Author: John Green

Genre: YA Fiction

Publisher: Dutton Books

Pages: 221

Miles Halter has decided to leave his safe, but boring, sheltered life (which includes little-to-no friends) in Florida for his dad’s alma mater boarding school in Alabama. A boy who is fascinated by people’s last words, he is on his way to seek the “Great Perhaps”. Once at school, Miles (now nicknamed “Pudge”) finds a few good friends and a whole lot of firsts. His first drink, his first smoke, his first love, his first kiss…and his first death of someone close. In that death, he will find what it truly means to live.

I decided to read Looking for Alaska, after falling in Love with Paper Towns. I can honestly say that it was just as good. Much like Paper Towns, I could relate to these kids. They reminded me a lot of myself and my close-knit group of friends, in high school. It reminded me of what it felt like to feel a lot of those feelings. It also reminded me of what it felt like to lose someone close to me for the first time, and to examine how that related to me, personally. I loved the references to The General in His Labyrinth (a great classic!), and the way that it was central to and woven in to the story. I think that this novel made for a great story, and one that will make the reader think. I think that I will read An Abundance of Katherines, as well. I am becoming a great fan of Green’s writing style, and the introspection that it inspires. Overall, a great read!