Books

Book Review: Looking for Alaska

Many people will be familiar with, and sick of hearing about, author John Green. I for one, cannot get enough of Green. Published in 2005, Looking for Alaska, is among Green’s popular novels, which include The Fault in Our Stars, An Abundance of Katherines and Paper Towns. I frequently binge on his books and I have spent an unthinkable amount of time swooning over Augustus Waters (The Fault in Our Stars) and Miles Halter (Looking for Alaska). Although he has been a prominent presence within the YouTube community for a number of years, it was not until recently that his name became widely known in the mainstream community. I have been a fan of the YouTube channel, vlogbrothers which he shares with his brother Hank, for a number of years. The popularity of The Fault in Our Stars has seen Green’s fanbase, and the interest in his literary work, explode.

Author- John Green

Author- John Green

Looking for Alaska is as spellbinding as The Fault in Our Stars and as intricate as Paper Towns. I challenge you to not fall in love with protagonist Miles Halter. With a keen interest in the last words of important figures, there is something that is infinitely endearing about Miles, as you discover his exceedingly eccentric ways. Follow Miles as he leaves home to start his junior year in pursuit of “a Great Perhaps”. Upon arrival to boarding school, Miles meets a diverse group of people but one individual in particular captures his attention more than the others. Bold, brave and beautiful, Alaska embodies enigma and steals Miles’ heart. Just like Miles, you’ll fall under her spell and be gripped with curiosity. As she charms her way into Miles’ heart, everyone begins to discover that there is more to her than her impossibly alluring aesthetic and her brooding ways.

Beautifully written, Looking for Alaska is another masterpiece which Green has successfully crafted. This novel is a cocktail of humour, drama and tenderness each of which Green handles with pure skill and perfection. The book has been subject to criticism due to the themes that Green tackles; I would argue that each of the issues are handled with such consideration and sensitivity that Green should be commended, not criticised. Join forces with this group of misfits as they battle the “Weekday Warriors” of Culver Creek.

Once I embarked on what can only be described as a textual treat, I couldn’t put it down. I was glued to the story and entranced by the characters from beginning to end. Green recently announced that Looking for Alaska will be the second of his novels to be adapted for the big screen and I for one, cannot wait.

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