The blog
June 29, 2025
Inside the Mind: Turtles All the Way Down Is the Most Honest Book on Anxiety
Jessica’s Bookshelf – Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
Title: Turtles All the Way Down
Author: John Green
Genre: Young Adult / Contemporary Fiction / Mental Health
✍️ Synopsis of Turtles All the Way Down:
Sixteen-year-old Aza Holmes is trying her best to be a good daughter, friend, and maybe even detective—but she’s also consumed by intrusive thoughts and spiraling anxiety. When a billionaire goes missing, Aza and her best friend Daisy set out to solve the mystery, but the real story is about what’s happening inside Aza’s mind. With tenderness, wit, and sharp insight, John Green explores what it’s like to live in your own head when your thoughts won’t let you go.
👍🏻 What I Liked:
This book felt like a mirror. It’s rare to see anxiety portrayed so accurately, especially in YA. Green doesn’t glamorize mental illness or offer a neat resolution—he lets Aza’s experience be messy, layered, and sometimes hard to sit with. That honesty was what made it beautiful.
As always, Green’s dialogue sparkles, and the friendship between Aza and Daisy felt both hilarious and heartfelt. I also loved that the mystery wasn’t the point—it’s just the vehicle for a deeper exploration of identity, pain, and healing.
This one reminded me that sometimes the bravest thing we can do is just keep showing up—even when it’s hard.
👎🏻 What I Didn’t Like:
If you’re expecting a traditional mystery plot, this might throw you off. The pacing is introspective, and the focus stays tightly on Aza’s internal world. While that’s a strength, some readers might find the lack of external action a little slow.
🤔 Meaningful Quote:
“Your now is not your forever.”
And one more that stuck with me:
“I was beginning to learn that your life is a story told about you, not one that you tell.”
⭐️ Rating:
5 Stars
⚡️Would I Recommend Turtles All the Way Down?
Yes, especially for anyone who has experienced anxiety or loves someone who does. It’s a gentle, important reminder that mental illness doesn’t define a person—and that healing is rarely linear. Perfect for fans of emotional, character-driven reads like The Perks of Being a Wallflower or Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine.
🔗 Want More?
✨ Learn more about Turtles All the Way Down from John Green’s website
✨ See what else I’ve been reading on Jessica’s Bookshelf
If you’ve read All the Colors of the Dark, I’d love to hear what you thought!
Next on My Reading List:
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Sincerely,
Jessica
