Paper Towns- John Green BOOK REVIEW

Paper Towns
John Green
Published: October 16th 2008(hardback), September 22nd 2009 (paperback)
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Genre: YA, Contemporary

The problem with John Green books is that they are so overrated, don't get me wrong I love John Green as a person, but as an author he's certainly not my favourite. Paper Towns follows the same sort of way as all of Green's other books, in that there is obviously a girl who is so completely original and amazing and mysterious and a boy who is so 'out of her league and spends his entire life thinking about said girl': it gets a little boring and a little repetitive.

I don't like Quentin or Q as he is referred to in the book, throughout it all I just couldn't get any emotion towards him other than 'urgh, shut up'. He is selfish towards his friends and is deluded into thinking that they should disregard their lives to look for missing Margo, despite the fact that it is around the time of their prom and graduation. Obviously if someone is missing in real life the pain is unimaginable but this book makes it so unrealistic its stupid. In real life situations (I am using the example real life despite the fact that I know it is supposed to be a fiction because I think Green is trying to make this book seem as close to real life as possible) the police would be doing everything that they could seeing as Margo has been missing for several days. However, in this book no one other than Q seems to care, his infatuation with her is worrying and I'm pretty sure no teenage boy would ever feel this obsessed with another girl his own age.

Q mocks his friends just because they want to go to prom and because they want to discuss their girlfriends (oh, shock horror). I don't know I just really didn't like Q at all, I just know that if he was an actual person I'd really dislike him.

The most redeeming part about this book was the ending. I loved the road trip with the Q, Radar, Ben and Lacey, it was entertaining, funny and lighthearted. Due to this part, its the only thing stopping me from giving this book 1 out of 5 and instead probably a 3 out of 5 (which is being generous).

It wasn't the worst book I've read, definitely not, but it certainly wasn't the best and I wont be reading it again for a long, long, long time. It was boring, seemed to go on forever without really having any benefit. This is probably the worst in the John Green books that I have read, my favourite being Looking For Alaska, this one just lacked that certain something that made me want to read on.

The best of Youtube #3

This is actually becoming a fairly regular segment on my blog which thrills me no end. In this post (as I have with the others which can be viewed here and here) I will show you several videos that I have watched recently that have made either my favourites or liked playlist on YouTube.

Bradley James & Colin Morgan performing 'You're the Voice' \0/

This is my absolute favourite video of all time. It literally makes me cry because it just optimises their friendship. Even if you're not a fan of them or of the show, this video is guaranteed to crack a smile out of you.

Taylor Swift - 22 (Cover By The Vamps)
I saw The Vamps live when they were supporting McFly on their tour and so I decided after being impressed by them at the show to check out their YouTube channel. This happens to be my favourite along with the video underneath; I think that the songs show off their voices really well and to be honest I think I prefer their versions to the originals. Can't wait for their new album!

Neon Trees - Everybody Talks / Animal Mashup (Cover By The Vamps)

Accent Challenge with Marcus Butler | Zoella
This is one of the funniest videos I have seen in a long, long, long time. The first time I watched it I think I had tears streaming down my face, it is just hilarious. If you're feeling down and need something to have an innocent giggle at, then this is your video.

Imagine Dragons - Demons (Official Music Video)
I don't think I have put a video that is an 'official' video from a 'real band' on these lists before but this video truly couldn't go unmentioned. It is breathtaking, it epitomises the simplicity of how much a band/music/gig can bring a moment of solace to someone who seems completely fine on the outside but on the inside they are harbouring a world of pain: simply brilliant. The song is fantastic as well, but then it is Imagine Dragons so you can't really expect anything less.

17 Rants in 4 Minutes

Hank Green, ladies and gentlemen, need I say anymore? Other than this is the best VlogBrothers video ever made? Nope, okay then.

Lullaby - Luke Conard (Live) 

There isn't much to say about this video other than its a really beautiful tune.

and finally

My Drunk Kitchen: Pizza John

Just because My Drunk Kitchen is hilarious then you add John Green into the equation and you have a truly remarkable video.

and for the bonus video

How to take care of a FANGIRL

Because I think that this video is the best video to give to anyone before they meet me.

The Fault In Our Stars - John Green

The Fault In Our Stars - John Green

Seeing as this book is incredibly hyped about I was very excited to read it. John Green is such an awesome person (I know this from watching VlogBrothers on YouTube) but I have read Looking For Alaska and although I enjoyed it I was left feeling a little bit let down, and unfortunately that is exactly what happened with The Fault In Our Stars. I finished the book in one sitting none the less but it wasn't a book that touched me like I was led to believe, I did however, cry but it wasn't the "ugly sobbing" that is often connected with this book it was more of a silent tear and I don't think it was even in the bit that I assume everyone else cried in, I shan't say which bit as I wouldn't want to spoil it for anyone who wants to read it.

I think that anyone who has been through or knows anyone who is going through the trials and tribulations that comes along with cancer then this would be a brilliant book for as I feel like it tackles a normally very taboo subject very well, however, I feel like part of the reason why I didn't connect with the characters on a deeply emotional level is because I am fortunate enough to not have met anyone who has had to deal with cancer at such a young age. 

Despite it not being a book that will stay in my heart for years, I would still recommend it as it is a good read just don't expect to be blown away like I thought I was going to be.

6.5/10