I recently finished reading Looking For Alaska by John Green. This was John Green’s first novel, and probably one of my favorite books of his. One of the things I like the most about John Green’s writing is his portrayal of teenagers. While I cannot always relate to them, he makes them feel real and human, and not like stereotypical teenagers seen in other forms of media. Looking for Alaska came out in 2005, which is presumably when the story takes place, and I love reading books that take place in a setting where the characters don’t interact with any sort of technology. The setting of this novel, taking place in rural Alabama, made me feel like I was reading about summer camp. I recommend reading this book as a Junior in high school. Not that you can’t read it earlier or later, but I felt like I was able to understand the characters on a deeper level since I was reading about people my age. Though I wasn’t able to relate to their struggles or the antics they got up to, I felt like they were just as interesting to read about. 

This novel follows Miles, a teenage boy who is new to a boarding school in Alabama. He doesn’t have many friends in his hometown, but he quickly gets taken in by Chip, his roommate. Chip, nicknamed “The Colonel” leads Miles to all kinds of antics, pranks, and adventures. He introduces Miles to Alaska and Takumi. Alaska, who the book is named for, is quirky and rebellious, and Miles immediately takes a liking to her. Their dynamic is typical of a group of unpopular kids finding each other, and having fun, and sticking together. 

Looking For Alaska is full of both comedy and heartbreak. It is beautifully written, it is witty, and has its deep moments woven throughout the comedy. Each character has their own struggles, backgrounds, and quirks, which are revealed in a scene where they open up to each other. The Colonel, aka Chip, is perceived as tough and scary on the outside, but is intelligent and kind-hearted. He quickly became one of my favorite characters and seeing him express his emotions was one of my favorite parts of the book. I also loved seeing the characters develop. By being around his friends, Miles becomes smarter, and he learns about things that he wouldn’t have learned about in school. Mainly through Alaska and her massive book collection. Miles and Takumi didn’t have much to talk about at first, but as the book progresses, they find themselves in situations where they become closer. 

Because of the setting and the well-developed characters, I felt like I was actually in the book. I felt like I was running around with Alaska and Miles, or sitting with them plotting a prank. And though it takes place in rural Alabama, because John Green writes a boring place so well, I felt immersed in the story through the setting. Not only are the characters quirky, but the school is as well. From its basketball team to its evil swans, the boarding school feels so well thought out. I could say I loved everything about this book. Even the heartbreaking plot twist. I love the references to literature and famous last words, and I walked away from this book feeling like I learned something.

Looking for Alaska by John Green is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.