Turtles All The Way Down
I really enjoyed this novel. I had a few questions in the back of my mind while I was reading it, questions I felt were important and would definitely have a significant impact on whether this novel worked for me or not but I didn’t get hung up on them while I was reading. Then it occurred, the fantastic winding up of the novel. The two main characters finally gave me what I had been looking for. Grinning from ear-to-ear, this lively ending was beautiful, it was exactly what I needed.
The novel centers around Aza and her best friend Daisy. Daisy has a major crush on Mychal. When Daisy finally lands a date with Mychal, it includes Aza. Aza doesn’t want to date. Aza has strong anxiety issues that she is trying to control. I loved how the author showed us how Aza is drowning in her anxiety. I could feel the anger, her frustration, and the struggle within herself as the anxiety comes creeping in. Calling upon Davis to accompany her on her date with Daisy and Mychal, this puts into motion a relationship that Aza doesn’t want but one that Davis begins to enjoy. And then there is Noah, oh Noah….. Davis is a complicated boy and Aza doesn’t need complications right now but she just might need Davis in her life.
There were many fun and entertaining references in this novel. I enjoyed the references to Star Wars, it was just too bad that it took Aza a long time to realize what was occurring. Mychal sure had talent and he still abides by his curfew. Davis’ quotes. These were fun and shed a lot of light on the situation and Davis’ thoughts and feelings. My heart went out to Aza as she dealt with her illness. It felt so painful and then when she tried to save herself from the bacteria that entered her system from being kissed, my heart sank. Anxiety is real and I was glad someone gave it the attention it deserves. A wonderful novel and one that I highly recommend.
