by Jessica Runnels
All of John Green’s books are wonderful but this one is one of the best. It’s unique in that it is not really a love story and is more about a young boy’s journey to “seek a great perhaps” or a great life. “Looking For Alaska” is John’s first novel and has won numerous awards. Many list it as their favorite for its unique chapter styling and intelligent protagonist. 
Looking For Alaska is about a teenage boy named Miles who decides to leave his comfortable and boring life in Florida to go to boarding school in Alabama. Soon after meeting his roommate nicknamed The Colonel, he is given his nickname, Pudge. Next he meets The Colonel’s friend Alaska Young, who is beautiful yet emotionally unstable. They form a trio and have many adventures together throughout his first year at boarding school. The most fascinating thing about Pudge is that he is obsessed with people’s famous last words. He has many memorized and asks other people what their favorite is. Throughout the whole book each section is labeled “— Days before”. While reading you are desperately wanting to know what that means and the answer is shocking.
John writes his novels intelligently and does not write teenagers as though they are less intelligent or less important than adults, as so many think. This book is one of the most intelligent books I’ve ever read and it will not disappoint.
Check our KRL’s review of The Fault In Our Stars, also by John Green.
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