Thank you for your support. I could've counted but then that would've been cruel. Aza along with her best friend, Daisy, decides to search for billionaire Russel Picket, who has gone missing, in … This book is so real, dark, and beautiful that it had me in tears by the end. This book just lacks a meaningful theme for that demographic. As a Christian mom, this book is shocking and not even past the first quarter of it. Read reviews and buy Turtles All the Way Down - by John Green (Paperback) at Target. by John Green ... her two cousins closest in age, and Gat, the Heathcliff-esque figure she has always loved. This book is amazing. Her case sits on the icier, distant end of the spectrum. What to Watch, Read, and Play While Your Kids Are Stuck Indoors, Common Sense Selections for family entertainment, Check out new Common Sense Selections for games, Teachers: Find the best edtech tools for your classroom with in-depth expert reviews, 5 Ways Video Games Can Help Kids with Special Needs, Which Side of History? Parents need to know that Turtles All the Way Down is best-selling author John Green's first novel since 2012's runaway success, The Fault in Our Stars. Common Sense and other associated names and logos are trademarks of Common Sense Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN: 41-2024986). Davis is generous, curious, and kind. John has twice been a finalist for the LA Times Book Prize and was selected by TIME magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the … John has twice been a finalist for the LA Times Book Prize and was selected by TIME magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the … Readers will learn a great deal about a variety of subjects, from the scientific origins of the tuatara species to the various bacterial infections Aza's afraid of contracting to astronomy. Turtles All the Way Down is a young adult novel written by American author John Green. If you chose to provide an email address, it will only be used to contact you about your comment. Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners. While neither the protagonist nor the simple plot is as initially engaging as those in The Fault in Our Stars or Paper Towns, the story takes off once Aza rediscovers Davis. What resources does the book share to help those living with mental illness? ... 5 out of 5 stars with 4 reviews. John Green is the award-winning, #1 bestselling author of books including Looking for Alaska, The Fault in Our Stars, and Turtles All the Way Down.His books have received many accolades, including a Printz Medal, a Printz Honor, and an Edgar Award. Coming of Age. My Review A pleasantly surprising plot. While all Green's six novels (including one co-authored with David Levithan) have explored issues of substance, he has always included at least a hint of romance. Perhaps Green's OCD is a conflict about faith in God or science? While that is insightful, the genre is at odds with the amount of time dedicated to the OCD. I am a former junior high English teacher and a John Green fan. The book just seems to fall short for me. There are two ways to view it. Several positive messages, the biggest of which is that those with mental illness are not alone and are worthy of love and friendship. Let real life counselors deal with the psychotherapy - not some teen book. We display the minimum age for which content is developmentally appropriate. I am a former junior high English teacher and a John Green fan. The story trying to be told was conveyed by exaggerating EVERYTHING. "Turtles all the way down" is an expression of the problem of infinite regress. The saying alludes to the mythological idea of a World Turtle that supports the flat earth on its back. It was released on October 10, 2017, and debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. Even, if some teens would identify with parts of the characters and story it is just so bad like 10% good moral decision making and 90% bad. Featured on 60 Minutes, Fresh Air, Studio 360, Good Morning America, The TODAY Show "A tender story about learning to cope when the world feels out of control." Discussion of philosophy, psychology, and pharmacology (the need to treat mental illness with medication). He published this novel on October 10, 2017, by Dutton Books. Why it's not five stars for language is beyond me, as there are swear words, and I mean all of the big ones include taking the lords name in vain, throughout every chapter. There's a car accident that leaves one character injured; two characters sense (without visual confirmation) that there's a dead body near by; mentions of how Aza's father and Davis' mother died; and the disturbing repetition of Aza's obsession/self-harm with a callus on her finger. “Hawking, age forty-four, is the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge University, a … Browse titles with similar subject matter. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free. Green brings them together in a sweetly romantic way, but the romance is somewhat doomed, considering Aza's myriad neuroses (kissing, while initially pleasant, turns sour once the intrusive thoughts about the billions of bacteria they've shared begin). Parents need to know that Turtles All the Way Down is best-selling author John Green's first novel since 2012's runaway success, The Fault in Our Stars. Turtles All The Way Down will serve as the studio directorial debut for Marks who, at age 25, is among youngest female studio directors in history. ... Age Range: Teen. We won't share this comment without your permission. A few sexual references. “The thing about a spiral is, if you follow it inward, it never actually ends. There are better choices for 8th graders in my view. Your privacy is important to us. Under the guise of being a sleuth story of great investigative clues in search of solving the mysterious disappearance of a billionaire, it is more a story of the personal horror in living with OCD. Add your ratingSee all 12 parent reviews. How Technology Is Reshaping Democracy and Our Lives. John Green delves deeper into the dark reaches of the teenage brain than ever before, creating a remarkable if occasionally hard-to-read story about a girl living with anxiety and OCD. Davis's my god is such a crush-worthy guy not your cliche billionaire teenage playboy. Honestly, I felt a bit duped by the plot. Occasional use of "f--k," "s--t," "damn it," "bulls--t," "a--hole," etc. Searching for streaming and purchasing options ... Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Add your rating. I love how the characters were depicted in the book. Turtles All the Way Down . 49. Online Playdates, Game Nights, and Other Ways to Socialize at a Distance, Keeping Kids Motivated for Online Learning. Touching tale of girl with OCD finding love through poetry. The underlying story is rediculously (two teens trying to solve a murder mystery) out of character for Aza and Daily, the main character and her best friend. “The thing about a spiral is, if you follow it inward, it never actually ends. And Noah that kid deserved more from his life. Common Sense Media, a nonprofit organization, earns a small affiliate fee from Amazon or iTunes when you use our links to make a purchase. Turtles All the Way Down both meets and defies the expectation of an epic love story. This book follows main character Aza, a high school student who struggles with mental illness. Wow, this book was absolutely amazing. Parents who read this book with their teens should have a host of topics to discuss with them, starting with the importance of adolescent mental health. 49. It also has one of the most memorable endings in young adult literature. What character strengths does that person display? John Green is the award-winning, #1 bestselling author of books including Looking for Alaska, The Fault in Our Stars, and Turtles All the Way Down.. His books have received many accolades, including a Printz Medal, a Printz Honor, and an Edgar Award. Our ratings are based on child development best practices. Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive, diverse representations in books, TV shows, and movies. He's in fine form here, with expertly drawn characters, a mystery, some drama and a little humor as well as a satisfying conclusion. Does the book make you feel empathetic toward those living with mental illness or compulsive thinking disorder? An avid astronomer, Davis looks up to the stars, whereas Aza concentrates on her self -- or selves, since she's focused on her body as a biodome for microorganisms (the body being roughly 10 percent human and 90 percent microbial). What are some of the messages about first love and hope and the future? Turtles All the Way Down 320. by John Green | Editorial Reviews. Further, at the very end, "we squeezed his hand" introduces a multiple personality idea that makes you sit and wonder: Is the whole story posing to have Daisy as a friend, while Daisy is actually an inner voice? She recognizes the value of living. See our. How can you help others suffering with OCD and other mental health issues seek the care they need? Although a few nice moments of compassion. TCIN: 54586171. It was boring, depressing and doesn't deliver a good message. Obviously, TURTLES ALL THE WAY DOWN is about all of the above, plus a lot more besides. 14 to 18 Publisher. Become a member to write your own review. The story, narrated by a troubled Indianapolis girl, Aza Holmes, begins with a mystery. It just keeps tightening, … Both views are held by leading physicists. "Turtles All the Way Down" addresses mental illness, the loss of a parent, teen friendships and romance with the kind of sensitivity and intelligence that readers have come to expect from John Green. Families can talk about the depiction of Aza's mental illness in Turtles All the Way Down. Aza's mother is loving, attentive, and caring. TURTLES ALL THE WAY DOWN. Plot Summary. Street Date: June 11, 2019. We were able to have so many open and honest discussions about symptoms, medication choices, and the frustrating fact that it is never going away (but that doesn't mean things won't get better.) Turtles All the Way Down by John Green has been reviewed by Focus on the Family’s marriage and parenting magazine. We read it together and while the curse words are prevalent, the worst part for me was the dick pic scene! Though increasingly disenchanted with the Sinclair legacy of self-absorption, the four believe family redemption is possible—if they have the courage to act. It's True, so Turtles All the Way Down stayed on my "TBR Someday". Read Turtles All the Way Down reviews from parents on Common Sense Media. I haven't read anything making these connections. Dutton Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC ... 2017 Book Review. Thought-provoking exploration of mental illness, first love. Wow, this book was absolutely amazing. At the heart of “Turtles All the Way Down” is Aza Holmes, age 16, who suffers from terrible anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Green inserts gentle doses of humor, usually courtesy of Aza's vivacious best friend Daisy (who writes Star Wars fanfiction as a hobby), but this is ultimately a dark book about the trappings of mental illness. What to Watch, Read, and Play While Your Kids Are Stuck Indoors, Common Sense Selections for family entertainment, Check out new Common Sense Selections for games, Teachers: Find the best edtech tools for your classroom with in-depth expert reviews, 5 Ways Video Games Can Help Kids with Special Needs, Which Side of History? When a local Indianapolis billionaire goes missing and police offer a $100,000 reward for information about his whereabouts, Daisy recalls that Aza had attended grief camp with the billionaire's son, Davis. But on top of that, by the end of the story its protagonist has learned lessons about the myopia of her own perspective and begun to understand and take into account the subjective experiences of her friends and family. I went in expecting a suspenseful mystery with a gang of teenagers trying to solve the mystery of a fugitive billionaire. All rights reserved. I dont think it is at all suitable for younger teens. An instant #1 bestseller, the widely acclaimed Turtles All the Way Down is John Green's brilliant and shattering new novel. Turtles All The Way Down by Green, John Aza Holmes, a high school student with obsessive-compulsive disorder, becomes focused on searching for a fugitive billionaire. 4. There is nothing age-inappropriate in the book, so expect a smattering of strong language (including occasional use of "f--k" and "s--t") and some brief kissing scenes, but no sex. The story, narrated by a troubled Indianapolis girl, Aza Holmes, begins with a mystery. In Turtles All the Way Down, Aza's obsessive-compulsive disorder affects every area of her life, and is constantly on her mind. Aza's character is so relatable since she has some mental health concerns. The star rating reflects overall quality. Her friend Daisy discovers a mystery and one that Aza has a connection to. The story line is somewhat interesting but really it just a bunch of swearing and normalizing of destructive behaviors, the author is projecting a worldview that is terrible. Common Sense and other associated names and logos are trademarks of Common Sense Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN: 41-2024986). family. ... Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2014. 5 out of 5 stars with 3 reviews. It all begins with a fugitive billionaire and the promise of a cash reward. My daughter struggles with mental illness and this book was beautifully and authentically accurate. Okay, I did count. The book is an exercise in learning to empathize with others and understand that their perspectives and experiences are as valid as our own. Althou... Heartrending love story told by teen dying of cancer. Daisy, who comes from a low-income family, persuades Aza to play detective with her and get reacquainted with Davis -- $100,000 would help them both go to college. A highly recommended book, I want to turn to page 1 and start reading it again. 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. The rest of the plot follows the two of them tracking down and solving the case, all while dealing with the ups and downs of a … Concepts. And I am disappointed it was required reading for low-level 8th grade readers predominantly black and in poverty. There are also extended therapy sessions, mini-lessons on the biological importance of the tuatara (a nearly extinct lizard-like creature that lives past 150 years and is actually more like a dinosaur than a lizard), and a great deal of existential angst. $11.00 reg $12.06. The title is also explained (it comes from a philosophical joke from the 19th century). Fairy Tales & Folklore. Essays. Aza has a loyal best friend, Daisy Ramirez, an enthusiastic extrovert who can talk about anything with anyone. How Technology Is Reshaping Democracy and Our Lives. When I read other books about mantal illnesses i never felt anything at all. Want to help us help them? Choose from contactless Same Day Delivery, Drive Up and more. Family Activities: Use these creative ideas for free activities to move, learn, relax, and connect as a family. Either a single turtle is at the bottom, standing on nothing, or it’s turtles all the way down. ... age 15+ Based on 12 reviews. They're both half-orphaned and lost, but for different reasons. © Common Sense Media. F ollowing the gargantuan success of John Green’s 2012 YA novel The Fault in Our Stars, Turtles All the Way Down is a publishing mega-event. So, if your teen suffers from typical teen anxiety, this book could well make them think they need therapy because their minds are no longer their own for them to control. 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