ANNOTATION: Quinton has been in love with the awesome Margo Spiegelman since he was five. Now they’re about is about to graduate from high school, but everything changes when Margo suddenly disappears. No one knows if she is dead or alive, and he is the only one with the clues to find her--but in order to do so, he must find himself first.
JUSTIFICATION FOR NOMINATION: Paper Towns is a quirky and passionate novel that captures the heart of teenage guys and girls alike. A romance at heat, the story explores themes of love, friendship, and the quest for identity. The protagonist, young Quinton, as well as his crush Margo, are much more than their friends assume, and their roles and expectations of each other and the world change as each character explores themes of independence, identity and authority.
John Green displays a casual and authentic teenage voice in his storytelling--his characters are thoughtful and realistic, the bond of friendship believable and active. He develops characters in a slow shedding of fears and expectations, each new discovery a turning point in the plot. The dialogue, mainly friendly banter between nerdy teenage males, is profound, ironic, intellectual and extremely funny all at once; the reader grows to appreciate each character for who they are and what they have to offer the world around them.
Paper Towns is not fast-pased adventure, but a consistent journey of self-discovery. I greatly appreciated Green’s theme of humanity and seeing people for who they are, rather than who we want or believe them to be. Everyone is unique and full of potential, and this novel gives teenagers the insight to see and accept themselves, as well as others, for who they truly are--and to challenge ourselves to become more than we believe we can be.
This readable novel will capture the imaginations of teens and adults alike, giving readers deep and unexpected dive into their fears and shadows.
GENRE: Coming of Age/Romance/Mystery
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