Looking for Alaska (by John Green)

The swearing is annoying because I don't swear, but other than that, this book CHANGED MY LIFE. I read it 2 times in one day lolz. I've been having the worst year of my life (all my fault though) and I've messed up everything I could possibly have messed up. For the longest time I was wallowed in self pity and my only friend that I had/have now told me to read it and when I did, it just completely changed who I am. It made me stop doing things for everyone else and it made me realized that this is MY LIFE, and one day nobody else is going to care so I need to do things for ME. I think I learned this because it showed me how short life really is and that I can take control of things and make my life what I want it to be. I thought it was all so very captivating and the end message gave me goosebumps. Oh, and Alaska taught me to be more spontaneous (but not stupid lol). She taught me that sometimes you have to do things and stop worrying about what will happen. She taught me to just put myself out there and thanks to John Green, I'm turning my life around. So, what's the lesson here? READ THIS BOOK! You won't regret it :)

There's alot of controversy surrounding this book, and I can certainly understand why. Sex, drugs, and a couple of f-bombs can be found within the pages of this book, but I'm glad they're there. What people often fail to understand is that these things are a part of life, and teens are often faced with them quite frequently. I'm not saying that all us teens lead a secret drug and sex filled life (although you'd be suprised), they're things that we do have to deal with. Looking for Alaska is by far one of the best books I've read, and I know many adults will agree with me on that. The great story that Green lays out is not one of sex, smoking, or drinking. It's one of life, death, and finding yourself, but without those things it would be only a mere shadow of the truth. Before you realize this you can never truely enjoy and comprehend this wonderful work of literature.

John Green’s Looking for Alaska is an easy read with a powerful message. Alaska Young is the craziest, most beautiful and self-destructive girl that Miles “Pudge” Halter has ever met. Miles leaves is lonely friendless life in Florida for Culver Creek Boarding School in Birmingham, Alabama. He allows the gorgeous and impulsive Alaska to turn his world upside down and inside out in order to find his “Great Perhaps” the reason, meaning and purpose for his life. Because chapters do not start on new pages it is hard to find a place to stop and it is quite easy to tell yourself “oh I’ll just read a little more” I read this novel in one sitting; it’s haunting and compelling in the simplest of ways. The writing is thought-provoking, funny, and passionate. Green does not shy away from controversial topics; this novel deals with underage drinking, smoking, sex and vulgar language. Though Green addresses these issues in a way that leaves readers understanding of the consequences of such choices, he certainly does not endorse those actions and this is evident from the climax. The characters act like the teenagers they are, they break rules, pull pranks on fellow students and act rebellious for the sake of being rebellious, but they are complex and vividly-real. The first half of the novel is an adventure of self discovery, lust, friendship and seeking the “Great Perhaps” readers will laugh their way thorough it – the end is an adventure of another matter, seeking the truth and understanding of loss and strengthening the bonds of friendship. Looking for Alaska is the perfect story for any teenager. Readers will laugh at the witty narration, smile at innocent love, and cry for the realistic truths that this novel holds.

This book, was by far the best book that I have ever read. It shows readers a thing or two about trust and living life to the fullest. It was amazing, no other author could have pulled off the suprised twist in the middle of the book the way Green handled it, and the ending, was simply the end of a 20 year series, or thats how if felt rather. Green puts you in the middle of the story with his vivid details and the way he flows through the book. He makes you want to not put the book down because he is not talking about Wizards or Dragons, he is talking about real life here and this is what counts, this book is by far the most amazing thing i have ever read because it changed me and my view on a lot of things, if you ever want a good quick or a powerful read, or a even a new author to get into, this book, more like this story " Looking for Alaska" is the one you want to go to the book store to get, not the library, the BOOK STORE.

This book is a beautifully written story. I think any mature 12 year old could handle it. There is a lot of frequent swearing, and the sex is kind of disturbing, plus there is a lot of smoking and drinking. However this story is tugs at your heart strings, the characters are beautifully written, the story is funny, but very sad. The book also is very well written. If your child is mature than they can most likely read this book.

i absolutley love the book.. im 14 and it helped me notice that drinking smoking and all that isnt good and what the outcome could be. also it helped me think what really happens after we die? is there s beyond? but i feel this book shouldnt be criticised as bad becauase od the drinking smoking and sexual content of the story because almost every teen and pre teen knows about it all from tv or friends. and its life, theyre bound to find out sooner or later.. my point is its a great book and everyone should read it!! it really makes you think about things.

I personally loved this book when it came out. It is extremely interesting and provocative entertaining!!

Looking For Alaska is one of the best books I have read, It issomething different for all the other teenage books out there. You can quote the entire book and see a little of yourself in each character.

I actually decided to check this book out at the library after reading this review and watching John Green's video on YouTube, and I agree with him on all counts. Yes, there is one frank sex scene, but it is horribly awkward compared to the emotional encounter Miles has with Alaska. This is not intended to push porn, in fact, it seems to discourage it. If you haven't already, check out the YouTube video with Green explaining his reason for putting the scene in the book and you will definitely become a Nerdfighter. The only reason I list violence is because of minor encounters with bullies and SPOILER: a car wreck and possible suicide. The language is as mature as the book's subject matter, which includes heavy drinking and smoking, but no teenager would walk away from this book thinking that these are good ideas. The debut novel by Green actually portrays positive messages about love, life, and the loss thereof. There is a reason this book remains on many school's reading lists. (If only it was on mine...)