Book Review | Looking For Alaska

Day 22 of The October Daily A Book Review

So, I immediately looked for more John Green books after finishing Fault In Our Stars as I became obsessed with his literary works. After seeing this on the list of the top 10 young adult books consistently and the fact that it's his Printz award-winning first novel, I knew I had to pick it up. And I tell you, it has surpassed my expectations; John Green is seriously talented. It is one of the few books I've read that I would describe as overwhelmingly brilliant. 

Before. Miles "Pudge" Halter's whole existence has been one big nonevent, and his obsession with famous last words has only made him crave the "Great Perhaps" (François Rabelais, poet) even more. Then he heads off to the sometimes crazy, possibly unstable, 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, who is an event unto herself. She pulls Pudge into her world, launches him into the Great Perhaps, and steals his heart.

After. Nothing is ever the same. 

The book reminded me of Perks of Being a Wallflower, it is also from the point of view of a teenage boy and his struggle to find himself. It contains the most thought provoking and mysterious ending I've ever read. There were  questions left unanswered but John Green pointed out that books belong to their readers and he left it that way because we have to live with the ambiguity of the story. Which actually makes sense since it adds more excitement to the already mystifying theme. 

The characters were very relatable and I just love the serious and humorous moments that transpired between them. The friendship between Pudge and Colonel was my favorite; it was put to the test when something tragic happened but then they were able to get past the shocking and unbearable situation and somehow handled it maturely in the end.

Another noteworthy aspect of the book is the symbols/metaphors used in the compelling story. It gives the story more depth and character, making it a force to be reckoned with.

And of course, so many wonderful quotes were strewn all over. I simply adore this quote: "I go to seek a Great Perhaps." It was the famous last words of a French writer, which drove Pudge to Culver Creek where he got more than what he was looking for.

I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone.

My rating: 5 stars