“Looking for Alaska” by John Green – Crossing to the Other Side

Miles "Pudge" Halter is a fairly uninteresting sixteen year-old who really hasn't experienced much of anything in life. However, he constantly wonders about what could be, what experiences the world still holds for him. In an attempt to find what the French poet Rabelais refers to as "The Great Perhaps", Miles sets off for Culver Creek Boarding School, and just like that, his life changes drastically. 

As he makes new friends and falls in love with the adorable yet dangerous Alaska Young, Miles starts not only to experience what the world has to give him, but he also learns valuable lessons about human nature, and most importantly, himself, especially when an unforgettable tragedy strikes the boarding school.

There are countless coming-of-age novels out there, so what is it that sets Looking for Alaska apart, at least in my opinion? For starters, John Green doesn't beat around the bush: the dialog is crisp and sharp, the descriptions are concise, and events unfold at a fast pace one after the other. 

Apart from making sure the reader doesn't get bored, this also serves another purpose: to recreate Miles’ state of mind. From his point of view, he is crossing into a strange new world where it seems there is no respite between new experiences.

In addition, I feel like I should add that John Green’s style isn't the least bit dry; the characters all feel real and unique, emotions are running high, without forgetting a somewhat dark sense of humor that lightens the atmosphere when it’s most needed. 

Looking for Alaska by John Green (Book cover)
All in all, I have to say that even though coming-of-age novels aren't typically my thing, I did happen to enjoy this one, mainly because I could relate with certain parts of it… as a matter of fact, chances are that virtually any adult who grew up in a first-world country will be able to identify with something or someone in this book.

Also, I really enjoyed the fact that the ending wasn't your typical, clichéd, feel-good conclusion. Each of the characters goes their own way (in terms of destiny), finding closure in different ways. Long story short, this is a great novel, it isn’t very long or complicated, and it’s subject makes it a very interesting read, especially if you like to reminisce about your high school days.

John Green (Author)

John Green 


Personal site

John Green is an American author who mostly specializes in young adult fiction novels such as Looking for Alaska and The Fault in Our Stars. He also runs an online blog through YouTube, and in 2006 he was awarded the Printz Award for his debut novel.



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