Tolog Review: Looking for Alaska

Looking for Alaska
by John Green 
reviewed by Maddy Brisbane

In the novel Looking for Alaska, by John Green, teenager Miles Halter was not prepared for what was coming his way from the depths of Culver Creek Preparatory School. It starts out with Miles, a more socially awkward kind of boy from Florida, at his going away party before settling in to his new boarding school in Alabama. Surprisingly, Miles was not overly thrilled with his mother throwing this celebration for him, mainly because he was forced to invite all of his school “friends,” aka, English and drama geeks. Sadly, only two people showed up, Marie Lawson and her boyfriend, Will. As soon as they left, all of the “cheerfulness” was over, and it was time to face the mysteries of Culver Creek Preparatory School.

Upon arrival, Miles settles in to his annoyingly imperfect room and meets his roommate, Chip Martin, whom is known as “the Colonel.” The beginning of their friendship sprouts while bonding over their special talents. The Colonel shares that he can memorize things really well, while reciting off all of the countries, and Miles tells us of his obsession with famous people’s last words. Later on, Miles, aka “Pudge” (courtesy of the Colonel), meets the young and beautiful Alaska Young. Pudge automatically feels a spark between the two of them while he salivates over the beauty of such a creature like Alaska. Miles and Alaska’s relationship grows throughout the course of the novel.

For the duration of the book, Miles Halter experiences events that shape him into whom he must discover and embrace being. From the traumatic, nearly drowning event when he first settled in to Culver Creek to the heart-rending climax he must learn how to overcome, Miles slowly realizes how high school is the time for mistakes because life keeps on moving whether your ready for it or not. Looking for Alaska is a coming-of-age tale revolving around the uncovering of one’s identity and staying true to who you believe yourself to be. Conquering one’s fears is also a constant theme in the course of discovering the importance of individuality.

This novel is one enjoyed by young adults of all ages. If you enjoy seeing a different perspective of high school life with a hint of mysterious romance, you are sure to find this snatch enticing. Most all fans of John Green’s popular novel The Fault in Our Stars will enjoy picking up yet another one of his great compositions. A coming-of-age novel is enjoyed by most, but it’s the tragic, yet grand, climax that makes it a beloved John Green pick. Be sure to be on the lookout for Looking for Alaska on your next outing.