John Green is one of the most beloved authors of young adult fiction. His books are often filled with deep, thought-provoking themes, and his characters are relatable and inspiring.
Whether you’re looking for a great read or some inspiration, these seven John Green books are sure to capture your attention. From the romantic love story of "The Fault in Our Stars" to the hilarious coming-of-age story of "Paper Towns," these are some of the best books John Green has written.
All seven titles offer readers insightful and thought-provoking stories that will stay with them long after they turn the last page.
What is John Green Known For?
If you're a fan of young adult novels, you've probably heard of John Green. His books are all about the ups and downs of growing up, the good and the bad. Green writes about everything from falling in love for the first time to taking a wild road trip. His stories feel real and have a way of pulling at your heartstrings. In other words, they make you feel all the feels. That's why John Green reigns supreme in the world of contemporary YA literature. Which Books Are His Most Popular? Keep reading to find out.
Why do I love it?
I absolutely love "The Anthropocene Reviewed". It's a collection of essays where John reviews various aspects of the human-centered planet Earth and rates them on a five-star scale. The book is a unique and fascinating take on human existence, the environment, and the impact of human activities on our planet. I found myself learning so much about the world and my place in it while also being entertained by John’s witty and insightful writing.
What you should know
What you should know about "The Anthropocene Reviewed" is that it's not your typical non-fiction book. John Green blends personal anecdotes and experiences with scientific research, and the result is a thought-provoking and engaging read. Each essay in the book is rated on a five-star scale, and they cover a range of topics, from the World Health Organization to the Taco Bell breakfast menu. John also explores more serious topics like the impact of humans on the planet, as well as more personal topics like his struggle with mental health. "The Anthropocene Reviewed" is a unique and educational book that will leave you with a greater appreciation for the world we live in.
Why do I love it?
When I first picked up "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green, I never expected it to become one of my all-time favorite books. But after reading it, I was completely blown away. I love how the book realistically shows how Hazel and Augustus overcome cancer's hardships through their bond formed during a support group.
What you should know
If you're considering reading his most popular book "The Fault in Our Stars", then there are a few things you should know about the book. Firstly, the story is set from the perspective of Hazel, a 16-year-old girl with terminal cancer. She meets a charming and witty boy named Augustus Waters at a cancer support group and they quickly bond over their shared love for books. Together they embark on a journey to meet their favorite author in Amsterdam, all while dealing with the harsh reality of their terminal illnesses. "The Fault in Our Stars" is a heartrending story about the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit, which is why it has become a number-one best-selling book and a cultural phenomenon.
Why do I love it?
This book has a special place in my heart because it made me feel things that I never knew I could feel from a book. The story takes place in Culver Creek Boarding School, where the protagonist, Miles Halter, meets Alaska Young, a beautiful and mysterious girl who completely changes his life. The book is divided into two parts: "before" and "after," which gives a glimpse into the events leading to a life-changing tragedy.
What you know know
"Looking for Alaska" is not your average love story. Sure, there's some romance between Miles and Alaska, but that's not the main focus. The book follows Miles on his journey of self-discovery and his relationships with his new friends at Culver Creek. It tackles some pretty heavy topics like mental illness, grief, and how our choices impact our lives. Plus, there are a ton of literary references woven throughout the story which makes it even more interesting. Although there are some comedic moments, be prepared to shed a tear or two. This book will stick with you long after you put it down.
Why do I love it?
One of the reasons why I loved this book is because it sheds light on mental illness and the inner workings of a person's mind who suffers from OCD. That's something that is usually left out in most fictional works. I appreciated John Green's representation of OCD through the main character, Aza Holmes. I think it's a book anyone can benefit from reading, regardless of whether they're dealing with mental illness themselves or not.
What you should know
The plot of the book revolves around a teenage girl named Aza Holmes, who struggles with anxiety and OCD. Even though she's going through her own struggles, she still tries to solve the mystery of the disappearance of a local billionaire, Russell Pickett. Aza and her best friend Daisy team up with Russell's son to investigate his whereabouts.
The character Aza has a lot of depth, and you'll get to witness her inner struggles through her character arc. The book talks about lifelong friendships, mental illness, maintaining balance in our relationships, and not letting our fears hold us back.
Why do I love it?
His collaborative novel with David Levithan follows two characters, both named Will Grayson, whose lives intersect in unexpected ways. I love this book because of how it tackled important themes such as identity, friendship, and mental health issues. It also portrays the struggles of being a teenager in a very honest, and at times, hilarious way. This book made me laugh, cry, and feel everything in between.
What you should know
For those of you who haven't read it yet, what you should know about "Will Grayson, Will Grayson" is that it's not your typical YA novel. The story is narrated by both Will Graysons, with each having a distinct voice and personality. The book takes place in Chicago, and the two Will's lives come together through a chance encounter at a high school musical.
As the story progresses, we see how their lives intersect and how they ultimately change each other's lives for the better. Along the way, we also meet a cast of diverse and well-written supporting characters that add even more depth to the story.
Why do I love it?
One of the things I loved most about "Paper Towns" is how it tackles the theme of yearning and longing for something or someone. Whether it's Q's love for Margo or his search for something more in his life, I also appreciated how the book portrays what it's like to be a teenager today, with its mix of funny moments and moments that are sad or difficult.
What you should know
"Paper Towns" centers around the story of Quentin Jacobson, or "Q," as his friends call him, who has been madly in love with his next-door neighbor since childhood. Her name is Margo Roth Spiegelman, and she's always been a bit of a mystery. However, things take a turn when Margo disappears one day, leaving only a few puzzling clues behind. Q decides to take matters into his own hands and goes on a cross-country road trip with his buddies to hunt down the love of his life. In the end, the book conveys a message about Q's journey to self-discovery and the lengths he's willing to go to find the girl he's always wanted.
Why do I love it?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book because it's funny, witty, and quirky. I loved that the book explores themes - like self-acceptance, forgiveness, and finding your purpose in life. The characters in the book are grappling with these issues in a genuine way, making them all the more relatable. Plus, the book has a great message about the importance of embracing change and accepting that we can't always control the outcome of our lives.
What you should know
"An Abundance of Katherines" follows the story of a teenage child prodigy named Colin Singleton, who is struggling with his love life. He has just graduated from high school and is trying to find meaning and purpose in his life. The book follows his journey of self-discovery as he embarks on a road trip with his best friend, Hassan Harbish, across rural Tennessee.
The duo ends up in Gutshot, a small town in the middle of nowhere, and starts working at a factory owned by Hollis Witherspoon. Colin's determined to come up with a mathematical formula to predict the outcome of any relationship, which he calls the "Theorem of Underlying Katherine Predictability." As he works on it, he learns some valuable lessons about himself, his past relationships, and the importance of friendship.
The right book for you!
John Green is a name synonymous with young adult literature. He has written numerous bestselling novels, many of which have been adapted into successful films. If you're new to John Green's works and don't know where to start, check out my recommendations above.
From stories of lifelong friendship and teenage romance to personal journeys of self-discovery and growth, his books have something for everyone. So go ahead, pick up one of his books, and experience the world through John Green's eyes.
Happy Reading!