BONUS REVIEW - "Paper Towns" by John Green
"Paper Towns" was similar to "An Abundance of Katherines" through the road trip and falling in love and trying to understand the relationship. I would have to say I enjoyed "Paper Towns" much more than "An... Katherines" because of the dynamic character, Margo Roth Spiegelman. Her crazy and extraordinarily good planning held enough mystery and false impressions to keep you wondering what was truly going on with Margo.
The introspection of all people's ability to understand another was explored very well through the use of poetry. I feel this was something that all people should think about but rarely ever do. In being able to even know a person you have to really listen and experience their lives. There is something about Walt Whitman that has always inspired me to think about my fellow man as part of myself too. All of humanity should be considered one living, growing, learning organism that if injured in one part will affect the rest. Any time there is a disaster, uprising, or major influence there is some impact on the rest of the world.
Recently Japan was hit with a 8.9 magnitude earthquake followed by a tsunami which caused regional nuclear plants to be compromised. This all effects the economy, reaction to nuclear power, but most importantly shows us just how vulnerable we ALL are.
John Green did a wonderful job on creating a story that effected me more than just a simple high school story. Changes occur and people change and sometimes you have to rip yourself away from everything to be able to start new. Margo and Quentin were capable of learning more about each other and putting away their ideals of other people but their values and choices had taken them on very different paths. This made me think about how I perceive people and the expectations I hold to others of how they should be and act. I shouldn't judge them and expect them to be anyone but themselves, other wise I fear pushing those people away much like Margo (in a nearly self inflicted way) was pushed away by her mother for not being the perfect daughter.
I recommend this novel for everyone. Everyone should think about the perspectives presented in the book as well as enjoying an exciting adventure with charismatic characters.
Thanks!
Rizzo
The Rampant Reader
