Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Were you hoping that Margo and Quentin would end up together? Why or why not? Did you understand the reasons why they separated in the end, or did you find the ending to be disappointing?

2. Margo is not always an easy character to like. How did your perspective on her character change as the story developed? In the end, did you like or dislike Margo?

3. John Green is the author of many YA novels. Have you read any of his other works? How do the road trips in Paper Towns compare to the road trip in An Abundance of Katherines? How do Quentin and Margo compare to Miles and Alaska in Looking for Alaska?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Do you ever find yourself facing the kind of anxiety that Quentin experiences? Is there a positive side to his anxiety? Do you think that real-life anxiety has any positive attributes?

2. What beliefs are expressed in the metaphors of the strings, the grass, and the vessel? Which of these perspectives are you most drawn to? Do you see strong evidence supporting this