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Looking for Alaska - John Green

In case you hadn't guessed from the heading, 'Looking for Alaska' is a book that is extremely difficult to put down. And to part with, when you inevitably finish devouring it in a mere two sittings (sob!). So be sure to let family and friends know that you may be MIA, to ensure that missing persons are not alerted of your disappearance.

 

'Looking for Alaska' tells the tale of Miles Halter, about to embark on a 'Great Perhaps'. Halter, obsessed with famous last words, begins term at a new boarding school, friendless. He soon meets his roommate Chip, who has nicknamed himself The Colonel and in turn immediately nicknames Miles, a beanstalk of a boy, 'Pudge'. We soon meet The Colonel's group of friends, including the eponymous Alaska, and it is perhaps testament to John Greens lyrical writing and exceptional characterisation that we immediately fall in love with the gang, although they are far from perfect.

 

Alaska in particular is flawed - drinking, smoking and sex, alongside novels, appearing to be a few of her favourite things. Green's depiction of Alaska is truly excellent; I, alongside Miles, fell quickly in love with her. Although arguably the most flawed character, she is also loveable and quirky, clearly the mature leader of a clan of rather immature boys, despite Chip's self given and rather optimistic title. However it is testament to John Green's skill as an author, that although sulky, sullen and temperamental, Alaska is easily the character I felt the most for, and the easiest character to relate to, although by no means understand, which I would hazard a guess from the title was Green's aim.

 

I regret to inform you, that
you are no longer in the
running to become
'Britain's Next Top Novel'

'Looking for Alaska' is set in two halves, Before and After. Before and After referring to the defining event, which will not be spoilt in this review, don't you worry. Both are poignant and gripping. I experienced a plethora of emotions throughout: laughter ; joy; friendship (this is an emotion trust me); bitterness; angst; love; sadness and desperation to name a few.

Although not the longest novel, Green manages to draw upon an array of teenage experiences with an alarming accuracy and a huge level of... humour. For what is a deeply thought provoking novel, there is a huge amount of comedy and this is what makes the book and the characters themselves so appealing. The book does not take itself too seriously ('For Whom the Bell Tolls', I'm looking at you). Though broaching many difficult issues,  it manages to maintain a relatively uplifting outlook on life. This is not to say it is not downright depressing at times (you will cry and if you don't ARE YOU AN ANIMAL?), but alas, life can be too and Green's realism is what keeps readers coming back for more.  

 

Not only is Green's writing style lush with a capital 'L', but his words stay with you long after you have finished the book. Take for example Alaska's musings on the escape from the Labyrinth of suffering. This provoked in me a deep sense of unease: Can we ever escape the labyrinth? I, alongside Alaska and Miles, pondered this question and the idea of a 'Great Perhaps' for many hours after putting down the book for the final time. In fact I still am pondering whilst writing this review, and so keep getting distracted. Thanks very much John! Perhaps, Miles' conclusion that 'The only way out of the Labyrinth of suffering is to forgive' is something that we can all learn from. Perhaps, like Miles,we can take comfort from the last words of Thomas Edison: 'Its very beautiful over there' and conclude alongside him that although we do not know 'where there is' we can live in hope of finding it, and finding it beautiful.  

 

And on that note John Green, I forgive you for leaving me full of perhaps and ponders for nights on end, and I thank you for giving me a tiny piece of a beautiful 'there'. 

After nearly no deliberation, it's a fantastic book people, I am pleased to announce...

 

Congratulations John Green, 'Looking for Alaska' is still in the running to become 'Britain's Next Top Novel'