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A review by michael_dang_
Looking for Alaska by John Green
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I remember a couple years ago, reading it over and over again and almost knowing the whole storyline by heart.
This book has had such a great impact on how I view life. The inclusion of last words throughout the novel inspired my interest in learning other people’s last words before departing this earth. Pudge, the main character in the story, starts off as a new resident of Alabama and meets the prettiest girl he’s ever seen: Alaska. He develops quite the infatuation for her, and they engage in the typical reckless teen behavior of smoking and drinking. She engages him in philosophical questions, like how can we get out of this labyrinth of suffering?
Alaska had a tragic life - no question about it, and her fate that comes in the MIDDLE of the novel (not the end) makes us really question: was that really her solution to her dilemma? The tragic circumstances of her death and the question itself are questions I still think about today.
The novel is structured beautifully and showcases John Green’s magnificent storytelling abilities. This book will make you think about existential questions in ways that I love.
How do we get out of our labyrinth of suffering?
What is our Great Perhaps?
Ultimately, what is our greater purpose?
This book has had such a great impact on how I view life. The inclusion of last words throughout the novel inspired my interest in learning other people’s last words before departing this earth. Pudge, the main character in the story, starts off as a new resident of Alabama and meets the prettiest girl he’s ever seen: Alaska. He develops quite the infatuation for her, and they engage in the typical reckless teen behavior of smoking and drinking. She engages him in philosophical questions, like how can we get out of this labyrinth of suffering?
Alaska had a tragic life - no question about it, and her fate that comes in the MIDDLE of the novel (not the end) makes us really question: was that really her solution to her dilemma? The tragic circumstances of her death and the question itself are questions I still think about today.
The novel is structured beautifully and showcases John Green’s magnificent storytelling abilities. This book will make you think about existential questions in ways that I love.
How do we get out of our labyrinth of suffering?
What is our Great Perhaps?
Ultimately, what is our greater purpose?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt