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Turtles All the Way Down

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Turtles All the Way Down by John Green is a contemporary young adult novel that delves into the struggles of a teenage girl, Aza, who battles severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) while navigating relationships and attempting to solve a mystery involving a missing billionaire. The book skillfully explores the complexities of mental illness, friendship, and family dynamics, portraying the internal torment and external challenges faced by the protagonist with authenticity and insight. Through eloquent writing and a dual narrative of personal struggles and a gripping mystery, Green crafts a poignant story that sheds light on the realities of living with mental health issues.

The narrative in Turtles All the Way Down is enriched by John Green's trademark writing style, which combines philosophical reflections, poignant character dynamics, and introspective moments. The book offers a compelling exploration of themes such as anxiety, OCD, friendship, and identity, capturing the essence of teenage angst and the nuances of mental health struggles. Through a blend of heartfelt storytelling and realistic portrayals of characters, Green weaves a narrative that resonates with readers, evoking empathy and understanding for the challenges faced by individuals grappling with mental illness.

Characters:

The characters are richly developed, each embodying their struggles and strengths, particularly Aza's journey with OCD in relation to her friends and family.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is eloquent and candid, filled with vibrant dialogue and philosophical insights, effectively conveying the inner turmoil of the characters.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot intertwines Aza's shallow pursuit of a missing billionaire with her deep struggle against OCD, showcasing her relationships and personal growth in a complex emotional landscape.

Setting:

The setting is contemporary Indianapolis, enhancing the relatability of the characters' lives while focusing on their internal struggles.

Pacing:

The pacing allows for deep character exploration, though it might feel slow for readers looking for a more action-driven narrative.
AT THE TIME I FIRST REALIZED I might be fictional, my weekdays were spent at a publicly funded institution on the north side of Indianapolis called White River High School, where I was required to eat...

Notes:

The main character, Aza Holmes, struggles with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and anxiety.
The story involves Aza's search for a missing billionaire, which is a side plot to her mental health journey.
John Green incorporates his own experiences with OCD into Aza's character and struggles.
The relationship between Aza and her best friend Daisy is central to the story, exploring themes of friendship and support.
The book tackles the difficult realities of living with a mental illness without romanticizing it.
Aza's intrusive thoughts are depicted vividly, often pulling her into spirals of anxiety.
The title 'Turtles All the Way Down' refers to a philosophical concept about the nature of reality and existence, tying into Aza's experiences.
The book includes clever dialogue and references to popular culture, including Star Wars.
Green's writing is often described as poetic and introspective, reflecting deep themes through Aza's perspective.
The narrative emphasizes that mental illness does not have to define a person's identity or their relationships.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains content warnings for mental health issues, including anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and discussions surrounding potential self-harm.

Has Romance?

The romance in the story is present but not the central focus; it addresses themes of love alongside mental health struggles.

From The Publisher:

The critically acclaimed, instant #1 bestseller by John Green, author of The Anthropocene Reviewed and The Fault in Our Stars

"A tender story about learning to cope when the world feels out of control." -People

"A sometimes heartbreaking, always illuminating, glimpse into how it feels to live with mental illness." - NPR

John Green, the award-winning, international bestselling author of The Anthropocene Reviewed, returns with a story of shattering, unflinching clarity in this brilliant novel of love, resilience, and the power of lifelong friendship.

Aza Holmes never intended to pursue the disappearance of fugitive billionaire Russell Pickett, but there's a hundred-thousand-dollar reward at stake and her Best and Most Fearless Friend, Daisy, is eager to investigate. So together, they navigate the short distance and broad divides that separate them from Pickett's son Davis.

Aza is trying. She is trying to be a good daughter, a good friend, a good student, and maybe even a good detective, while also living within the ever-tightening spiral of her own thoughts.

Ratings (83)

Incredible (20)
Loved It (23)
Liked It (28)
It Was OK (8)
Did Not Like (4)

Reader Stats (211):

Read It (91)
Currently Reading (3)
Want To Read (80)
Did Not Finish (4)
Not Interested (33)

4 comment(s)

Loved It
2 months

4.5 stars.

 
Loved It
3 months

well, he didn't rest on his laurels

this is a great book, and it's great in an entirely different way than

the fault in our stars, which is probably the comparison everyone is making

all of green's books are uniquely themselves

since i watch vlogbrothers and listen to the pod, i know the issue of ocd aza deals with is something john green himself has dealt with

but i don't know how autobiographical this is beyond that, not that it's important

the story, about making friends and falling in love and solving a mystery, is secondary to aza figuring out if she is crazy, normal, brave, all or none of the above

it is secondary to the intense reading of mental illness as a text that john green provides us with, which is so lacking in fiction today or ever

aza, even though her last name is holmes, isn't "special" or "magic" because of her illness

she doesn't solve the mystery of the missing billionaire because her ocd gives her special powers

i love green for taking that stance, for naming his character for a famous detective and then making her a normal girl instead of a "high functioning sociopath"

(love you sherlock)

 
Incredible
3 months

John Green does it again! Green beautifully brings the reader inside Aza's mind to show how one is affected by mental illness. I loved being along for Aza's journey in her personal relationships with Daisy and Davis, but most importantly her relationship with her OCD. For me, TATD is far better than TFIOS and I didn't think that possible.

 
Incredible
8 months

I rated this book as incredible because I have never felt so seen. Since being diagnosed with OCD, I still felt alone in it. But Aza made me feel like I wasn’t alone with the way I felt. Thank you John Green, thank you!!!

 

About the Author:

John Green is the award-winning, #1 bestselling author of books including Looking for Alaska, The Fault in Our Stars, and Turtles All the Way Down. His books have received many accolades, including a Printz Medal, a Printz Honor, and an Edgar Award. John has twice…

 
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