“Inspirations and Influences” is a series of articles in which we invite authors to write guest posts talking about their…well, Inspirations and Influences. The cool thing is that the writers are given free reign so they can go wild and write about anything they want. It can be about their new book, series or about their career as a whole.
I am rolling out the red carpet today for our guest author is no other than John Green: Contemporary YA author extraordinaire, winner of many awards (including the prestigious Michael L. Printz Award ) and YouTube vlogger behind the infamous Brotherhood 2.0 with his brother Hank. I started reading his books this year and fell in love with them completely: Looking For Alaska, An Abundance of Katherines, Will Grayson, Will Grayson and Paper Towns have been reviewed recently. In celebration of the release of Paper Towns in the UK, we invited John Green to write a piece for this feature and to our utmost delight, he said yes.
From Wikipedia
Here is what John Green has to say about writing Paper Towns:
Although my books are printed on thinly sliced pieces of trees, they would be utterly impossible without the Internet, which probably inspires my writing at least as much as books do. My books would be impossible without the Internet. Paper Towns, for instance, is built around this weird cartographic phenomenon wherein mapmakers intentionally put fake places on their maps–which incidentally is common practice in maps of London, much to the confusion of tourists and locals alike. There was some research into this kind of thing before the Internet, but it took the crowdsourcing talents of the Internet to show how widespread and weird this practice was.
But I rely on the Internet not only for information but also for inspiration. Here’s what I find inspiring about the Internet:
At its best, the Internet makes stuff not for glory or profit or fame but because making things for people is valuable and beautiful even if no one ever sees the thing you make. There’s something very beautiful to me about the sheer amount of stuff that people create on the Internet, the endless collection of blogs and facebook fan pages and twitter updates and deviantart sites: All of us making stuff for each other, and trying to make the stuff as good and finished as possible. A really good example of this that has absolutely nothing to do with Paper Towns or anything else I’ve ever written is this:
That picture is known online as “Gary Busey Family Portrait.” (Gary Busey is an American film actor who is insane and drug-addled. He is our Pete Doherty.) The person who made Gary Busey Family Photo–s/he is anonymous–must have worked for many hours on this, because it is so beautifully photoshopped that your eyes believe initially that this really IS a family portrait, which is absolutely vital to the joke. The hours of pixel-by-pixel editing was motivated not by some desire to become rich or famous or beloved but because this person wanted to make something that would make us laugh–and also maybe something that would make Gary Busey question whether, you know, he should maybe sober up.
The best stories come from the same place as Gary Busey Family Portrait: They are books that exist because someone wanted to tell us a story, wanted–as William Faulkner once said–“to create out of the material of the human spirit something which did not exist before.” (Faulkner, who like me was from the American South, is another big inspiration for me.) This is why I spent three years writing Paper Towns: I wanted to try to get each pixel right in the picture. To this end, I am inspired not only by photoshopped images but also by the novelists whose precision and dedication I have admired over the years. The list of writers who are better than I am is, I’m afraid, a very long one–from Toni Morrison to M. T. Anderson, from Markus Zusak to Jane Austen–but it is through marveling at their dedication to craft and respect for their readers that I am able to get up every morning and work on my writing.
About the author: John Green is the New York Times bestselling author of Looking for Alaska, An Abundance of Katherines, and Paper Towns. He is also the coauthor, with David Levithan, of Will Grayson, Will Grayson. He was 2006 recipient of the Michael L. Printz Award, a 2009 Edgar Award winner, and has twice been a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. Green’s books have been published in more than a dozen languages.
In 2007, Green and his brother Hank ceased textual communication and began to talk primarily through videoblogs posted to youtube. The videos spawned a community of people called nerdfighters who fight for intellectualism and to decrease the overall worldwide level of suck. (Decreasing suck takes many forms: Nerdfighters have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to fight poverty in the developing world; they also planted thousands of trees around the world in May of 2010 to celebrate Hank’s 30th birthday.) Although they have long since resumed textual communication, John and Hank continue to upload three videos a week to their youtube channel, vlogbrothers. Their videos have been viewed more than 75 million times, and their channel is one of the most popular in the history of online video. He is also an active (if reluctant) Twitter user with more than 1.1 million followers.
Green’s book reviews have appeared in The New York Times Book Review and Booklist, a wonderful book review journal where he worked as a publishing assistant and production editor while writing Looking for Alaska. Green grew up in Orlando, Florida before attending Indian Springs School and then Kenyon College.
You can read more about the author at his (brand-new) Website.
GIVEAWAY DETAILS
We are giving away 15 COPIES of Paper Towns, courtesy of Bloomsbury PLC. The contest is open to ALL and will run until June 12 at 11:59 PM (PST). To enter, leave a comment here answering what is your favourite John Green book (or if you haven’t read any, tell us about a fave contemporary YA author). Only one entry per person please! Good luck!
199 Comments
Steph Burgis
June 4, 2010 at 2:33 amMy favorite John Green book so far is Looking for Alaska, but I also loved the collection he was part of, Let It Snow!
Please enter me in the drawing!
Karen Mahoney
June 4, 2010 at 2:35 amI’ve only read LET IT SNOW so far, too. Would love to win PAPER TOWNS…
Great guest, Smugglers. 🙂
Paul W. Hankins
June 4, 2010 at 2:39 amI have enjoyed each John Green title since Looking for Alaska. I teach in S. Indiana and his books are easy to suggest to readers. Paper Towns has been most popular among my girl readers. Right now, Will Grayson, Will Grayson is picking up steam, especially with my gay students who have reading the book and chuckling to themselves that they have a title that seemingly written just for them.
Tina
June 4, 2010 at 2:39 amI’ve been wanting to read John Green for so long, and your posts have convinced me. I’d like to enter the contest! 🙂
Favorite contemporary author: Sarah Dessen. The Truth About Forever is one of my favorite books. 🙂
Paul Carroll
June 4, 2010 at 2:41 amI’ve only just begun to read Looking for Alaska (public library FTW), so I can only say that. Though, for all the hype it got, I started to love Paper Towns (and I don’t even have a copy of it!)
SG
June 4, 2010 at 2:48 amWoo, nerdfighters! Yeah! I haven’t read John’s books yet, even though I’m a youtube fan, because my TBR pile is overwhelming me right now and it’s a hole I can’t seem to escape no matter how hard I’m digging. But I’m going to carve out a week – soon! – and just glom all his books without any interruption. As for my favourite YA author, I can’t say I have one, but I recently read Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols and it really impressed me, to the point that I’m still thinking about the book weeks later. I easily see her becoming one of my favourite authors in the future.
Steven R. McEvoy
June 4, 2010 at 2:49 amHave not read John Green, my current Favorite YA author is either Cecil Castellucci or Barry Lyga. I am currently working throught the complete works of each and reviewing them.
Steven
p.s. John is on my TBR list.
NLMars
June 4, 2010 at 3:10 amI have only read Let It Snow, so far. But I’d love to get Paper Towns. 😀
Marg
June 4, 2010 at 3:55 amI haven’t read any John Green yet either! As to favourite YA author, I am not sure I have read much this year, so I will say Simone Howell who is one that I have read.
Thank you so much for making this an international giveaway!
Mail
June 4, 2010 at 4:05 amI don’t have a favourite YA author because I’m still largely new to the genre. Will memorable books do? Off my head: Mark Salzman’s memoir about his teen years during the 1970s, Lost in Place: Growing Up Absurd in Suburbia, Lyn Miller-Lachmann’s YA novel, Gringolandia , and Michael Simmons’s YA novel, Finding Lubchenko. Thanks.
Bella F.
June 4, 2010 at 4:22 amThat Busey family portrait is one of the creepiest things I’ve seen this week, lol
I haven’t read any of John Green’s books yet but my favorite contemporary YA authors are Lauren Oliver (Before I Fall) and Laurie Halse Anderson (Speak).
bells DOT franco AT gmail DOT com
Chachic
June 4, 2010 at 4:37 amI haven’t read any of John Green’s books but I am interested in them because I’ve seen him recommended several times by bloggers and in Goodreads threads. My favorite YA contemporary authors are Jennifer Echols and Melina Marchetta. 🙂
Ali
June 4, 2010 at 4:54 amI have yet to pick up a John Green novel so I’d probably say Jennifer Echols. Going Too Far was such an exceptional read.
Megan
June 4, 2010 at 5:15 amI haven’t read John Green yet, but I was hoping to check out something of his soon. Maybe not my faavorite, but I just read e. lockhart’s Frankie Landau-Banks, etc, and I loved it.
Hannah
June 4, 2010 at 5:16 amIt’s such a coincidence you put this blog up today – I discovered John Green yesterday when I saw ‘Looking for Alaska’ on a friend’s shelf and asked about it. (Tragically they refused to lend it to me because it’s one of their “precious” books, but I’m planning on buying it myself today.)
As for my favourite contemporary YA author…cruel and harsh question! I don’t think I have a favourite, but I am currently absolutely loving Kelley Armstrong. So…Kelley Armstrong today!
Vikki
June 4, 2010 at 5:24 amMy favourite John Green book so far is Looking for Alaska. I can’t believe I haven’t already got Paper Towns but for one reason or other, it’s only now I’ve got round to attempting to get this book. I love you John!
Lauren
June 4, 2010 at 5:24 amMy favourite has to be looking for alaska i love the storyline and there are some memorable quotes in there too 🙂
Alice
June 4, 2010 at 5:24 amI loved Let It Snow, but also really liked Looking for Alaska. Thank you!
Kirsty
June 4, 2010 at 5:24 amMY favourite was Looking for Alaska, although I loved Paper Towns, too.
Laura Blakemore
June 4, 2010 at 5:25 amMy favourite book by John Green is probably Looking For Alaska. It’s really well-written and has a very likeable character which readers can easily relate to. John Green is definitely one of my favourite YA authors.
Ben
June 4, 2010 at 5:25 amI love Looking for Alaska, it was awesome! 😀
I just wish I could read Paper Towns too!!
Enter me in for the draw pleease 😀
Anonymous
June 4, 2010 at 5:25 amWoke up in the nick of time to get John Green’s tweet about this! Amazing that you’re giving one away. My favourite is an extremely difficult choice but I’ll say Will Grayson, Will Grayson. I always fall in love with certain male characters who are like an embodiment of myself, and John Green’s Grayson is definitely one of them. He’s in the likes of Holden Caulfield to me.
Favourite YA author is easily John Green as well. He was one of first YA authors I ever read.
Flik
June 4, 2010 at 5:26 amMy favourite John Green book is Looking for Alaska, although Will Grayson, Will Grayson, which he co-authored comes a close second 🙂
avneet
June 4, 2010 at 5:26 amI found out about John Green this year. I’ve only had the chance to read Will Grayson, Will Grayson, and I loved it to bits. I’ve ordered Looking for Alaska fom the library and am waiting for the other books to arrive where I live.
Amanda Rutter
June 4, 2010 at 5:27 amI’ve not read any John Green – but I would love to remedy that! My fave YA author would definitely be Tamora Pierce – no one writes a kick ass heroine like she does 😀
Rachel
June 4, 2010 at 5:27 amI adore John’s books – first I was a nerdfighter, then I went and hunted out Alaska and Katherines. They’re both genius but I think I prefer Looking for Alaska, because it just has this tone and feeling about it which is so tentative but assertive and special and I don’t know. It’s beautifully, beautifully written and I’d love to get hold of Paper Towns. (My local libraries are made of fail.)
Holly Thomas
June 4, 2010 at 5:29 amI love Looking For Alaska, it’s a lot of food for thought and very moving.
I have always planned to read Paper Towns so it’d be great to get one of these copies 🙂
Clairbear
June 4, 2010 at 5:29 amI havent read any of Johns books yet, because as a student i cant afford to buy them! but if they’re anything like his youtube vlogs, they’ll be brilliant. Favourite author of the moment? Suzanne Collins, who’s written The Hunger Games and Catching Fire. It’s incredible how she’s turned the awfulness of the situations in the plot into something inspiring, motivating and full of hope.
Alida
June 4, 2010 at 5:29 amMy favorite John Green book is Looking for Alaska. Paper Towns is actually the only one of his books I don’t own.
Lexie
June 4, 2010 at 5:30 amLovely article!
My favorite John Green book is by far Looking for Alaska. Even though I’m not a fan of the ending, that book has captured my heart and I’ve read it at least 30 times, and I never tire of it.
Alana Muir
June 4, 2010 at 5:30 amI absolutely loved “Looking For Alaska”. Everyone thinks that I’d like “An Abundance of Katherines” better because I’m a former child prodigy. I do like “Katherines”, but for some indefinable reason, I like “Alaska” better.
Amy
June 4, 2010 at 5:31 amMy favourite John Green book is Looking for Alaska, because I was just able to relate to it so much! It inspired me to sign up for travel opportunities and do things I wouldn’t normally do. I love it. 🙂
Emily
June 4, 2010 at 5:32 amMy favourite I’ve read is Looking for Alaska, but I cannot wait to read Paper Towns, I just haven’t been able to afford it yet.
Jamie
June 4, 2010 at 5:32 amI’ve not actually read any of John Green but I would really love too. I watch his YouTube videos and such, so I probably should have already, right?
Does Terry Pratchett count as a YA Author? I would say that his stuff is aimed at teenagers and young adults more than anything. I’m going to say him, the second most-read writer in the UK, Terry Pratchett.
Adam Spratley
June 4, 2010 at 5:32 amLooking for Alaska. Probably because it’s the only book by John Green I’ve read, but it inspired some epic pranks too.
blaze (suchducks)
June 4, 2010 at 5:34 amOut of John’s books, Looking For Alaska affected me the most. It was the first I read and had a huge impact on me. Katherines gave me a lot of thoughts I hadn’t been thinking before, and recently Will Grayson Will Grayson made me rethink my past and present relationships. Still, I think Paper Towns is my favorite. The story and the ideas behind it apply to so many areas in my life that I’m constantly revisiting them in my head whether I’m consciously aware of it at the time or not. It’s weird, but I actually have chunks of the prologue memorized.
So yeah, John’s books are special to me for a lot of reasons. Particularly Paper Towns.
Sya
June 4, 2010 at 5:35 amI haven’t read any John Green books yet, but “Looking for Alaska” is due to be delivered sometime this week. I think that my current favourite YA contemporary author is probably Melina Marchetta – I read Jellicoe Road recently and was completely blown away.
Becky
June 4, 2010 at 5:35 amMy favorite John Green Book is Will Grayson, Will Grayson, but I love all of his books!
Kerr
June 4, 2010 at 5:36 amIt’s so hard to choose, but I guess An Abundance of Katherines is my favourite because I’ve re-read it the most…
Grace
June 4, 2010 at 5:36 amI haven’t read any John Green books before, but my favourite YA author is Sarah Dessen.
Briony
June 4, 2010 at 5:37 amI thought that Looking for Alaska and Paper Towns were fantastic, although if I had to pick a favourite I’d definately choose Looking for Alaska.
Faith
June 4, 2010 at 5:37 amMy favorite John Green book is Looking for Alaska. Everything that happens, could and would really happen. Teenagers act the way John made them act, and the horrible things that happened, truly DO happen.
Amanda Isabel
June 4, 2010 at 5:38 amI just picked up “Paper Towns”! I am so excited to start it, but unfortunately have not read any previous Green books 🙁
That being said, I recently finished “The Hunger Games” and am well and truly obsessed! It was such a great book! And when my friend is done with “Catching Fires” I am devouring that one, too!
Cheers! 🙂
Hayley
June 4, 2010 at 5:39 amMy favourite John Green book is Looking For Alaska – it is a beautifully tragic story and I love experiencing Miles’ perspective of Alaska, rather than her own view of herself.
EddMiles
June 4, 2010 at 5:39 amLooking for alaska. Only the second book ever to make me cry (The first was Philip Pullman’s his dark Materials trilogy). I might have made it through without tearing up but I was playing John’s brother Hank’s album at the time, and the song “looking for Alaska” came on. The combo was too much for me!
Akin
June 4, 2010 at 5:39 amDamnit, I really need to start reading John Green! What’s wrong with me!?
April (Books&Wine)
June 4, 2010 at 5:39 amPlease don’t enter me, I already own all of John Green’s books — except Will Grayson, Will Grayson.
I just wanted to comment on how epic the Gary Busey family portrait is and also how awesome nerdfighters are!
DFTBA
Miranda
June 4, 2010 at 5:44 amThe only John Green book I have read is Looking for Alaska. I loved it because it was real, and he didn’t try and make teenagers into something they’re not. Also, the last words of different people was really interesting.
Lisa
June 4, 2010 at 5:45 amMy favorite was Looking for Alaska!
Lex
June 4, 2010 at 5:50 amIt’s a toss-up between Will Grayson, Will Grayson and Looking for Alaska. Plus Let It Snow is amazing for getting you into the festive mood.
dharmesha
June 4, 2010 at 5:52 ammy favourite young adult writer is JK Rowling because I am a huge hp fan.I have been trying to get your books into the school library since forever so I could read them but that hasn’t worked:( hope I win a copy because my nerdfighter friend recommended it and I would love to finally read one of your books
Tran
June 4, 2010 at 6:00 amOH! I think my favorite was an Abundance of Katherines! Gotta love road trip stories <3
Katryna
June 4, 2010 at 6:01 amMy favourite is Will Grayson Will Grayson. I must say that a character who was mentioned once in the book had the most impact on me as a reader.
Andy
June 4, 2010 at 6:01 amso far, my favorite book is tied between looking for alaska, and WGWG, I probably like Looking For Alaska partly just because it was my first John Green book, I look forward to upcoming books by John and other nerdfighter authors
Ashley
June 4, 2010 at 6:02 amIt’s hard to pick a favorite of John Green’s- he’s like Sarah Dessen to me, in that I’ve enjoyed everything he’s written. Looking for Alaska will always have a special place, though, because it was the first book of his I read, and it still resonates.
Aimee-Louise
June 4, 2010 at 6:02 amLike most, I’m a huge John Green fan; my favourite book being ‘Looking for Alaska’. I’d love to own ‘Paper Towns’, namely so I can read it to my little girl… Okay, she’s still inside my tummy but if she’s going to follow in her Nerdfighting mummy’s footsteps, she has to start early ^-^
shannon
June 4, 2010 at 6:05 amalthough ive yet to read it (its in the post. hopefully) i think i have to say will grayson will grayson. im already a huge fan of david levithan (boy meets boy is quite possibly my favourite book ever)and i have huge faith in their collective awesomness
shannon
Daniel
June 4, 2010 at 6:08 amAny time I can I will blurt out how great Looking For Alaska is . It was the book that got me into reading and turned me into a nerdfighter about 2 years ago. I love that book so much my friends have either picked it up or smacked me to get me to shut up. Anyone I got to read that or another of John’s books was hooked and made jokes like “Never thought I would have a favorite author”.People , especially teens, pick up one of his books you will love it .Its like text of the best 80′,s teen coming of age movies. So much awesome they honestly changed me in many positive ways.
Yasmin Proctor-Kent
June 4, 2010 at 6:08 amUnfortunately, I am yet to read any of John Green’s books although I’ve been watching Vlogbrothers since 2007. I would adore a copy of Paper Towns to add to my book collection.
I am a young adult and, although I’ve read the likes of the Twilight Saga and have a vast collection of Virginia Andrews novels, I would consider Melvin Burgess to be my favourite Young Adult author. I adored the likes of Doing it and Junk and promptly lent them to my friends that are also readers. These books were so easy to immerse yourself in and actually reflected the confusion and turmoil that teenagers face, unlike in many books that I have read.
DFTBA
laarni lopez
June 4, 2010 at 6:15 amweee! i would love a book by John Green, although meg cabot is my all time favorite. 🙂
Emma Simpson
June 4, 2010 at 6:19 amAn Abundance of Katherine … A friend recommended it and I just couldn’t put it down!
me
June 4, 2010 at 6:20 amI loved An Abundance of Katherines! Can’t wait to read Will Grayson Will Grayson 🙂
Steph
June 4, 2010 at 6:31 amLooking for Alaska! I love the before and after structure because that is *exactly* how we tend to see our lives. “This is me before, and this is me after ____. What would have happened if ___ hadn’t happened?” Also, bonus points for getting someone to mention Holden Caulfield on your cover! 😀
Mollie
June 4, 2010 at 6:36 amLoved An Abundance of Katherines!
JenP
June 4, 2010 at 6:37 amMy favorite is Looking for Alaska!
Kim Ammons
June 4, 2010 at 6:40 amMy favorite John Green book is still An Abundance of Katherines, probably because I read it first. It made me fall in love with John’s writing style and lovable characters. 🙂
WRY
June 4, 2010 at 6:44 amMy favourite John Green book is Paper Towns (:
It made me think a lot about how we’re constantly misimagining people, and how there’s always a lot more to someone than we might think.
I’d like to reread the book again someday, so sending me one would be awesome 😀
DFTBA.
Cait H.
June 4, 2010 at 6:50 amI have to say Will Grayson, Will Grayson. I loved the characters, the writing, the plot.
Yvonne
June 4, 2010 at 6:52 amMy favourite would have to be “Looking for Alaska”, partly because it’s currently the only John Green book I’ve read, but also because it’s such a wonderfully unique and memorable book. (In fact, I haven’t read it in a while, and just typing this comment is making me want to re-read it!)
Another author I love is Jodi Picoult, although I’m not entirely sure if her books are classed as YA? Nonetheless, my favourite so far is definitely “My Sister’s Keeper” ^^
Stacy
June 4, 2010 at 6:55 amI’ve only read Looking for Alaska but I really loved it. All his books are in my wish list and I can’t wait to read another one.
Chris B
June 4, 2010 at 7:04 amIf I have pick just one, Looking for Alaska would be it.
Hazel
June 4, 2010 at 7:11 amMy favourite John Green book is probably An Abundance of Katherines, even though it’s hard to choose because they’re all fantastic. It’s probably my personal favourite just because I couldn’t put it down and literally couldn’t stop laughing when reading it. Also, it’s another of his books that has a satisfying, but not soppy “aww” sensation at the end when you’ve finished reading it.
Bravo John Green! 😀
Sarah
June 4, 2010 at 7:25 amAn Abundance of Katherines is definitely my favorite. I’m just such a geek that it totally appealed to me.
Shane K
June 4, 2010 at 7:33 amI can’t decide which one I like more: Looking for Alaska or Paper Towns. All of his books are pretty high on my favorite books list, but those two in particular hit me hard. They really made me think and the characters were so real.
For example, once you’ve read Paper Towns in its entirety, return to the beginning scene when they were children. How they act in that scene foreshadows what they will be like in the future perfectly. It’s scary how well John Green made that connection.
Crazypeng1
June 4, 2010 at 7:33 amI read looking for Alaska first and I loved it, will Grayson will Grayson I read recently , but something about the ending was a little too cheesey. The rest of it was good though. I just got an abundance of katherines and so far so good, but if I have to hear about a nickname being ironic relative to a persons weight then it will sadden me to see it for the third time in one of his books.
Christine
June 4, 2010 at 7:34 amI’ve only read Looking For Alaska, which I devoured in one sitting. I’ve been hearing pretty amazing things about Paper Towns, so I’d love to read it!
Ellie
June 4, 2010 at 7:38 amJohn Green is an author who writes books so fantastically, a fan just can’t pick a favourite 🙂
If someone held a gun to my head and forced me to pick a favourite, I think I’d either say Paper Towns or Looking for Alaska. Without spoiling either book too much for anyone, I’ll just say one of the main reasons I love these two is the incredible way in which Green portrays the boy’s journey.
Again, without spoiling, in Paper Towns, I love the way Green leads the reader into believing we’re following Q on his journey to find Margo, when all along we’ve been following him on his journey to finding himself.
Green’s wonderful skill for captivating storytelling with MORALS is something we really don’t see these days, anyone who’s read Twilight will surely agree 😉
Marie
June 4, 2010 at 7:43 amI haven’t read any of John Green’s books, but would love to read one! Right now, I still love Suzanne Collins (so excited for the August release of ‘Mockingjay’!).
Hannah
June 4, 2010 at 7:50 amI’ve read both Looking for Alaska and An Abundance of Katherines – out of the two my favourite is Katherines. I find it both hilarious and extremely thought-provoking, which of course combined make a fantastic book!
I’ve been patiently waiting for a UK release of Paper Towns since I heard it was to be released here this year; how great would it be that I WIN a copy instead of going to Waterstones’! ;D
Rozzy
June 4, 2010 at 7:51 amI adore John Green, and have heard so many amazing reviews of his books, but I have yet to read one. To put that right is the very reason I am entering this draw now.
My favourite young adult author is Malorie Blackman, particularly for her book Noughts and Crosses; a book that presents the issue of racism in such a clever, gripping, thought-provoking and heart breaking manner.
Ellie
June 4, 2010 at 7:51 amLooking for Alaska is such an amazing book, one of my favourite books of all time. I’d love to read Paper Towns and can’t wait for the book to be in stores so the messages from Nerd Fighters can begin! 😀
Angela
June 4, 2010 at 7:55 amMy favorite John Green book is Paper Towns, I loved it every page of it. It made me laugh out loud, and feel deeply the emotions of the characters. It also identified with my love/hate relationship with growing up in central Florida. 🙂
brit
June 4, 2010 at 7:55 amI just added 2 Green books to my TBR pile last week, I am so looking forward to reading them.
tina
June 4, 2010 at 7:59 amI’ve only read Looking for Alaska. I’m interested in Paper Towns. And ever since I heard John on the SmartMouths podcast, I’m now interested in Will Grayson, Will Grayson. 😀
Emily
June 4, 2010 at 8:13 amI have been hearing John Green’s name and titles a lot recently and am excited to start reading! Based on cover design alone (since I haven’t read any), I would have to say that Looking for Alaska and Paper Towns draw me in the most. My favorite contemporary YA author (though he writes for adults and kids too) would have to be Sherman Alexie (loved The Absolutely True Diary Of Part-Time Indian and Flight). Other YA fiction that I’ve loved recently include The Hate List, The Hunger Games, and The Book Thief. I’m currently reading By The Time You Read This, I’ll Be Dead.
Shishi
June 4, 2010 at 8:16 amI haven’t read any of John Green’s books yet (yet being the imperative word here) but I plan to fix this ASAP.
As for a favourite YA writer, I’d have to say the absolutely amazing Swedish author Inger Edelfeldt, but as far as I know her books haven’t been translated. 🙁
Would it be cheating to say Neil Gaiman? Because I really enjoy his YA novels as much as his books for adults. If it is, I’m going for one of the most obvious ones, JK Rowling. The Harry Potter books is, after all, genuinely really, really good.
Thomas ibbotson
June 4, 2010 at 8:18 amI have yet to read any of John Green’s books but I love and have loved for a long time his YouTube videos, they are really funny to watch and so are his brother Hank’s videos and I would love the chance to get one of his books, and if I don’t get one of them then I might go buy it anyway, I have a feeling that each of his books will be brilliant in their own quirky plot inscribed way.
Gaby
June 4, 2010 at 8:29 amI haven’t read any of John Green’s books….but someday I will. One of my favorite authors in YA contemporary is Sarah Dessen.
Jillian Melnyk
June 4, 2010 at 8:29 amI loved Looking for Alaska, but I LOVED An Abundance of Katherines! Bought Will Grayson, Will Grayson a little while back and it’s on my to-read list and will hopefully get to it within the next few weeks 😀
Jenna
June 4, 2010 at 8:29 amMy favorite Green novel is An Abundance of Katherines. It’s the only one I’ve read (so far), but I found it hilarious and touching simultaneously. As a writer, I can say that it was well-written and quirky.
I actually really loved the character of Hassan. He dealt with the pressures of following a religious code, living in modern society, and trying to find something to do with his life. These are things that affect every teenager, even if the religion is substituted with a moral code for some.
Alexia561
June 4, 2010 at 8:33 amI’ve heard nothing but good things about John Green’s books, but haven’t had a chance to read any yet.
My fave contemporary YA author of the moment is Lauren Oliver, as I think her books are wonderful!
Rhiannon
June 4, 2010 at 8:34 amMy favourite is definitely An Abundance of Katherines!
Heather (DarklyReading)
June 4, 2010 at 8:40 amGreat post! Though the Busey pic is a little scary I can understand the pixel by pixel sentiment being conveyed. I haven’t read John Green’s books yet and I can’t say I have a fav contemp YA author yet.. but hopefully the more I read the more favs I’ll find..
Raych
June 4, 2010 at 8:42 amLooking for Alaska, but also his bits of Will Grayson, Will Grayson.
Kimberly B.
June 4, 2010 at 8:45 amI’m afraid I have yet to read a John Green book, but my favorite contemporary YA author is probably Scott Westerfeld. Thanks for the the terrific giveaway!
Gerd D.
June 4, 2010 at 8:52 amFavourite YA author?
I’d have to say Nina Kiriki Hoffman, there’s something very dark but tangible about her writing that always speaks to me.
laurie magnus
June 4, 2010 at 8:56 amI think looking for alaska is one of johns better books. It’s a fantastic read AND managed to become learning material in the american syllabus. Plus, everyone loves the vlogbrothers. However, i feel there should be a team viking in the battle of zombies and unicorns. dftba.
Meredith
June 4, 2010 at 8:56 amI haven’t read any of John Green’s books all the way through yet – for some reason, I keep getting distracted. However, I keep hearing so many wonderful things about Will Grayson, Will Grayson so that’s on my “must-read” list for the summer. As for other YA authors I love, Libba Bray tops the list.
Nicole
June 4, 2010 at 8:59 amWhen “An Abundance of Katherine” came out I was an able to purchase it but I have always wanted to read it. However, I still have not read any of Jonh Greens books. Sarah Dessen and Laurie Halse Anderson are two of my favorite YA authors.
Jessie
June 4, 2010 at 9:05 amThe only one I read was Will Grayson, Will Grayson and I loved it.
Darlyn
June 4, 2010 at 9:06 amI never read anything by John Green and love to try to read his book. I like Meg Cabot, and James Patterson. A little bit of romance and mysteries. =)
Austin
June 4, 2010 at 9:12 amYouTube should be capitilized in the ‘About John Green’ section. 🙂
Pebble
June 4, 2010 at 9:20 amMy favourite John Green novel is Looking for Alaska. While I loved all of his books and recommend them all to my friends, Looking for Alaska moved me in a way none of his other ones came close to. I fell in love with his writing because of that book.
Paper Towns would be second and I’d love to own it.
Fraser
June 4, 2010 at 9:35 amA friend of mine lent me two of John’s books and they are great! Looking for Alaska had loads of parts to it, and more than once I’ve quoted it on my blog! But I’ve really fallen in love with an Abundance of Katherines, which I’m almost finished with. I love his portrayal of Colin 🙂
Abbey V.
June 4, 2010 at 9:36 amI became a hardcore nerdfighter within the last two months of my existence, only having read John Green’s “Paper Towns” before that. Since that time, I’ve read all of his books. When I came home from college, I immediately dispersed my copy of each book to different friends, because each one was so entirely amazing that even though there’s a high chance I will never see the books myself again, I just had to share them with my friends.
“Paper Towns” was the first exposure to his writing style, and I found myself laughing out loud with this newly discovered ‘voice’. As a good ole adventure story, its classic, and filled with suspense. “Paper Towns” is definitely my favorite.
Celia
June 4, 2010 at 9:38 amI’ve unfortunately never read a John Green book – but a favorite contemporary YA author is Markus Zusack. I’d love to win a copy of Paper Towns. Thanks!
Harry Markov
June 4, 2010 at 9:51 amOh this sounds more than Delicious. You are like a siren call… I tell you. I know how stacked up I am and I still come for more.
Bohemienne
June 4, 2010 at 10:04 amI haven’t read any John Green yet, though I’d love to! My favorite YA authors right now are Maggie Stiefvater, Kristin Cashore, and Carrie Ryan. Hmm… yeah, I definitely need to get some male YA authors into that mix.
Shannon Richard
June 4, 2010 at 10:09 amMy favourite novel by John is most definitely Paper Towns. What I love about his writing is that he really understands youth today since he connects with them through internet and whatnot (he is not just trying to use teenage type words in his stories) but he is also really intelligent and presents interesting ideas and challenges to the people who read his books to think and discover.
csaket
June 4, 2010 at 10:15 amI have not read him so far.
One of my favorite authors is JK Rowling.
janicu
June 4, 2010 at 10:50 amIt’s a good thing I didn’t mention that I haven’t read John Green when I saw you two at BEA. Would have been beaten.
I’m loving Jennifer Echols this year.
Brittany L.
June 4, 2010 at 10:56 amIt is so difficult to choose my favourite John Green book! I’d say Looking For Alaska has the best story, An Abundance of Katherines is the funniest and Will Grayson, Will Grayson is the most clever one with the best characters. That said, overall my favourite John Green book would have to be Paper Towns because it has a great mix of all of that: humour, interesting characters and a strong story line. I’d love to win a copy of it!
DFTBA Nerdfighters!
Emily W
June 4, 2010 at 11:00 amMy favorite John Green book is Looking for Alaska…it was amazing!!! I listened to it on audiobook and the narrator was great, awesome story, plot, dialogue, famous last words, everything! Plus I am a sucker for books set in boarding schools, I don’t know what it is!
Donna S
June 4, 2010 at 11:14 amI havent read any of John’s books yet. But one of my favorites is Scott Westerfeld.
Jessica
June 4, 2010 at 12:07 pmMy favourite John Green book (so far) is “Looking for Alaska”. It is truly one of the most moving books of my time. It also served as an unorthadox security blanket for the times I was banished to camp! This is still one of my favourite reads of all time.
Lindsay Elizabeth
June 4, 2010 at 12:16 pmOooh! Me! ME! I love John Green!
Cassie
June 4, 2010 at 12:17 pmMy favorite John Green book is definitely An Abundance of Katherines. It’s sweet, funny, and terribly creative. I love the characters and their little town, and I appreciate that his main characters always seem to have a quirky brilliance.
Erika (Jawas Read, Too)
June 4, 2010 at 12:43 pmOh, I am entering!
I’ve just been convinced to try reading John Green’s books (was it Ana, I believe?), so haven’t got a favorite just yet, but I do have many favorite YA authors!
One of them is Robin McKinley. Her books are always so beautifully written. She is such a superb story-teller (truly) that even if a book isn’t turning out to be another favorite, her writing convinces me that the journey was worth it, if only for the beauty and musicality of the thing. There’s something about her writing that reminds me of the magic of childhood and the immensity and power a book can have over our minds in the hours we spend with our eyes on the pages and our souls wandering in other worlds…
melissa @ 1lbr
June 4, 2010 at 12:48 pmI have only read one John Green, but I positively adored it! Abundance of Katherines and it was so much fun. I’ve been meaning to pick this one up, not to mention Looking For Alaska. If I win, that is further incentive right?
marly
June 4, 2010 at 12:48 pmmy favorite would have to be ‘looking for alaska’ i got it as an advanced reading copy that arrived to our bookstore and fell in love with it while i read it. it’s one of those books that makes you cry and leaves a long-lasting impression no matter how many books you read after.
Jacqueline C.
June 4, 2010 at 1:29 pmI can’t pick just one YA author! I will pick a recently discovered favorite though – Laura Weiss. I loved her novel, How It Ends.
Michelle M
June 4, 2010 at 1:31 pmThat Buesy family photo is crazy hilarious!! What a great post! My fav Jon Green novel is Looking for Alaska – the first I read, but still love it the best!
Jennifer
June 4, 2010 at 1:52 pmI can never decide whether I like “Paper Towns” or “Looking for Alaska” better. They both make you laugh and think, and I really really enjoy John’s writing. My favourite character would have to be Tiny Cooper from “Will Grayson, Will Grayson”, though.
DFTBA! 🙂
Emma
June 4, 2010 at 1:56 pmHi, Paper Towns sounds really good, I haven’t read any of John’s books before though.
I love Gabrielle Zevin’s book ELSEWHERE
😀
Andrew
June 4, 2010 at 2:11 pmIt’s the only one of John’s books I’ve gotten around to reading (I’ve bought Will Grayson, Will Grayson and An Abundance of Katherines but haven’t had time for them, with the innumerable books I have to read..), so by default it would have to be Looking For Alaska.
But that’s a complete misnomer – there’s nothing ‘default’ about the way that book changed my perceptions of the world, and YA literature itself. John presented a story that was completely honest: it was utterly refreshing to see teenagers who acted like real teenagers in a work of fiction, for one thing. But it goes so far beyond that; the book explored such vital themes of the nature of life, the incidental but unbreakable bonds we form, the daunting but bolstering struggle to figure out just where it is we’re going. As a perpetual lost boy, I related very strongly to the metaphor of the labyrinth. And it made me realise that maybe being lost is the most desirable state, because existing in that place means that you haven’t given up on existing at all.
… I also don’t think I’ve ever read a book that makes me quite so rambly and philosophical. So, yeah.
Julia
June 4, 2010 at 2:34 pmMy favorite book by John Green is Paper Towns simply because of how much it made me laugh. I’m not sure if Will Grayson, Will Grayson will change that since I haven’t read it yet but, Paper Towns was definitely an amazing book (an totally the fact that I now owe my sister eight dollars for taking her copy and reading it without asking).
Ellaanabeth
June 4, 2010 at 3:08 pmI haven’t read any of John Green’s books- but I’ve always been a fan of Jean Craighead George’s books. Julie of the Wolves and the sequels was probably the only reason I got through third grade intact. : P I’d love to read Paper Towns though, it’s being added to my list regardless of whether I win it or not.
Amy C
June 4, 2010 at 3:42 pmI haven’t read any John Green books yet but I intend to remedy that ASAP. For now, though, my favourite contemporary author is Jaclyn Moriarty, author of such fine works as The Year of Secret Assignments and The Ghosts of Ashbury High. I love her works because they are wonderful in multitudes of ways–they’re hilarious, authentic, written in letter format, and have the most delightfully mind-boggling twists at the end! 🙂
Chelsea
June 4, 2010 at 4:22 pmGosh, I’m not sure I could decide . . . Maybe because I’ve read it most recently but I’m gunna go with Will Grayson, Will Grayson.
The Book Vixen
June 4, 2010 at 5:15 pmWill Grayson, Will Grayson. It’s actually the only book of Mr. Green’s that I have read but I loved it!! I love forward to more of his writing.
Ashley
June 4, 2010 at 5:46 pmI haven’t read any John Green yet, I’ve been meaning to for a long time though! I’m a big fan of Melina Marchetta for other authors, though.
Jasmine A S
June 4, 2010 at 6:02 pmOh, I have not yet managed to read any John Green, but I have watched him with great interest on youtube! And I have to say, Sarah Dessen rocks the Contemporary YA field, from the people I’ve read. (As does Maureen Johnson.)
Tiffany M.
June 4, 2010 at 6:27 pmI liked An Abundance of Katherines, but my sister told me Looking for Alaska was good, so it’s in my TBR pile. A favorite YA book is The Only Alien on the Planet. I LOVE this book.
Martin
June 4, 2010 at 6:29 pmidk. i really just want to try to read the books you guys recommend!
Jenny Ng
June 4, 2010 at 6:57 pmI know John Green has written a lot of great books but the only one I’ve read is Looking for Alaska so its my favourite of his.
Michelle
June 4, 2010 at 7:29 pmI fell in love with John Green after reading Looking for Alaska. I have been eyeballing Paper Towns for a while now. Great giveaway. Thanks!
Alex (Tales of a Teenage Book Lover)
June 4, 2010 at 7:46 pmPaper Towns is my favorite because it is the only one I have read! But it was amazing!
Nastassia
June 4, 2010 at 9:01 pmI’ve never read any books by John Green.My fave contemporary YA author is Sarah Dessen, I loved Someone Like You.
Mariska
June 4, 2010 at 9:02 pmI haven’t read any of John’s books ! i would really like to read one, please 🙂
one of My favorite YA authors is Angela Morisson.
Kate A
June 4, 2010 at 9:06 pmI’ve only read Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and I really enjoyed it. I would love to read Paper Towns. Thank you for the great giveaway!
Tiah
June 4, 2010 at 11:04 pmI have been on the wait list 4EVA at the library for Looking For Alaska. I have heard nothing but good things, I can’t wait to read it. I’m sure I will love it.
Logo london
June 4, 2010 at 11:09 pmJohn Green book is so nice , I also loved the collection he was part 😀 😀 😀
Carol Thompson
June 4, 2010 at 11:48 pmThe only one of his books I have read is Looking For Alaska.
I found it a rather strange book and at first wasn’t sure if I liked it or not but it has grown on me and I look forward to reading more of his work.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Carol T (International)
Caroline
June 5, 2010 at 1:28 amI haven’t read any of his books yet, which is appalling because I read tonnes of YA! My fave author at the moment is Philip Reeve but I also love Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games and Michael Grant’s Gone – desperate for third books to hurry up and get here!
Bane Masters
June 5, 2010 at 3:01 amI am going to go with Will Grayson/Will Grayson as my favorite. Mostly because I read that one first. French The Llama
Gethin
June 5, 2010 at 3:10 amLooking for Alaska FTW 😀
Aik
June 5, 2010 at 4:40 amI haven’t read any of John Green’s books (which is why I’m trying to win this one). My favourite contemporary YA authors are Angela Morrison, Becca Fitzpatrick, Rachel Caine etc.
Jenni @ Falling Off The Shelf
June 5, 2010 at 5:05 amWow, great great great giveaway!
I haven’t read anything by John Green before, but my sister absolutely LOVES Looking For Alaska. I haven’t read it yet, but I did buy her a copy because her school library was getting angry that she pretty much refused to bring theirs back, lol.
debp
June 5, 2010 at 5:47 amMy favorite book is let it snow.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
ritu
June 5, 2010 at 6:37 amI just finished reading an Abundance of Katherine. Loved it! Right now in a John Green glom reading all the books I can get my hands on!
Lexi
June 5, 2010 at 6:42 amI have only read Abundance of Katherines and picked it up becaused of the math plot, which was cute.
Kate at Read This Book!
June 5, 2010 at 7:03 amMy favorite John Green book is PAPER TOWNS! 🙂 I ran to the library to borrow it the moment the library had it and read it non-stop! Amazing stuff.
Thank you for this giveaway!
Llehn
June 5, 2010 at 7:41 amI haven’t read any of John’s books yet but a contemporary author I discovered recently is Lauren Oliver.
Kelly H.
June 5, 2010 at 8:29 amThis is a great contest! Please enter me. My favorite John Green book is An Abundance of Katherines. His writing style is so witty and sarcastic. He tells an awesome story, so I would love to read Paper Towns as well. Thanks for hosting 🙂
Mel
June 5, 2010 at 8:56 amOh man, I think I’d have to say An Abundance of Katherines is my favorite John Green book so far. Looking for Alaska really hit me like a punch in the gut, but it felt like my heart would burst from too much love for the characters and friendship in An Abundance of Katherines!
Emma
June 5, 2010 at 9:46 ammy favourite is looking for alaska, its perfect. i’m excited about paper towns being released here!
Chris
June 5, 2010 at 10:39 amI´ve only read “Looking for Alaska” yet, but I absolutly loved that one. If the others are anything like it, they have to be awesome.
Thanks for this amazing giveaway!
Mishel
June 5, 2010 at 11:58 amI have many John Green novels on my TBR list and I actually have a copy of An Abundance of Katherine’s waiting on my shelf to be read. I’ve heard amazing things about his work, especially Paper Towns so I’m very excited to read some of his books.
As for my fave contemporary YA author I would have to say Sarah Dessen although I don’t have many YA authors of any genre under my belt. But I enjoy the way she writes her stories and portrays her characters.
Wonderful post! I enjoyed it very much =)
Amanda
June 5, 2010 at 4:19 pmJohn Green is my favorite YA author and my favorits of his books is currently Will Grayson, Will Grayson, I guess that is only half his but close enough irght? Anyway, it is very difficult to choose only one favorite so it tends to change depending on my mood! 😉
Lori T
June 5, 2010 at 9:21 pmI have not read John Green yet, but I have a couple of his books in my to be read pile and I am bumping Looking for Alaska up now!! Especially after reading your review…I am definitely intrigued. I would love to be entered for a chance to win Paper Towns!
My favorite series right now is The Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead and I, also, love Elizabeth Scott.
chris
June 6, 2010 at 7:24 amI haven’t read John Green, but have seen Paper Towns mentioned/reviewed on quite a few YA blogs. I have a few favorite YA authors – Eoin Cowlfer who write the Artemis Fowl series and DJ McHale who wrote the Pendragon series. I couldn’t stop reading (and/or listening to the audiobooks)!
Cristina McDowall
June 6, 2010 at 9:54 amyes please – count me in
Shy
June 6, 2010 at 10:17 amHi! Thank you SO much for this giveaway. I’ve only read “Looking for Alaska” thus far and the book totally took me by surprise. I love every single thing about it and the fact that it made me think way after I finished reading it does tell a lot. I am wishing I’d get a chance to read more of his works!
Spav
June 6, 2010 at 2:58 pmI haven’t read any book by him yet. The thing is, I haven’t read much contemporary YA at all, but of the few I’ve read, my favourite author has to be Simone Elkeles.
Amy
June 6, 2010 at 5:30 pmI desperately want to read some of his books but so far havn’t had a chance. Melina Marchetta would be one of my (many) favourite contemporary YA authors…
Amanda
June 6, 2010 at 6:53 pmHi there,
I haven’t read any of John Green’s book – but the cover of this book really caught my eye.
My favourite YA authors are Jasper Fforde, who writes the Thursday Next series, and Marcus Zusak, who wrote The Book Thief
Melanie
June 6, 2010 at 7:11 pmI haven’t read any of John Green’s books yet. I also haven’t read many YA books yet, so I have to agree with what Amanda before me said, Marcus Zusak for The Book Thief. That was a great book.
Breanna
June 6, 2010 at 9:39 pmI absolutely adore An Abundance of Katherines. I can read that book over and over. But, of course, I love all of John’s books. His voice is fantastic and his characters are so relatable 🙂
Sheila DeChantal
June 6, 2010 at 10:11 pmI have not read John Green yet….. I know, I know…. where have I been?
A YA author I really have enjoyed is Suzanne Collins – Hunger Games was incredible!
Eva SB
June 6, 2010 at 11:31 pmI haven’t read any John Green yet but I will soon take care of that problem. My favourite YA author this year is Pete Hautman.
Tina
June 7, 2010 at 2:53 ammy favorite John Green book was Looking for Alaska.
count me in! christina101092@yahoo.com
Shirley
June 7, 2010 at 2:55 amI haven’t read that many YA books. I’m entering for my daughter.Please count me in. Thanks
shundelt@yahoo.com
Christine H
June 7, 2010 at 2:57 amI’d have to pick Stephanie Meyer. I’m a huge fan of Twilight!!!
chirth7@yahoo.com
Jennifer
June 7, 2010 at 4:09 amI’ve really only read An Abundance of Katherines, by John Green and I really enjoyed it. Then, seeing this contest I just thought it would be nice to read another one of his books. My favorite YA author is probably Tamora Pierce, but I don’t think that’s contemporary YA, so I’d say I then like Meg Cabot. 😀
Nikki Egerton
June 7, 2010 at 5:10 amI havn’t read any of John Green’s books yet, but there are a few in my to-be-bought list. I have read so many fantastic reviews for them. Please enter me for the contest.
Theresa N
June 7, 2010 at 5:45 amFaulkner is one of my favorite author’s too. I’ve recommended his books to several people but they didn’t like him.
Cheri H.
June 7, 2010 at 6:02 amI haven’t read any John Green, but currently my favorite YA author is Suzanne Collins…
Sue Brandes
June 7, 2010 at 6:22 amI have not read his books yet. Sure would love to. The only YA books I have read so far are all the Twilight books.
heather
June 7, 2010 at 8:10 ami haven’t read any john green yet, but he’s been on my TBR list for some time now. as for contemporary YA, i’ve really been enjoying jennifer echols. she can do comedy and drama very well.
Carol M
June 7, 2010 at 8:13 amAn Abundance of Katherines is my favorite. I would love to read this one, too!
shabbygeek
June 7, 2010 at 1:21 pmI’ve read both Looking for Alaska and Paper Towns. Paper Towns is my fave!
Neil
June 7, 2010 at 3:57 pmI finished this book on holiday in Berlin. I thought it was great, and gave it away to another geek I met. I kind of regret this now. Send me a replacement?
Niveau
June 8, 2010 at 12:05 amI’ve only read John’s story in Let It Snow, but it was my favourite by far. I’m cash-strapped at the moment and haven’t been able to buy it yet, but I’ve been planning on getting myself a copy of Looking for Alaska since Nathan Bransford wrote about it. And now I want to read Paper Towns, too – I had no idea that cartographers did that, and it sounds awesome. In a strange way. But still awesome!
lisa (the little reader)
June 8, 2010 at 12:55 ami’ve only read Looking for Alaska, but it was excellent. i’m definitely interested in picking up more of his books in the future.
thanks for the opportunity to win his book!
Asma A
June 8, 2010 at 2:46 pmI haven’t read any John Green books (yet) but my favorite Ya contemporary author is probably the lovely Jennifer Echols!
Thanks for the oppurtunity!
Lisa Richards
June 8, 2010 at 7:44 pmI haven’t read any of John Greens books but do look forward to adding them to my TBR pile. Favorite YA contemporary writer would be Susan Beth Pfeffer.
Thanks for the chance at “Paper Towns”
Anita Yancey
June 9, 2010 at 6:43 amMy favorite of his books so far is Looking For Alaska. Love to read Paper Towns. Please enter me. Thanks!
Steve Capell
June 9, 2010 at 5:35 pmI haven’t read any of this author’s books, but your review sounds like a book that I would take pleasure in reading. Thanks you so much for hosting this giveaway.
steven(dot)capell(at)gmail(dot)com
Jess (The Cozy Reader)
June 10, 2010 at 8:26 amI’ve only read Looking for Alaska but I LOVED it. I really want to read his other books but haven’t found the time to purchase them because of all the other unread books in my house. o.O
I would love to read Paper Towns.
P.S. – DFTBA 🙂
Meg
June 10, 2010 at 12:37 pmI really enjoyed Will Grayson, Will Grayson, but it’s the only one of his books I’ve read. I’d love to read more!
Laurie Lamb
June 11, 2010 at 4:38 amMy favourite John Green book is LOOKING FOR ALASKA.
Eloise
June 11, 2010 at 4:00 pmI have been an avid follower of John on youtube for years yet have not read a single book. As a teenager with no real source of income, the library was my only bet, and as often as I visit, it is always lacking in having ANY John Green books. An outrage. So this opportunity to finally see what everyone’s raving about, would greatly be appreciated.
I guess I would have to say Gabrielle Zevin is my favourite YA author. Elsewhere and Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac are two brilliant books that have had me laughing and crying. They are beautifully thought out and I would recommend them to anyone!
Emily
June 12, 2010 at 5:13 amLooking for Alaska, thanks 🙂
Whit
June 12, 2010 at 8:53 amDefinitely Paper Towns. Though they’re all quite amazing books, I have to say.
Katie
June 12, 2010 at 9:13 amMy favorite John Green book actually is Paper Towns, although I do love all of them and I’ve really enjoyed Will Grayson Will Grayson, which I just finished recently. If I won, I’d give this copy to my friend’s sister, who has just started to read John Green’s books. I hope lots more become interested in his work!
Mindy
June 12, 2010 at 1:46 pmWhile I relate to Margo and many of the events that take place in Paper Towns I have to say that Looking for Alaska is my favorite of John’s books.
:o)
Anonymous
September 23, 2010 at 9:04 amj
Megan Francis
March 23, 2014 at 6:30 pmI have heard great things about Paper Towns and An Abundance of Katherines,so I hope to read both in the future. I have read (and now own) The Fault in Our Stars, which I loved. I am currently reading Looking For Alaska, and I am really enjoying it. I think the beginning of the book really captured one’s need to assimilate, especially in our youth. Pudge’s growth has been fascinating to read, and I am looking forward to seeing what he transitions into.
As much as I love Green’s books I might just love his Youtube work more. It is great to see some educational videos on Youtube that are actually entertaining. I have become addicted to Mental Floss because of Green, but QI (Quite Interesting)still holds a higher position on my list of likes. I would recommend checking out Green’s ( and Hank’s)Youtube channel: Vlogbrothers, its fun, insightful, and awesome. DFTBA.
Elle
May 31, 2014 at 2:03 pmI love Suzanne Collins. The Hunger Games was amazing.