poetry as much as these characters do - and it's almost EVERY character. But the metaphors are beautiful and touching and I felt Aza's anxiety and OCD was portrayed well. The missing billionaire seemed more like an unnecessary side plot; especially when Aza herself says "no, mom - my worsening mental health has had nothing to do with the money." So... Why is this a part of the book if it has no influence on your mental health? The whole mystery didn't actually seem to affect Aza at all. It just gave her a reason to have a boy crisis. Overall: beautiful metaphors and great portrayal of anxiety. Not much plot or realism.
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Car accident, Self harm, Grief, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Eating disorder, Death of parent, and Vomit
Minor: Suicidal thoughts