John Reads the First Chapter of Turtles All the Way Down

The transcript follows Azel Holmes, a 16-year-old girl, as she navigates her thoughts and anxieties during a school lunch. She reflects on her fictional nature, the influence of external forces, and her microbial anxiety. Conversations with friends Daisy and Michael reveal personal dynamics and creative ideas, while Azel's internal monologue highlights her struggles with mental health and identity.

Who is the narrator of the story?

• Daisy Ramirez

• Davis Pickett

• Azel Holmes

• Michael Turner

What does Azel realize about her life?

• She can control everything in her life

• She is the author of her own story

• Her life is a random series of events

• Her life is a story told about her

What does Azel find disgusting about eating?

• The smell of Lysol and lard

• The process of digestion

• The taste of food

• The noise in the cafeteria

What is Azel's concern about her body?

• She is too short

• She is too thin

• She is a bacterial colony

• She is too tall

What project is Michael working on?

• A painting of the cafeteria

• A sculpture of Azel

• A Photoshop project averaging faces

• A documentary about high school life

What does Azel worry about regarding her health?

• Contracting a parasitic infection

• Having a fever

• Breaking a bone

• Losing her voice

What does Daisy suggest for Michael's project?

• Using faces of animals

• Using faces of famous people

• Using faces of exonerated prisoners

• Using faces of children

What is Daisy's life motto?

• Never give up

• Always be kind

• Break hearts, not promises

• Live and let live

What does Azel struggle with during lunch?

• Her relationship with Daisy

• Her appetite

• Her thoughts and anxiety

• Her homework

What does Daisy plan to do after school?

• Go shopping

• Visit the library

• Watch Star Wars Rebels

• Go to a party