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.
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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 (105)
Incredible (21) | |
Loved It (29) | |
Liked It (38) | |
It Was OK (11) | |
Did Not Like (6) |
Reader Stats (262):
Read It (114) | |
Currently Reading (3) | |
Want To Read (95) | |
Did Not Finish (5) | |
Not Interested (45) |
4 comment(s)
4.5 stars.
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)
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.
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!!!
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Turtles All the Way Down?
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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