Paper Towns (A Novel By John Green)

"High school is neither a democracy nor a dictatorship - nor, contrary to popular belief, an anarchic state. High school is a divine-right monarchy. And when the queen goes on vacation, things change."

I've finished reading this months ago, so maybe my thoughts about it is a little dusty (what a horrible metaphor). Also, I have developed a little hatred towards long paragraphs, not exactly the idea of reading them but more to the fact that I hate writing them because my words get buried underneath more piles of words and it doesn't look pretty. Maybe this hatred was there long ago and maybe this is a hypocritical long paragraph. I have just sucked myself in writing this. My words are now buried, as I sit and frown in self pity but still remain unable to stop myself from typing.

So here's a review.

Things I... not hated... but wasn't necessarily eager about

- Most of the book, I felt, was just about Quentin (coolest name ever) going around in circles following superfluous clues from Margo.

- It could be because I get bored really easily, but, seriously I got really desperate for something to pace the story along.

Things I liked:

-"Part Three: The Vessel" One of the rare feelings I get when reading is getting so into the story that it's difficult to physically put it down. This was the part of the book that made it difficult for me to put it down. I loved everything about this part that it took me overnight to finish (which is considered an achievement, with the fact that it took me weeks to finish the first two parts)

The predominant reason that I liked this part the most is just that it was the best road trip ever. All of the characters showed their personalities individually rather than just a crowd that would surround the protagonist.

- The random-ness (SPOILER!) I recall them almost hitting a cow. I don't remember that ever happening on any other books I've ever read.

- John Green's writing. There's something about it that makes me happy. It's refreshing to read because he's hilarious and witty but still remains intellectual.

In conclusion, it was wonderful.

Reasons Why Riots Are Stupid.

Dear Riot-ee,

What is an idiotic, moronic act that can't ever be justified because it's just -- a great word to summarise with-- stupid? I'd like to say that I would understand why these people go around smashing others' cars and burning buildings down but I see no other explanation other than utter stupidity. No, there's nothing I will probably ever have the courage to do to try and physically stop such foolish act. So, I'll just explain to you why I find riots stupid.

1. Destroying public properties doesn't mean that you 'get back' at the government, while it is true they have to pay to get repairs, the money comes from the taxes-- which is essentially EVERYONE's money. This could even lead to a tax increase, meaning the people who destroyed would still end up paying more because they wanted to break shit.

2. Destroying people's business is just fucking up with their lives. This achieves nothing, except maybe a few pumps of adrenaline in your veins you fucking psychopaths.

3. I guess given the chance, 'looting' off shops is very tempting, but it's fucking shameful and disgusting.

So I hope I've made my thoughts clear. Thank you. Go home. Lock your doors and shit.

Freeze Dried Ice Cream

So very terrifyingly real.





My mother's sense of humor is also very scary.

Day Trois.

I need to learn this.

Day Une.

It has been decided. I will do something productive with my life with what is left of my summer and each day will be documented. This will probably end up like a giant disaster but the only way to beat procrastination is facing the fear and starting something. I'm not even entirely sure there is something I'm procrastinating to. Yet.

Things to do:

1. clean my room

Which seems to be the shortest list ever conceived. Googling 'what to do on the summer holidays' I was bombarded with horrifying suggestions which also partially killed any hope I had for society. This is not a good start.

Why Is My Name So Shit? (a poem)

Austin Flegel stood proudly, the cloth in his shirt flailed very wildly.

The rock on his foot was a torch of unimaginable pain but he continued to stand because he was incredibly vain.

How long should he stand this excruciating torture? A strict tap on his foot-- he has such a bad posture.

That's fucking great-- it starts to rain and he feels droplets as they trickle.

Like a stream of gloom as he realised his name was Austin Flegel.

I'm running out.

There's probably no limit of things to talk about. But the more vast the options are, the more limited it feels. Which is some contradictory shit right there. So I got some ideas from Tom Slatin's 80 Journal Writing Prompts

4. What music album would be used for a movie about your life?

+

14. Name one thing you always wanted to do, but haven’t. What has prevented you from doing it?

My fear of death has prevented my from pursuing this (among other things)

17. What song was stuck in your head recently, and what were you doing at the time that made you think of it?

On The Bus Mall- The Decemberists

I heard it today. So good.

18. Describe 5 things you want to see or do before it’s too late.

(une) See American Idiot the musical.

(deux) Start a protest with no actual cause.

(trois) Learn how to play the banjo.

(quatre) Visit Africa. And befriend an elephant.

(cinq) Contribute (positively) to the world.

26. Name something you found; what was it and where did you find it?

I found a rock in this really rocky place.

41. What was the title of the last book you read?

Paper Towns

44. Describe your note-taking style and habits.

Lots of visuals.

Mostly unrelated to the subject.