Monday, March 23, 2009

Review: Looking for Alaska by John Green


Book Info:
Looking for Alaska by John Green
Audio Length: 7 hours and 11 min.
Publisher: Puffin (August 14, 2008)
Genre: Young Adult
Rating: 4.5/5


Before. Miles "Pudge" Halter's whole life has been one big non-event. Then he heads off to the sometimes crazy, possibly unstable, and anything-butboring 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 pulls Pudge into her world, launches him into a new life, and steals his heart.

After. Nothing is ever the same.




This is another one of those YA books that I had heard good things about, but didn't really know too much about the plot. Which, to be honest, is how I like a lot of my books. I want just enough info or recommendations to catch my attention, but I really like the story to unfold without too many preconcieved ideas.

I loved how the chapters were set up in this one. They were 121 Days Before...so you knew something was coming, and then 2 Days After...which is exactly how time is measured after something big happens.

I enjoyed Pudge's journey from a shy, uncertain kid to one who could hold his own with teachers, parents and friends. The other characters are fun, realistic, and people I could see myself being friends with. I've never been to boarding school, but some of the stuff they did seemed older than 16 or 17...or maybe it's just that I'm starting to forget what high school was really like!

I don't usually remember or write down quotes from books, but this one really spoke to me.
"If only we could see the endless string of consequences that result from our
smallest actions, but we can't know better, until knowing better is useless."
I really enjoyed this book and will be on the lookout for some of Green's other books. I never thought about last words before listening to this book, but if you interested in more last words, check out the John Green's Blog. 4 stars

Order Looking for Alaska

7 comments:

Sandy Nawrot said...

Certainly the way the chapters are structured would almost guarantee suspense! From what you have said, I think I would hesitate to give this book to my 11 year old daughter, but would read it for myself.

Dawn @ sheIsTooFondOfBooks said...

I haven't yet read any John Green. Softdrink posted a review of his *Paper Towns* which also looks quite good!

Ah, the wish list grows again ...

Dawn
She is Too Fond of Books

Becky W. said...

Sending an award your way! You can check it out here!

Melissa said...

Sandy: My 30 yr old self would probably agree with you. My 11 yr old self would want to read it anyway!

Dawn: I almost bought Paper Towns this weekend.

Jen said...

I love John Greens Books. Alaska and Towns are my favorites. Katherines was good. <3

The only thing is the old cover was nicer.

Great reveiw!

^_^

Zibilee said...

I think my daughter would love this book, and I might try to snag it as well. Great review, thanks!

Amy said...

I still need to read a book by John Green, I feel so out of it! I'm glad you enjoyed this one!