Review: Looking For Alaska by John Green

Synopsis:

Before. Miles "Pudge" Halter is done with his safe life at home. His whole life has been one big non-event, and his obsession with famous last words has only made him crave "the Great Perhaps" even more (Francois Rabelais, poet). He heads off to the sometimes crazy and anything-but-boring world of Culver Creek Boarding School, and his life becomes the opposite of safe. Because down the hall is Alaska Young. The gorgeous, clever, funny, sexy, self-destructive, screwed up, and utterly fascinating Alaska Young. She is an event unto herself. She pulls Pudge into her world, launches him into the Great Perhaps, and steals his heart. Then . . . After. Nothing is ever the same.

Review:

Looking for Alaska is an amazing story. For me, it was the kind of book that stayed with me long after I finished it. In fact, I still think about it from time to time. This book just gives you a lot to think about: life, death, and everything in between.

The characters were spectacular. Pudge, the narrator, is obsessed with people's last words, which I found extremely interesting. It was fun to read some of the last words of some famous people that I have heard of (and others that I have not). The Colonel, Pudge's good friend and roommate, provided some sarcastic humor, which I greatly enjoyed. Alaska is like a tragic hurricane. That is the only way I can think to explain her. Her personality is quirky and interesting, but she is like a hurricane in that she is all over the place. I do not want to give too much away, so I just recommend reading it.

This is the first book I have read by John Green, and I can now say I am a fan. Looking for Alaska is beautifully written. I loved the descriptions that John Green used and there was never a dull moment. There was happiness, sadness, anger, disappointment, frustration, confusion, self-discovery....Honestly, this book was a roller coaster full of emotions for the characters and I was right there along for the ride. Everything that happened felt so realistic to me like I could see this happening in reality.

I would recommend this book to anyone. There are some touchy subjects like alcohol, sex, suffering, and death, but anyone mature enough should definitely read this book.

Rating: 5/5

Swords are for fighting,