PAPER TOWNS - John Green

“𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒑𝒂𝒑𝒆𝒓, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒕.”

Goodreads rating - 3.7/5 
My rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 

Genre - YA, Romance

Set in the world of suburban Florida, the story follows Quentin Jacobsen, a high school senior who has been in love with his enigmatic neighbor Margo Roth Spiegelman since they were children. The book takes its name from a fictional term "paper towns," referring to false places cartographers insert into maps to catch copyright violators. This metaphor becomes a central theme as the narrative unfolds.

The novel kicks off with a thrilling escapade as Margo pulls Quentin into a night of pranks and mischief, making him feel alive in ways he never has before. However, the next day, Margo vanishes, leaving behind cryptic clues. Quentin becomes obsessed with finding her, convinced that the clues hold the key to her whereabouts.

Quentin, also known as "Q," is a relatable protagonist, portraying the struggles of adolescence, unrequited love, and the search for one's identity. Margo, on the other hand, is a mysterious and complex character, challenging the reader to question their perceptions of others and the roles people play in their lives.

As the story progresses, the novel delves into deeper themes, such as the perception of others versus their true selves, the nature of hero-worship, and the impact of societal expectations on one's sense of self. These themes are woven seamlessly into the narrative, adding depth and substance to the story.