Looking for Alaska ~ John Green
Before
I’d seen mostly decent reviews of John Green’s stuff, but never really taken much notice, sure he was on my bookmooch wishlist, but I wasn’t in any rush to grab a copy, however a couple of incredibly positive reviews at Stuff as Dreams are Made on and Things Mean a Lot convinced me to make more of an effort to find a copy, in the end I ordered a copy from my local bookshop, started reading it on the way home from work and stopping only to eat etc. I read it in one sitting, so engrossed was I in the story.
The Book
The book follows teenager Miles Halter, as he leaves home for boarding school, eager to leave behind his safe and rather lonely life at home to seek what the dying poet Francois Rabelais called the “Great Perhaps.” (Miles is a collector of “last words” and Rabelais’ quote is his favourite).
Much awaits Miles, at Culver Creek as he finds friends who truly seem to like and understand him. Not necessarily the friends his parents would have chosen, as they introduce Miles to cigarettes, getting drunk and playing pranks, but real, true friends. One of these friends is Alaska Young. Clever, funny, screwed-up, and dead sexy. Alaska will change Miles’ life forever.
It’s difficult to talk about the plot too much without spoiling it for those who have not read it, but while the “Great Perhaps” is Mile’s favourite quote, “How will I ever get out of this labyrinth?” is Alaska’s, taken from from Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s book, “The General in His Labyrinth.” It is the exploration of both of these that turns this into an incredible page-turner.
After
I decided to leave writing this review for a few days, hoping I’d better be able to capture my thoughts about this powerful novel, not sure it’s worked because I’m still struggling to put them into words without sounding sycophantic or clichéd. Because words like, wonderful, powerful, thoughtful, beautifully written all leap to mind.
So sod it! Go. Read. Now!
Rating: 
Buy, Looking for Alaska from Amazon.
Other Reviews to Consider:
I have done 6 shots till now. Your...
I’ve heard good things about this book - definitely one to look out for
I absolutely second this recommendation (right down to the “read it in one sitting” part). To your list of entirely apt words - wonderful, powerful, thoughtful, etc. - I would add “real”. Every character and every emotion in this book just rang so true for me.
I’d also recommend Green’s other book, An Abundance of Katherines. I didn’t like it quite as much as Looking for Alaska, but only by a tiny degree.
Fyrefly’s last blog post: Tracking Your Reading
I looooooooooved this one too!
Eva’s last blog post: Olympics Challenge and Thirteen Reasons Why (thoughts)
I’m very happy to hear that my post helped inspire you to pick this one up and that you enjoyed it so much!
I haven’t read this one, but I really enjoyed Green’s An Abundance of Katherines. I guess I’ll have to add this one to my wishlist now.
Traci’s last blog post: Booking Through Thursday: Other Worlds
Glad you liked this one so much and I’m glad that I discovered your blog through the link to mine! I’m really enjoying it
Chris’s last blog post: Trying To Move Forward
@MrsS: Definitely
@Nymeth: Thank you for push I need to read the book!
@Traci: Yes, Abundance of Katherines is the next one on my wish list!
@Chris: Thanks, I’m glad you like the place!
Bart’s last blog post: Bookworms Carnival | You’re Never Too Old!
I love the way your review reflects the book’s structure! And Go! Read! Now! is about the best recommendation a book can get, so this is quite a forceful review.
dewey’s last blog post: Martel-Harper Challenge
@dewey: Yeah I had a bit of fun with the layout of this review
Bart’s last blog post: Blue Pills by Fredrik Peeters
I loved this one, too!
Alessandra´s last blog post: Book Review: Install
I loved Looking for Alaska too! =D It really makes you think, and the structure was very unique! Awesome review!
~Lucy D =)
Lucy D =)´s last blog post: Invisible Touch!
This does sound like a great book! I’ll have to see about getting round to it sometime.
Callista´s last blog post: Notes/Announcements
I like the descriptions! Another book to watch out for! Thanks!
gautami tripathy´s last blog post: 24 Hour Read-a-thon—-Update at 16th hour
I keep reading rave reviews about this one, and the cover looks so inviting, it even feels lovely, I must read it soon!!
valentina´s last blog post: Read-a-thon: back after a short nap…
@valentina: You must!