The premise was interesting, but the prose over explained things. The royal decree at the start of the book provided a great, in universe explanation for the role of the name-bearer and how they are cut off from their parents. It was not necessary to re-explain that process at length just a few chapters later. While the main character is young, it took her such a long time to realize what was going on, plus the narrator's high pitched voice for her was grating. Once I realized I wasn't enjoying the story, I decided to cut my losses and move on to something else.

This book was assigned in my 3rd grade Advanced Reading class. The subject matter was way too intense for my age, and I was scared to go to sleep because I was afraid that what happened to the main character's family could happen to my own. My mom noticed my distress and requested that I do an independent reading instead.

Started listening to this audiobook on a work trip. While the writing was humorous, the length of the book was daunting and seemed excessive for such a lighthearted story.

The plot was slow to get moving and the flashbacks were very sexual. I dreaded returning to the book and eventually got to the point where I realized there were lots of books I actually wanted to read and I shouldn't have to slog through this one.

DFW's writing is provocative and thoughtful - there were several quotes that I wrote down from this book. However, this book is a beast in length and actively fights you while you're reading it. Between the endnotes, nonlinear structure, and dystopian names for years, it was very challenging to follow and didn't seem feasible for me to finish by the end of summer.

My debate coach had this as our summer read. I wasn't interested in the motorcycle journeys and the philosophizing didn't speak to me.

The dialog was very repetitive and unnecessary; how many ways are there to say "Gee Hannah, this food sure is good"? I felt that the writing was dumbed down for the reader and spelled out what was happening rather than letting me put my detective cap on.

I kept starting this book from the beginning when traveling via airplane and never completed it upon completing my journey. I've enjoyed John Green's other books, but I don't know if I can overcome my history of DNFing this one.