Title: Turtles All the Way Down

Author: John Green

Publisher: Dutton 2017

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 286

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges:  Monthly Key Word: All; Modern Mrs. Darcy - Same Author; Literary Escapes - Indiana

Sixteen-year-old Aza never intended to pursue the mystery 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 Russell 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.

I had heard that the main character suffered from generalized anxiety disorder, but wasn’t quite sure what to expect going into this book. John Green perfectly describes anxiety and specifically thought spirals. I was uncomfortable in my many parts of this book as Aza’s experiences are very similar to mine at times. I really felt for Aza and her daily struggles. I loved hearing her inner thoughts on a variety of topics but specifically her thoughts on the self. I couldn’t put this book down. I was hooked from chapter one. The plot was okay and the mystery of Russell Pickett’s disappearance kept the book moving, but I was here for the characters. I loved the relationship and ultimately the honesty between Aza and Daisy. I really put myself in Aza’s mom’s shoes in many places through the story. I finished the book and am left with a feeling of understanding. There are others that struggle with anxiety just like me. (Logically I know this, but sometimes my depression brain tells me that I’m the only one.) Most definitely an amazing book and one that I really want to put in many specific people’s hands.

Next up on the TBR pile: