Review: Looking for Alaska by John Green

Looking for Alaska

by John Green

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. 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.

**CAUTION: MILD SPOILERS FOLLOW**

Alright, I know I usually am so hardcore about no spoilers, but it's hard to explain this book and it's greatness without giving some stuff away. Don't worry, I won't ruin the book. I promise you that. (Not that anyone could ever ruin anything John Green puts his name on. Just saying, I might love/hate him.)

Looking for Alaska is set in Alabama (represent! fun fact, I live in Huntsville, AL). It's told from the point of view of Miles, who wants to get away from his life and his lack-of-friends/crappy friends problem in high school. What better way to do that than to go to a boarding school? The same boarding school he's heard tons about from his father, who attended years ago? So, Miles packs up and heads to ala-freaking-bama. Upon arriving, he meets his roommate, The Colonel (though he's anything but strict and military ready). The Colonel shows him the ropes, introduces him to some pretty kick ass friends - something he's never had before - including Alaska. (You'll learn all about how she got that name in the book.)

Long story short: Alaska is taken (not kidnapped. more like, she's an in awesome relationship. Stay with me here.) by the "perfect guy." Miles (aka Pudge, though he's anything but pudgy) falls for her anyway. Through wit, drunken nights, and lots of rule breaking, they form a bond that is unexplainable Then the unimaginable happens. They lose each other, in a very final way.

If you've read The Fault In Our Stars, you know how John Green is capable of bringing to your knees in both laughter and sadness. Looking for Alaska is no different. You won't leave this book laughing about how awesome and funny it was. Sure, you'll laugh about parts. But it will sure as shit bring you to tears, too. It's one of those reads that a week later, after stewing about how I would write this review, is still tugging at my heart.

On a side note, this book gave me a lot of closure. Closure I've been looking for since 2004. So, for that - I will never be able to express how deeply thankful I am to John Green for writing this book. That being said, I'm really tired of him making me cry. (haha!) Check it out, I promise you'll love it!

Check out the fanmade trailer I found on youtube (Credit: 411musicvideo)