Pages: 272 pages
Edition: Paperback
Language: English
Publisher: HarperCollins
Source: Gifted
Started: 11th of April, 2014
Finished: 15th of April, 2014
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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.
MY THOUGHTS
Don't ask me why I hadn't read this book yet. I just didn't really want to buy it and then when the boyfriend gave me the John Green box set I just felt obliged to read Looking For Alaska and also pretty soon I will start An Abundance of Katherines. Besides, this was one of the books I had planned to read for April. So I'm awesome for finishing one of the 4 books.Okay what did I think about this book? I love John Green and I really enjoyed this book and I was in pain. Because I had no clue what was going to happen. But I was in A LOT OF PAIN. I DIDN'T SEE THAT ENDING COMING. I'm just. Why did no one warn me for this? This was like The Fault in Our Stars all over again, but with the Fault in Our Stars I saw it coming, just a bit. BUT HERE I DIDNT. NOT UNTIL THE FINAL PAGE. DO I NEED TO FEAR ANYTHING FOR AN ABUNDANCE OF KATHERINES OR WHAT?! *breathes*
I'm sorry for that. Okay I love John Green and this was definitely a book I should've picked up way earlier. I love his writing and how he writes like how I would write, only less educate and less skillful. But in my brain the things would happen like that. What I didn't like was the massive amount of smoking. I'm just. Smoking is bad for you. Why wasn't any of the characters smart enough to understand? Well in Alaska's case, like she said: I smoke because I want to die. Well, smart move Alaska. But Miles and Chip. Just don't do that. Stop it. Now.
In Looking For Alaska, we follow Miles who goes to a private school and wants to seek his Great Perhaps. He meets friends and he meets the wonderful Alaska, who happens to be in a relationship with Jake, in Nashville. Okay so Miles is obviously in love with Alaska and stuff happens and then big event happens and I was in pain.
Okay the story was cool. I liked it. Just I had read Paper Towns before and I thought Alaska and Margot were really alike. Then again, this was written before, so actually Alaska looked like Margot. Well, I thought it was a bit the same, but it didn't bother me too much. I liked Miles. And I also liked Lara, but I didn't like how Miles just dropped Lara like that. But well, okay.
I definitely recommend this book to people that would like a contemporary read. I would consider this contemporary. And definitely romantic in some places as well. Maybe a little profanity in the middle, but that was just a couple of pages. If you're not into that, well I would suggest just to skim over it. I really liked this one and I would love to hear what you thought of it. I'm probably one of the last people to have read this one though...
Sandra, I'm glad you liked it! I loved this one, and my favourite things was that it was soo unexpected. I had the same reaction. I wanted to call John Green and tell him off or something, but in the end I think it all works out for the best. Otherwise the message wouldn't get through. I loved how deep John Green's book can get, especially this one with all the big questions about what happens next and what's the best possible way to live your life or achieve the Great Perhaps, or simply, escape the Labrynth. Just A-MAZING!
ReplyDeleteI was really hit by this book too and it really spurred a lot of talk on Alaska's actions within my book club. I really want a book written from Alaska's POV!
ReplyDeleteMissie @ A Flurry of Ponderings
I actually loved this one more than TFios!! I thought it was brilliant. And I want to read more by John Green, but now I'll be expecting for a main character to die in all of his books. It's safer that way!
ReplyDeleteI adore John Green books but this remains the only thing he's written that I haven't read. I don't even know why - just haven't gotten around to it I guess. Which is weird because THIS is the book, next to TFiOS, that he is most known for / most quoted.
ReplyDeleteI need to get on it asap!
This was my first JG book and I love it so much <3
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about the Katherines, btw, it's a much lighter read and not as depressing as his other books.
I made a huge mistake when I read this book in translating. It seems like it was the worst thing I could do to it. I didn't like it and was really disappointed at the end. Gladly, I have read TFIOS later on and I saw that John is a great writer :) I'm so happy you enjoyed this one. Great review, Sandra :)
ReplyDeleteHahaha! I'm sorry for not warning you, Sandra. But everyone must see that part for themselves. :P I was hoping it weren't true. But well...
ReplyDelete