The first third was pretty engaging, and then the book does this weird quasi-plot resolution thing and decides to wander. I’m really hoping the Green super-fans don’t eat me alive for not liking what they’re going to call a masterpiece. With high expectations, I started reading in the hopes I’d finally be able to reconnect with this author that has been a part of mainstream YA culture for a long time. The synopsis for “Turtles All the Way Down” sounded interesting, the personal touches were promising and I appreciated the connection the title had to the cover art of the downward spiral. (Marina Waters)īut it’s been five years since we last saw John Green. His teenagers speak like college graduate students or like mini versions of him, and it’s hard to take their flowery language seriously.Ī portrait of author John Green.

But I don’t find his writing realistic at all. I respect the way Green takes some of his philosophical tangents to make something relatable and eloquent. I enjoy “Crash Course” and both of the brothers’ sense of humor. I can’t help but listen to both sides of the Green coin. Then I tried “Paper Towns” between freshman and sophomore year and only made it about 50 pages in. Back in eighth grade, “TFioS” was my everything. I guess I’m that weird floater in the middle of all the categories. Some writers despise his template and yet fall into it anyway. Others find him pretentious and unrealistic. Some people inhale everything he puts out. He first started releasing novels back in 2005 with “Looking for Alaska,” has partnered with his brother Hank Green for “Crash Course” and “ Vlogbrothers” and skyrocketed to fame thanks to “The Fault in Our Stars.” Most of America loved that book, myself included, but that hasn’t stopped him from acquiring a divisive audience. Luke: Most of you? Great! If you don’t know, people are going to say you’ve been living under a rock. *almost all of audience raises their hands, some look around, confused* I’m focused on the book itself and considering/critiquing it on its own. Keep in mind that I’m in no way trying to bash the author or criticize them for writing this book. I hope you enjoy hearing book reviews that oppose the rest of mainstream culture, because you’re at that place.

Luke: Thank you, thank you! I’m glad you guys liked the last episode and are sticking around for this series. *audience mostly claps and cheers, some boo and shake their heads* Luke Reynolds, Copy Editor, Anchor, Reporter | October 20, 2017Īnnouncer: Welcome back to “Another Unpopular Opinion”! Here’s your host, Luke Reynolds! The official cover for “Turtles All the Way Down”.

Aza turtles all the way down