Turtles — and they’re endless

Billionaire Russell Pickett has disappeared, and a substantial reward has been offered for any help in finding him. That’s when Daisy and her best friend, Aza Holmes, decide to find him no matter what. But for Aza, this adventure threatens to become a real ordeal. After all, she’ll have to interact with people—when being alone with herself is so much nicer. Think about others—when it’s so hard to shake off her own intrusive thoughts. And reconnect with Pickett’s son, Davis—which means having to say the right words when her mind is completely elsewhere. Can Aza challenge herself, overcome her fears, and try to become the best version of herself? Or are changes not always for the better?..“Turtles All the Way Down” is a new novel by John Green, author of the bestsellers “The Fault in Our Stars” and “Paper Towns.” According to the author, “This is my first attempt to write directly about the mental illness that has plagued me since childhood. So, although the story is fictional, it is also deeply personal.” What is Aza, sixteen, getting drawn into when she becomes involved in the investigation into the mysterious disappearance of billionaire Russell Pickett? Her best friend Daisy is determined to find him and claim the promised hundred-thousand-dollar reward. Through a strange twist of fate, the billionaire’s son is her childhood friend, whom she hasn’t seen in years. Now she must bridge the gap of time and perception that lies between them and try to break free from the endless spiral of her fears. Who should read it For fans of “Paper Towns” and “The Fault in Our Stars” and all lovers of contemporary fiction. Why should you read it John Green’s distinctive style is evident throughout the book. The way he weaves words into a cohesive narrative is mesmerizing and captivating. His prose is rich with metaphors and beautifully crafted phrases. The gripping plot and unusual protagonist draw the reader in, as one New York Times reviewer put it: “You don’t have to suffer like Aza to feel as though you are in her shoes. You just have to be human and capable of empathy.” In December 2017, John Green announced that a film adaptation was in development. About the author John Green is an American writer of young adult books and creator of educational online videos on YouTube. Two of his works, “The Fault in Our Stars” and “Paper Towns,” were adapted into films of the same name. He was born in Indianapolis, but his family soon moved to Orlando. He later attended the private Indian Springs School near Birmingham, Alabama. In 2000, John graduated from Kenyon College with a degree in English literature and religion. Five months after graduating, he worked as a chaplain’s assistant at a children’s hospital. He had planned to become an Episcopal priest, but working with children suffering from serious illnesses inspired him to become a writer. He then moved to Chicago, where his literary career began. He worked as an assistant editor at Booklist magazine, wrote book reviews and blurbs, and soon began publishing in the New York Times. In 2005, he finished his first novel, “Looking for Alaska,” for which he received the Michael L. Prince Award. The book was one of the best-selling books of 2005, and Paramount acquired the film rights. The following year, he wrote another novel, “Multiple Katherine,” which was also critically acclaimed. The American writer gave readers “Paper Towns” in 2008. The book was the fifth best-selling young adult book of the year according to the New York Times, won an Edgar Award, and received the Corine Prize. Mandate Pictures adapted the book into a film, and John Green wrote the screenplay. The author’s new novel, “The Fault in Our Stars,” was published in 2012, although it had been conceived under a different title in 2009. The book spent two weeks at the top of the New York Times best-selling list for young adult books. It was adapted into a film in 2014. Many people, including the Wall Street Journal, attribute Green’s growing fame and distinctive voice to “the dawn of a new, golden era of contemporary realistic young adult fiction, after more than a decade dominated by books about young wizards, glamorous vampires, and dystopian societies.” In 2015, John Green was ranked by Forbes as the highest-paid author. His annual income is $9 million.