Paper Towns

I really liked this book, except for Margo. She seemed confused and crazy. Why would you leave clues for someone to find you, then get mad when they did? She complained a lot, but did nothing about it except runaway. I think it is important for teens to realize that you cannot run away from your problems because they will always come back to haunt you. I also thought the pranks Margo did with the aid of Q was somewhat funny, but revenge is never really acceptable. Yes, it stinks that your old friend is cheating with your boyfriend, but that happens. I wish Green would have shown a positive way for Margo to deal with this, but then, I guess there would have been no real story. I'm not so sure still if Margo was just a teen acting out because of "teen problems" or if she was distressed/disturbed in some way. I think that Q liked her because he thought she was all these things she was not or, it's like that saying that says you always want what you can't have.

My favorite part of the story was the third part when Q goes to find Margo using the clues she left. I love the roadtrip they go on because it sort of had a On the Road by Jack Kerouac feel. I think the plot has great aspects of showing friendship, especially between the group during their roadtrip to find Margo. Another aspect of the plot that is relateable for teens is Q's feelings for Margo. They are very over the top, and he has had a crush on her for a long time. He cares for her so much, he does not see how she is a bit "off" in the head.

Again, I hope this book shows teens that running away is not a good thing to do. I wish Margo would have stayed in Orlando to figure out her problems. I just remember in high school being forced to watch a movie about teenage runaways and how they usually turn to prostitution. Running away is not a glamorous thing! It also reminds me of all those "MISSING" ads on the wall at Walmart.