Paper Towns

by John Green

This kind of reminds me of Green's first novel, Looking for Alaska. To me, it has the same plot--nerdy guy lusts for awesome and unattainable girl. In this case, it's Quentin "Q" Jacobsen who is the nerdy, goody-goody guy who hangs out with band dorks. His next door neighbor, Margo Roth Spiegelman, seems to have it all: great looks, popularity, and an popular, athletic boyfriend.

When Margo unexpectedly includes Q in a night of shenanigans, he is thrilled. But the thrill is short-lived because Margo disappears right after that unforgettable night. Q is determined to find Margo before it is too late and embarks on an adventure across several states to find the girl of his dreams. And as he searches, he discovers that Margo isn't the girl he thinks she is.

I found this novel to be mediocre, at best. The characters of Q and Margo aren't really likable, and their friends are not well defined as characters. I often found it difficult to distinguish one friend from the other.

It is tough to recommend this novel: the characters aren't great, the plot is strange, and neither are believable.

8/7/11