Paper Towns
Quentin Jacobsen has spent a lifetime loving the magnificently adventurous Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. So when she cracks open a window and climbs back into his life–dressed like a ninja and summoning him for an ingenious campaign of revenge–he follows. 
After their all-nighter ends and a new day breaks, Q arrives at school to discover that Margo, always an enigma, has now become a mystery. But Q soon learns that there are clues–and they’re for him. Urged down a disconnected path, the closer he gets, the less Q sees of the girl he thought he knew.
Paper Towns debuted at #5 on the New York Times bestseller list and won the 2009 Edgar Award for Best Young Adult Mystery. It is taught in many high school and college curricular, often in conjunction with Whitman’s Leaves of Grass, which is an important text within the novel.
If you’ve read the book and don’t mind spoilers, you can find much, much more over at the Paper Towns Questions Page.
If you would like to read this book in another language, go to the translations page.
Reviews (Spoiler Alert!)
“Green’s prose is astounding — from hilarious, hyperintellectual trash talk and shtick, to complex philosophizing, to devastating observation and truths. He nails it–exactly how a thing feels, looks, affects–page after page.”
-Johanna Lewis, School Library Journal, starred review
“A suspenseful mystery, a compelling central metaphor, and one of those road trips that every senior hopes he or she will have round out this exploration of the kind of relationship that can’t help but teach us a little bit about ourselves.”
-Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books, starred review
“A powerfully great read.”
-VOYA
“There are echoes of Green’s award-winning Looking for Alaska (2005): a lovely, eccentric girl; a mystery that begs to be solved by clever, quirky teens; and telling quotations (from Leaves of Grass, this time) beautifully integrated into the plot. Yet, if anything, the thematic stakes are higher here, as Green ponders the interconnectedness of imagination and perception, of mirrors and windows, of illusion and reality. That he brings it off is testimony to the fact that he is not only clever and wonderfully witty but also deeply thoughtful and insightful. In addition, he’s a superb stylist, with a voice perfectly matched to his amusing, illuminating material.
–Michael Cart, Booklist, starred review
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John, you’re a writer (and arguably a modern day philosopher), so I’m sure you know the feeling when you find yourself stumped by a lexical gap (or lacuna), not because you’re language does not provide you with enough words to express EXACTLY how you feel, but rather because no language does due to the intensity of the un-conveyable message within you. I’ve arrived at one of these rare but still very frustrating situations as I have just finished your book Paper Towns. And like many people do I will attempt to convey the message as best I can with what words I have to work with: Thank you John Green.
Roscoe, NY, (aka Aglo, NY) is hosting an International Childrens Day on August 6, 2011. Roscoe was surprised by the interest generated by your book, Paper Towns, in finding Algo, NY. Would you consider joining us?
I thought you might like to know, there was an Aglo Lodge just outside of Roscoe, NY. It might have been named after the map was published.
I’ve had the same Favorite book for about 4 or 5 Years of my life, Which is a huge chunk of my Life, considering the Fact that I am Only 13. But, Having just read your Book Paper Towns, I now Have a New favorite Book. You, sir are a Genius.
I would love to be called a genius by a 13 year old girl. Wouldn’t you?? Like oh my gosh!
SUCK ME BEAUTIFUL!!!!
youre a WHORE in a WHOREacaine
I am surrounded by rude idiots like this everyday, and yet it still amazes me to read things like this. Seriously guys, if you’re going to be this immature then go troll somewhere else. To Danielle; a thirteen year old is just as capable of defining a genius as a rude commenter like yourself. To john wayne; you disgust me. Leave her alone and go troll elsewhere. You are not welcome on this website of awesome. To Emma; keep on reading. You will be the boss of rude internet people in ten years.
DFTBA, the Nerdfighters!
I think this is a lovely comment Emma. Do not let people who think that age is some sort of intellectual trump card bother you. I think that 13-year-olds can sometimes understand things that many adults have lost the capacity to understand. :)
DFTBA
wouldn’t you Say these people are decepticons? geez, we All should have our Own opinions and im sure that Comment means a Lot to john. lets not Take away from what Is true.
Becca-
I feel the need to tell you that I adore your use of Margo-style capitalization. I do believe you are correct about decepticons. Why not call it like it is.
John-
You are an amazing man. I’m watching all of the vlogbrothers videos in order because I love your humor and how much you want to decrease world suck. You sir, are made of awesome. I’ve read all of your books and I’ve pre-ordered TFioS, but Paper Towns is my absolute favorite. Of course, that’s how I felt when I read An Abundance of Katherines and again when I read Looking For Alaska and again with Paper Towns, which is currently my favorite book. I can only imagine how amazing The Fault in our Stars will be.
Best Wishes,
Darbee the Nerdfighting Human
i agree and i’m only 12 I loved the book. I read it last year for the first time and I’ve read it at least 23 times.
Paper Towns is the first book I read by you; it was also the first book that made laugh, cry, and want to stay up all night just to read it a second time after finishing it the first. Now I feel the same way about all your stories. John Green, you’re books have had an unbelievable impact on me- Paper Towns inspired me to start writing again, after a year of not even wanting to. So thank you. Thank you so much.
I’ve read your comment at johngreenbooks.com and I agree. I come from Holland but john green is a genius. I’ve read the book 8 times or so and I still love it. I think you’re american? In Holland we have to read books for Dutch and it’s not allowed to read books which are translated so I can’t read his books for school! Have you read his other books?
Greetings from a bad english speaking dutch boy.
Dear John Green,
I love all of your books, but this one was by far the most creative. It was like a lovely mystery. Its probably one of the BEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ! I love the end when the gang takes a road trip i search of Margo. I LOVED IT!
Hello John Green, and other John Green fans,
I come from Holland and it seems that i’m the only one in holland who knows John and his books! It’s a shame! I’ve read all your books from looking for alaska (in holland it’s called “het grote misschien” what means “the great perhaps”) to Will Grayson. Ooh, a funny thing and abundance of katherines is called here “19 keer katherine” that means “19 times katherine”. But paper towns is defenitely the best one, I think i’ve already read it 8 times.
Greetings from the only fan in Holland :D.
Ps; Sorry for my English i’m Dutch.
OMG! i love his books! looking for alaska is amazing! im reading it right now!
Hey Jonas,
Do you watch the Vlogbrothers videos on youtube? It’s John Green and his brother Hank Green. They’re great. They also show that there are many fans of John’s books in Holland, you’re totally not alone! John actually lived in Holland for a couple months recently. Maybe you already know this by now or maybe you’ll never see this reply but I felt like replying. My mother is from Holland and I’ve been there and it’s amazing :) And your English is actually very good. I need to re-read John’s books! I thought Looking for Alaska was my favorite though.
Firstly, your English is great, I wouldn’t have known the difference, and secondly, that is so, so exceptionally unfair! I’m Australian, so our school doesn’t care if the book’s translated or not, but I just can’t get over how unfair that is, my entire English assessment is based on this book! (My friend and I both did John’s books for our assessment, she did Looking For Alaska.)
Well at any rate, have you read all his books? I also liked the ones he co-wrote, have you read those too? Let It Snow was so amazing and Will Grayson, Will Grayson was my favorite book for the longest time…
Dear Mr. Green,
I loved this book! I read it last summer and I just loved it! You are an amazing writer!
love paper towns, makes you think a bit, ive read all ur books, besides will grayson, will grayson which im about to start. is there going to be a movie?
Paper Towns is the most satisfying book I have read in years. Thank you John Green for a work of pure brilliance.
your mother is the most satisfying
That’s just pathetic. You ruined this poor guy’s acknowledgement of a beautiful book, and a spectacular author, and made a joke of it.
And not even a GOOD joke.
I am a 4 year old boy and this is my first book I have ever read. You are an inspiration for me. I now am planning a runaway 7 states away. It might contain over 200 cans of beer as well.
i too plan on running away. i am not going to take 200 cans of beer though. i am going to take 200 bottles. bottles are classier.
it was bottles you dummy, they broke all over the road and they pissed in them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
hey why dont you grow up.
P.S. coors bottles are where its at.
P.s.s
Bud light bottles is where it is at!!!!!
tru dat Mr. Wayne! they turned that pretty turquiose color!
Did no one else notice that he said he was a 4 year old boy? I have to praise your great reading skills and your typing skills but I don’t think it’s wise to be drinking or running away at your age.
this was a pretty darn good book. usually i dont like reading even a little bit, but john green books seem to keep me interseted. he has a very unique writing style that i enjoy very much.
This book was horrible. ITS SAD to see how many people think its a good book. For one it’s wrote on a first grade level and I felt humiliated for reading it. I’ve read more books then I can remember and all of them have more plot twists then this book. You k new what was going to happen at the end, after reading the first chapter.
But that’s the point. It’s in the journey, not the destination. The book actually says that.
Don’t be so outraged, you with your capital SAD. Over-reactions are over-rated, calm down and move along <3
Perhaps you feel that way because you didn’t quite understand it. Sure, the language isn’t elevated, but there is such poignancy and meaning contained within his “first grade level” writing. (Mind you, I’ve never encountered a first grader who’s read and so eloquently reacted to Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman)
Also, good writing often appears as though anyone could have written it when, in fact, that is not the case.
Well said. DFTBA :)
Correct me if I’m wrong, but wouldn’t the correct way to say that be “it’s written on a first grade level”? So maybe writing on a ‘first grade level’ is a bit harder than it looks.
You are so right, perhaps Levi should go study his first grade grammar more, a little subject verb agreement never hurts!!
I personally think margo is very mean and trampy. She shoudnt of led Q on the way she did. She was breaking his poor virgin heart. Girls like her end up on the corner, addicted to crack, spreedin herpes and their legs to the world.
But that was always the point.
The thing about Margo is that she was designed to be hated. Her entire character was built to create sympathy for Q, because he was completely besotted with her. And then when you reach the end you understand that she was never going to be his, and he finally stops being hers.
so i agree that this book was very interesting, i dont read…and i read this book. it was good. she broke his heart though. It was pretty sweet that they almost hit a cow…that would have been pretty crazy!!! i like cows….ha. moooo……..buh bye
This book wasn’t too bad. The ending could have been better. It kept me entertained until then though.
i like alaska, and i have the best vag
I somehow seem to have managed to procure an advanced uncorrected proof of this book, and liked it so much that I’m going to go have to find the final printing just to read it again :)
Any chance that this might be turned into movie? WOuld love to see Margo in the big screen…
Such an amazing book, with the best twist imaginable, it has character that are very easy to relate to, I can not wait for your next book!
It should be compulsory for everyone on this planet to read this book.
This book has left me alarmingly incoherent. When all my friends start asking stuff like “How are you?” “What’s the matter?” “Is 1 a prime number?” I just point to Paper Towns in my hand, shouting “The answers are all here my friends!” Then I run off to read it once more.
But I may have lied. Even after reading it, i am still not sure. Is 1 a prime number?
It’s not. And I totally get your sentiment. John Green books kick butt.
This was a wonderful read. I couldn’t put the book down and it was all so unexpected. The terminologies were great and the book went down great with people in my age group, the teenage years, and my friend’s parents. The ending kind of made the book die a little, but the rest of Paper Towns was absolutely fabulous. Bravo John.
I lent Papertowns to my LAX teacher and she had a very positive input on it. She specifically said that she liked how John Green doesn’t question his audience’s intelligence.
If someone could explain the concept of the paper towns to me I’d really appreciate it. I sort of understood it when I read it but it was such a good book that I didn’t bother to re-read that part because I couldn’t wait to see what happened next.
Well I don’t know about anyone else, but I thought it was about a journey. It’s funny, cause on the surface it’s a literal journey, but when you think about it, Q was looking for Margo in a longer journey inside himself, I mean that in the way of looking to see whether it was possible for them to be together, and on that journey he found a little more of himself.
Ha, I’m doing my english assignment about that…
The first book I read by John Green was Will Grayson,Will Grayson due to an impulse purchase at a Borders. I then fell in love with the style of writing and his ability to make me laugh out loud. I found myself on amazon spacing out order times so that I wouldn’t read all his books back to back, as I wanted to space out the enjoyment. Planning to read other series in between I found my heart racing as I cracked open the spine of ‘Paper Towns’ I laughed, I found my heart dancing at the mystery of Margo and I found myself forcing myself to slow down writing comments in the spaces so I wouldn’t read it in one sitting, well I did anyway but I’m sure I got more out of the book. Nothing ever beats the thrill of reading a book which ends in a total surprise (As in not re-reading its never the same) My impatience to get to the end; However makes reading slowly hard. I like the book Paper Towns, though Q’s devotion to Margo always makes me smile, cos he tries so hard to be the wounded solider~
I loved this book, it truly inspired me. It may sound gay but its true. It’ll open your eye’s, make ya think a little. Yay too you John Green
Hey, John, I’m your biggest fan from Ethiopia.
The only book of yours I haven’t read is An Abundance of Katherines and I have to say that Paper Towns is simply the best thing I’ve read in YA literature. You have a way of creating fascinating love interests and I’m still in love with Margo as well as Alaska and Jane (Margo being at the top)
I loved Paper Towns
You’re awsome
Hi John! I’m just reading Paper Towns in english and I’m loving it. I couldn’t find a finnish copy from the library, I don’t know if it’s even been translated to finnish, so I had to take the english one and I’m suprised how easy it is for me to read.
And the story is great! It’s funny and interesting and I just love it. And I wish I could be like Margo, beautiful and adventuress and bold!
This is my first John Green book, and I’m really looking forward reading more of them.
You’re an amazing writer and I absolutely love your characters and their adventures. I haven’t read Will Grayson Will Grayson yet, but in all of your other books have made me laugh ’til I cried and they’ve made me really think about life and the bigger picture. Also, I really like the endings because the readers don’t know *exactly* how the characters end up, leaving room for the reader’s own ideas about how they continue life. You’re definitely on my top five list of authors! Hopefully, you’ll continue to write.
P.S. My new mission in life is rebuild Algoe
:)
Dear John,
I just finished your book and the only thing I really can say about it that it was enchanting in so many different ways. It was exciting because of the search of this amost unreal Margo through those many unexspected clues. It was poetical because of the beautiful language you used and the fact that the poem of Whitman is used in so many different methaphors. And I guess it just touched me. I actually felt emotional when I read the last pages. The way you described life was unique and is, I think, a beautiful way to see it. I’m a bit lost of words now, but I hope my message is clear: I loved your book. And I look really forward to read your next ones, especially your newest book, because it takes place in the Netherlands, my homecountry.
This is my all-time favorite book. Margo and Quentin remind me a lot of myself. Margo being surrounded in a flimsy paper town with all the paper people when you yourself are a paper girl is relatable.
My two best friends and I have spent the last two Saturdays taking shifts reading Papers Towns out loud to each other. It was AMAZING! We decided that this was a wonderful way to spend our time and have decided to commence on the newest assignment of reading the Great Gatsby! I am extremely excited, and also I need to find a place where I can get The Fault In Our Stars! DFTBA!
I published a review of Paper Towns on my blog…
http://teensreads.blogspot.com/2011/07/paper-towns-by-john-green.html
Absolutely one of my favorite books.
The sheer amount of astounding philosophy in this book makes it amazing, but added to its humor, understandability, and fantastic writing….this book is just made of awesome.
Can’t wait for The Fault in Our Stars. Preordered and all.
DFTBA.
Paper towns was the book that started my John Green obsession. After purchasing this on a whim, I bought all 5 of your other books including let it snow meerly because you wrote some of it and TFIOS sheerly out of pure conf idence that anything that comes to print out of office will be amazing. It is no doubt that you are a modern day philosopher, transferring your ideas through book form. You are an amazing man and I actually might pass out if i ever get to see you in person.
DFTBA
Paper Towns is an amazing book that not enough people have read!
Hi John, This book was absolutely superb. I found it in the bargain section of my Borders for $3.99 (Can you believe that?) When I began reading it I found the surface story very interesting as well as the background info. (I reside in the Tampa area so it hit close to home) However as I reached the end of the novel it had a really deep meaning. I loved it. I love that you realize how people tend to put other people into boxes, slap a ribbon on it and say “Oh that’s John” or “That’s just Kyra” but obviously people despise that and are not nearly that simple. So thank you for seeing imperfection as something to write an entire book about. I intend to read your others as well. I hope they are just as wonderful, John!
There is something truly universal about this book. I think that all of us have to at some point learn the difference between our ‘imagining’ and what is imagined about us and what is true within ourselves and true for others. I strongly believe that everyone should read this – it is life-changing.
people are soooooooooo immature..smhh
Amazing book. I read it less than a month ago and I still remember when I was near the end I would stop to just savor it.
(P.S. I preordered ‘The Fault in Our Stars’, I freaked out when I learned it would be signed by the most amazing person in the world.)
This is the first book I’ve read by you, and I really loved it. I think you should’ve made it into a series because I would probably buy every single book. Maybe you should consider that. Anyways I loved it so much. Thanks for being an amazing artist!!!
I just finished reading your book, man it’s pure awesomeness :) I enjoyed every single chapter I couldn’t sleep because I wanted to finish the book the same day I received it (I’m from Peru and it was a looong wait) I’m amazed at how well you sir, describe the exacts feelings of the characters, everytime something new happened I kind of imagined how would it feel and had that feeling of “well I feel it but can’t describe it in words, that’s no prob I’m just reading..” but then BAM you just put into words what I exactly felt when reading :) it was as if I have just turned an active reader…I’m looking forward to reading another of your books… Greetings and Thanks from Peru
Paper Towns by John Green is a novel about the infamous Margo Roth Spiegelman, a living legend in her hometown, and neighbour to Quentin Jacobson, also known as Q.
Quentin’s honest and intriguing narrative, along with laughs-a-plenty from his best friends Radar and Ben, makes for a smooth and hilarious read. The many faces and eccentricities of Margo are explored throughout the book with some help from Walt Whitman and clues left by the elusive Margo for Q after their shared night of adventure -after which she disappears.
Quentin is likable and loyal, and his slightly obsessive, but well meaning, feelings for Margo make him an endearing protagonist. Margo is complex and almost revered as an adventurer, but Q comes to learn that she’s just a girl.
Paper Towns was one of the most interesting and fresh narratives I’ve ever read, taking a simple idea and weaving a masterpiece. Green has a talent for making a complicated tale seem flawless and simple. He has an effortless genius and this is an excellent read for anyone who wants a truly engaging, thought-provoking and hysterical story.
RECOMMEND? YES YES YES
10/10!
This is a review I published on my website, check it out :)
(Spoiler-y review, just saying.)
So I just finished the book a couple of hours ago, and I thought it was great. I actually liked the ending a lot; I was actually kind of freaked out during the whole road trip section (in a good way), and I calmed way down when I found out the whole Omnictionary comment was just a misunderstanding. Then ending wasn’t perfect, but it made me happy, because I think I was setting myself up for something as painful as Looking For Alaska (strings?). But it wasn’t–everything turned out okay (vessel?).
Anyway, the philosophy in this book was profound, and although I’ve lived a bit of a sheltered life, I just have this sense that one way or another, it’s possible to make peace with the suffering of my life. <3
This book is amazing, truly amazing. John, you are an extremely talented author and you changed my perspective on a lot of things. Thank you for this inspirational read, I’ve recommended it to all my friends. Thanks xx :D
it was awesome coming from a 12 year old nerdfighter
dftbA
John Green, I have to say that I have read every single one of your books, and I am really not a reader, but your books are so good that they have me devouring every single page. I’m only 13 so hopefully by the time I get to 9th grade, I’ll get to have a new favorite John Green book (please!). I just wanted to thank you for making your books and making me love to read! You are awesome!
-Hayden
Hi John,
I’m such a HUGE fan! I’ve read all of your books and I have to say Paper Towns has touch me SO much. It just reminded me to live, and not let life pass me by. It was at that moment when Q decided to go after Margo and to do something, that inspired me so much. And the usage of Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass was just amazing. I actually read Leaves of Grass and it was great. So thanks for Paper Towns, it really changed my perspectives about things. So rock on, and keep writing!
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