Looking for Alaska
by John Green
Published by Speak Publications
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Reviewed by Rowena Brew
This is John Green’s first novel, and the winner of the Michael Printz award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature. And it is easy to see why this book has been awarded such a prestigious accolade.
John Green’s writing style is refreshingly honest while also taking you into the heart of the story, and making it your own.
Miles “Pudge ” Halter has lived a safe, if somewhat boring, existence in his hometown in Florida. He has good grades, comes from a nice family, but lacks the excitement and adventure that he craves. And so he makes the decision to go to Culver Creek boarding school in Alabama. And it is there that he meets the lovely, enigmatic Alaska Young.
Miles soon becomes part of the group of friends that consist of his roommate, “The Colonel,” Alaska and Takumi. With Alaska as the ringleader of the group,they spend their free time smoking and drinking (both of which are against school rules at Culver Creek), and plotting pranks against their rival group in the school, a group that it made up of the upper-class wealthy kids who only attend from Monday to Friday, and go home every weekend.
Miles is finally getting the excitement that he has so longed for, and is enjoying it. His heart and mind are occupied with thoughts of Alaska, as he is drawn towards her. What Miles wants more that anything is to be able to save Alaska from her self. But how can you stop a runaway train that is traveling at breakneck speed towards certain self-destruction?
This is a coming-of-age novel, written with a great level of sensitivity and truth, from the male perspective.
Armchair Interviews says: Definitely a five-star read.
Author’s Web site: http://www.sparksflyup.com