A few days ago I finished reading An Abundance of Katherines, the third book I have read by John Green. It took me a long time to actually get started on his work, but ever since I have he has become one of my top authors.
Whenever I read a book by John Green, it acts as a refreshing change from what I normally read, which are mostly in the mystery/thriller genre. He confronts some serious issues, but does it by applying a unique and witty method of storytelling that I really like.
Over time, I have built a pretty strong picture of his writing style, so I would like to share some of my analysis with you!
Main Characters
All of the narrators or main protagonists in the three John Green books I have read have been teenagers who are having to deal with issues in their lives.
They are all honest, mostly likeable characters, who are generally easy to empathise with. I found it hard not to feel every emotion of Hazel in The Fault in Our Stars and especially Aza from Turtles All The Way Down, because they had such an innocence and charm about them, and they were suffering from a physical or mental illness.
Each of the main characters has one very close friend and/or love interest who gives them support along the way. They occasionally fall out and make up. And something else that I really like from a sentimental point of view is that they all have very loving and supportive parents. No ‘broken’ families.
Plotlines
An Abundance of Katherines and Turtles All The Way Down are especially about the main character heading on a journey of self-discovery, in which both of them find out their flaws and come out on the right side as a more understanding individual where things change for the better.
The Fault in Our Stars follows a much more linear plot, which takes the reader on a remarkable and emotional ride. It is a perfect example of how Green can capture the harsh realities of a particular topic, and turn it into something so memorable and insightful.
Writing style
I find John Green’s writing style to be very laid back, but at the same time full of intricate touches and philosophical wisdom. There are so many lines from his books that I could recite and say they are wonderful quotes, and these combined with the simultaneous humour and seriousness of his writing is one of the reasons why I engage so easily with his work.
He writes emotively, but there is always something quirky and original around the corner. Some of the situations may be far-fetched, such as a rich man leaving his fortune to his pet tuatara, but things like this just add depth and humour to stories that really resonate.
Summary
So in short, John Green has become one of my favourites since I first read The Fault in Our Stars in November last year. Turtles All The Way down is one of my top books of 2018 so far.
He is a writer that brings so much – enrichment, humour, and insight, but also some original and heart-rending plots. I certainly plan to keep reading more of his books!
Happy reading :)
Stephen Reads Books 