Looking for Alaska by John Green

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Green, John. (2005). Looking for Alaska. New York, NY: Penguin Group. ISBN 0142402516

PLOT SUMMARY
Sixteen year-old Miles, tired of his “minor life” in Florida, convinces his mom and dad to let him attend Culver Creek boarding school in Alabama. He is hopeful to meet real friends and to have a “more-than-minor” life as he searches for The Great Perhaps. Miles meets and befriends his genius roommate, Chip (aka Colonel), and a beautiful, articulate, adventurous girl named Alaska. He joins their small circle of friends as they bond over studying, elaborate pranks, and reckless behavior. Midway through the book a tragedy occurs and those left behind spend the latter part of the book trying to make sense of it.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS           
       Looking for Alaska

is an outstanding coming-of-age novel that readers will have a hard time putting down. John Green’s writing is genuine, crisp, passionate, and witty. Characters are intensely real, complex, and likable despite their bossiness (Colonel) and moodiness (Alaska). Readers will appreciate Green’s realistic, insightful writing style, especially in the interactions between the characters that adds both amusement and intensity to the novel –like, the sometimes one-sided interactions and growing friendship between Miles (Pudge) and Colonel.

       The novel is structured around a tragic event, divided into short chapters titled with days before the event and days after the event. The structure allows readers to understand the event’s significance to the lives of the characters. While the text includes explicit language and sexual situations, it is not gratuitous as it aids in the development of believable characters, appropriately portrayed situations, and theme development of self discovery and loss.

        Looking for Alaska is at times both humorous and heartbreaking which further highlights the range of emotions felt by teenagers as they grow into adulthood. Some readers will easily relate to characters and situations in the novel while others may read to expand their own views through the characters’ experiences. Either way, this thought-provoking, moving novel is not to be missed!  

REVIEW EXCERPTS
2006 Michael L. Printz Award

2006 ALA Top 10 Best Books for Young Adults

2006 Teen’s Top 10 Award

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL – “Like Phineas in John Knowles’ “A Separate Peace,” Green draws Alaska so lovingly, in self-loathing darkness as well as energetic light, that readers mourn her loss along with her friends.”

Starred review in BCCB – “Miles is a witty narrator…he’s also an articulate spokesperson for the legions of teens searching for life meaning.”

CONNECTIONS
*Teachers can use the book in literature circles that address the themes of pride, self-esteem, relationships, and death.

*Teaching notes for the book can be found here.

*Interview with John Green and discussion questions can be found here.

*More books by John Green:

Green, John. The Fault In Our Stars. ISBN 0525478817

Green, John. An Abundance of Katherines. ISBN 0142410705

*Another book that addresses similar teenage issues:

Chbosky, Stephen. The Perks of Being a Wallflower. ISBN 1451696191