Looking For Alaska by John Green

[bcomet]

A week ago, Nathan blogged about Looking For Alaska by John Green.

I just now finished reading it.

It was, is, an amazing book.

I haven't been quite so moved by an author asking, through his/her characters, the BIG––as well as the essential––questions since reading The Life of Pi by Yann Martel.

I cried. For the characters who were amazing and for the writing which just blew me away.

It is funny, poignant, an important read.

Thank you so much, Nathan, for recommending this book. It is perhaps the best book I have read this year, and possible one of the best books I will ever read.

And this was only his first book.

Writing is alive and well. And eloquent in John Green's hands.

[Robin]

Sorry, but it didn't do anything for me. I found it depressing and never got the point. Did it have a climax? It was like reading the journal of a 15 year old outcast who tries to reinvent himself, but ends up being more of a stalker to a girl who doesn't care about him.

[Nathan Bransford]

Sorry, but it didn't do anything for me. I found it depressing and never got the point. Did it have a climax? It was like reading the journal of a 15 year old outcast who tries to reinvent himself, but ends up being more of a stalker to a girl who doesn't care about him.

Wow - I find this to be extremely harsh. Even if it wasn't your cup of tea at least it's good writing.

[Sommer Leigh]

I really love John Green's books, and Looking for Alaska is my favorite so far, though I haven't read Will Grayson, Will Grayson yet. I had the chance to go to one of his talks in Indianapolis last month and got Looking for Alaska signed. He's not just a great writer and great vlogger, but he is also a fantastic speaker. I highly recommend going to hear him talk if you ever get the chance. If you haven't done so already, go to YouTube and look up VlogBrothers. He vlogs with his brother Hank every week and he really is worth watching.

[FK7]

Reading it now. LOVE the witty humor, exactly my kind of writing. I don't read a lot of YA, and this seems like it's going to be a standard YA story, but the story flows so well it's highly entertaining.

Thanks for suggesting it.

[E McD]

TOO FUNNY! I was just getting on here to post this same exact thread! I LOVED this book - just finished it minutes ago. I loved the writing, the characters, the big picture ideas, the literary devices, the formatting, the one-liners, I could go on and on and on.

Nathan, in the spirit of LOOKING FOR ALASKA, can you give me another book recommendation? It doesn't have to be anything like it, but something just as, just as, as... good.

Whatcha got?

Peace and bufriedos,
Emily

[Sommer Leigh]

If you liked Looking for Alaska, you'll probably also like John Green's Paper Towns. I loved both of them. Abundance of Katherines is good too, but I think Alaska and Paper Towns are similar enough that one can recommend the other.

He has a new book out now called Will Grayson, Will Grayson written with David Levithan (Of "Nick and Norah's Infinate Playlist" with Rachel Cohn. Good book too!) I haven't yet read Will Grayson, Will Grayson, but I think these two awesome writers would have to go out of their way to write a crap book.

[CharleeVale]

I loved Looking for Alaska, and I'm glad that was the first of John Green's books that I read. But I think my favorite was Paper Towns. That is one of the most philosophically interesting books I've read. Ever. I felt changed after I read it.

That said I can't wait to read Will Grayson, Will Grayson!

CV