*Turtles All the Way Down* by John Green is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of mental illness through the life of its protagonist, Aza Holmes. Aza is a 16-year-old high school student living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The story is narrated from her perspective, offering readers a vivid depiction of how her intrusive thoughts and anxiety affect her daily life and relationships.

The novel begins with Aza reconnecting with her childhood friend, Davis Pickett, after the disappearance of his billionaire father, Russell Pickett. Aza, along with her best friend Daisy, becomes involved in the mystery of Russell Pickett's whereabouts, partly motivated by the reward for information leading to his discovery. However, as Aza and Davis grow closer, Aza’s mental health challenges become more prominent, revealing the inner turmoil she experiences.

Aza’s OCD manifests as an overwhelming fear of bacteria and infection, leading her to repeatedly reopen a small cut on her finger to drain it, convinced that it could become infected. These compulsions are a way for Aza to exert control over her anxiety, even though she knows they are irrational. Green’s portrayal of Aza’s mental illness is unflinching, showing both the distress it causes her and the impact it has on her relationships, particularly with Davis.

The novel also explores the dynamics between Aza and Daisy, who struggles to understand Aza’s condition. Their friendship is tested as Daisy feels neglected and frustrated by Aza’s preoccupation with her own thoughts. Meanwhile, Aza and Davis’ relationship deepens, but Aza’s inability to escape her mental prison prevents her from fully connecting with him.

*Turtles All the Way Down* is a poignant exploration of mental illness, identity, and the complexities of human connections. John Green masterfully combines a mystery with an introspective look at the challenges of living with OCD, making it both an engaging and emotionally resonant read. 🧡💛