Turtles All the Way Down by John Green (realistic fiction)

Turtles All the Way Down by John Green is about Aza Holmes, a high school girl who suffers from extreme OCD and anxiety. When she and her best friend, Daisy, find out that David, one of Aza’s old friends’ billionaire father is missing and there is a massive reward for anyone who can find him, they decide to get involved in the search. During this effort, the two of them go on many adventures causing Aza to face some uncomfortable situations and creating some turbulence in their friendship. But Aza also experiences many struggles in her daily life. She can’t keep up a conversation, even with the people she’s closest to without getting lost in her thoughts. On top of this her OCD causes obsessions with germs and illness that end up making her do some unsafe things in response. It is especially hard for her because her best friend is loud, quick-witted, and extroverted, and ends up overpowering her in most conversations. As the story progresses, Aza develops a disdain for Daisy, thinking that she is too controlling and unempathetic, while Daisy has concerns about their friendship as well. At the same time, Aza finds her first love with David, and realizes that she can be loved. Throughout the story, Aza comes to the realization that although things will always be hard for her, they can get better.

The theme of hope is prevalent throughout the story. There are many times where Aza loses hope and goes through hopeless situations. Oftentimes, she feels that she can not get through her life the way it is. In between her failed conversation attempts and dangerous compulsions, she does end up finding some things to enjoy. This is mostly through David, as she is able to express herself and her thoughts around him. He not only understands and accepts her but she realizes through him that she can be loved. I really like the way their relationship was fleshed out because it gave her this consolation, which was exactly what Aza needed. The hope she gets from this allows her to come back to reality when she’s having her intrusive thoughts. I also really like how the book depicts the anguish Aza experiences from her OCD. I think it could help people understand this illness better. What I really love about this book is the lesson it tells about perspective. It is really hard to watch the way Aza’s friends don’t understand her, all while thinking about how her friend’s actions might be justified. In real life, it’s important to consider other’s opinions, but the book shows that you also have to care for yourself. Overall, I would recommend this book if you want to experience the sparks of hope that result from long sad spells, and watch Aza realize that things might just work out in the end.

Reviewed by Lydia W., Grade 10