Overall Rating and Opinion of "Paper Towns"

Discuss the April 2015 book of the month, "Paper Towns" by John Green.
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How do you rate Paper Towns?

1 star - poor, recommend against reading it
3
3%
2 stars - fair, okay
15
16%
3 stars - good, recommend it
49
53%
4 stars - excellent, amazing
25
27%
 
Total votes: 92

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sdeerfield82
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Re: Overall Rating and Opinion of "Paper Towns"

Post by sdeerfield82 »

I really enjoyed Paper Towns. I don't read a lot of YA fiction and I haven't been a teenager for a while but I'm impressed by how well John Green seems to portray the formative teenage years. How does he relate so well?! In truth, some of the topics seem trivial (having a car or not having a car, going to prom or not going to prom) but at 17 years old, it is hard to imagine life beyond these outcomes.

I did find the book to be a bit repetitive. He seemed to cover and recover the same ground - i.e. Q would draw a particular conclusion about Margo only to change his mind and then change it back. I think there could have been less of this but it didn't sufficiently detract from my enjoyment of the story.

3 out of 4 stars in my opinion!
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BookWormGirl92
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Post by BookWormGirl92 »

I am currently reading this and so far am enjoying the escape it is providing me. I initially am reading this before I watch the movie to see how comparable they are. Here's for crossing my fingers for hoping that Hollywood hasn't messed it up
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Ashley3255
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Post by Ashley3255 »

Not my favorite John Green book, but I still loved the book. Green has a specific style of writing that I just love so much, and it's very relatable to me.
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CloudedRune
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Post by CloudedRune »

I've just started reading this book and I'm quite excited about it, I haven't read anything by John Green before but I've heard a lot of mixed things about him and his books. Looking forward to discussing it in detail when I've finished reading!
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thym38
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Post by thym38 »

Paper Towns was the first book by John Green that I read a few years ago. I had no idea what to expect and what I got was surprising. The characters were funny and entertaining to read about, and so realistically and well written that I felt quite attached to them. The book holds great messages and lessons, and my emotions when finished reading were satisfied, curious and deeply sad. I would rate it 3 out of 4, only because I loved 'An Abundance of Katherines' even more :)
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Post by Stevefromtheblock »

I haven't read any John Green, but I might start with this one. The comments are all pretty positive!
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Deee
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Post by Deee »

Paper Towns was really good. I loved the secondary characters Ben, and Radar. Their interaction with Quentin (the protagonist) made the book quite humorous. I loved John Green's writing style and his ability to make readers form a connection with his characters. I was only saddened by Quentin's pain because of his feelings for Margot. Truthfully though, I found Margot to be quite off-putting. Overall, I really enjoyed the book. This is the second book I've read by the author, and I will definitely read more.

3 out of 4 stars.
"But to find out the truth about how dreams die, one should never take the word of the dreamer."

Toni Morrison, The Bluest Eye.
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KingOfTheAce
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Post by KingOfTheAce »

I have never read a book by John Green, but a friend of mine suggested I should read one. Seeing all these positive reaction one could say that my friend is right. The movie 'The fault in our stars' was also very popular in my area so I will read atleast this book from John Green.
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Post by ALynnPowers »

I feel like such a minority in my opinions of this book... it makes me question my own skills in book judgment... :(
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Post by reading_4ever »

overall, I think Paper Towns was a good book. it is not a book for people looking for an action packed novel but rather something with a deeper meaning (as with all of John Green books). Paper towns explored what it was to be a teenager that didn't belong and wanted to be set free. it was about love and not giving up on the ones that you love. at times the novel was slow but it picked up quickly towards the middle/end. i think overall the book was great. Green uses words that touch the reader and have a deep meaning that gets the reader thinking. Also the mystery of Margo keeps you thinking with the main character and speculating throughout the whole novel. i enjoyed this book and would recommend it!
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Deee
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Post by Deee »

ALynnPowers wrote:I feel like such a minority in my opinions of this book... it makes me question my own skills in book judgment... :(


Lol. Don't feel bad. :(
The book is good, and the writing is great. There's a real connection with these characters. My only problem is with the Margot character. 3 out four stars isn't bad.
"But to find out the truth about how dreams die, one should never take the word of the dreamer."

Toni Morrison, The Bluest Eye.
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Post by Christinar81 »

Paper towns was a good book. It had a great story line and a eclectic cast of characters. I loved the mystery/detective parts of the story. I enjoyed how the author revealed the clues to finding Margo. Although the poetry clues, for me, were a bit boring. I found myself starting to skim through those parts, hoping I didn't miss anything important. What I got most from the story, was how amazing best friends can be. No matter what crazy stunts Q pulled them into, or vice versa, they were always there for each other. This book peaked my interest into the author, John Green. I'll be checking out more of his books.
"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
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Post by Thesaurus Rex »

I liked most of this book, but some parts were pretty lame.
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Ryan
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Post by Ryan »

I guess this is another book of the month I won't be able to read. But of them all, this is one I want to read the most, so I'll keep an eye our for it. Right now I can't afford to buy it :(
"Reason is intelligence taking exercise. Imagination is intelligence with an erection" -- Victor Hugo.
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Post by bookowlie »

I am still reading this book and am loving every passage when Ben, Radar, and Quentin are together. One of my favorite comments is when Quentin tells Ben to stop the "dork babble" after Ben keeps talking about Lacey and prom preparations. The author is very creative in his descriptions!
"The best way out is always through" - Robert Frost
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