Looking for Alaska
by John Green
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Book Summary Information
Author: John GreenBrand: Speak
Edition: Mass Market Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2008-08-14
ISBN: 014241221X
Number of pages: 256
Publisher: Speak
Product features:
- ISBN13: 9780142412213
- Condition: New
- Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!
Book Reviews of Looking for Alaska
Book Review: "I go to seek a Great Perhaps..."
Summary: 5 Stars
In one word: brilliant.
When I bought this book it was mostly on a whim since I didn't know how I'd like a story that looked to be a teen romance with a bit of angst thrown in there. I'd seen it recommended several places and I'd seen John Green's name on the websites of a few authors I like so I thought it might be worth the ten bucks.
And yes, it was worth the ten bucks. That and so much more. Let me start off this review by complimenting John Green on his superb writing style. Every single word seemed so perfectly placed that I am convinced Mr. Green has a math formula lying around that will give him just the right word each and every time he needs it. The book, besides being well-written, is very witty and very thought-provoking. Which brings me to the story itself.
MAJOR SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT.
Anyone who knows me knows that I am a stickler for believable characters. And on this point, John Green has delivered. Miles "Pudge" Halter is the narrator of the story, a normal teenage boy off to a new school in order to seek the Great Perhaps. His penchant for famous last words is one of the more interesting points of his character explored throughout the book. Chip a.k.a. The Colonel (possibly one of the best literary nicknames I have come across yet) might be a trouble maker but he also posesses a fierce sense of loyalty. He's definitely the character that made me laugh the most. (The basketball scenes come to mind.) And the third central character is, of course, Alaska.
Alaska was the most fascinating character to me, something I think John Green intended. I was hooked by her just as Pudge was--she continually intrigued me, made me laugh, frustrated me, mystified me. (I re-read the line "Ya'll smoke to enjoy it, I smoke to die" several times.)
I am hardly ever affected by character deaths but as soon as I got a few pages into the "After" section I had to put the book down for a few minutes to absorb what I had just read. I was actually in a minor stage of denial for a few pages. I kept thinking, 'Alaska's not really dead, is she?'
When I came to accept it, I shared Pudge's and The Colonel's desparation to find out WHY.
At first I felt a little jipped by the ending: was her death an accident or was it a suicide? But after I thought it through for a while, I decided that it was better that John Green left us not knowing. Why? The world is full of mysteries. Not everything that happens in life is completely resolved
This was, for the most part, a coming-of-age story. I think Mr. Green did a wonderful job not only depicting the normal triumphs (first drink of alcohol, first love) but also the normal struggles (rival students, difficult teachers) every teenager has to go through. He managed to touch on important themes better than almost any coming-of-age novel I've read so far: seeking acceptance, trust and loyalty, and the difficulty of losing a friend.
SPOILERS END HERE.
I would recommend this book to just about any literate person. If you're thinking of buying a copy, do it. You won't be disappointed.
Summary of Looking for Alaska
The Printz Award?winning modern classic is now available in the successful Premium Edition format with a bonus
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