Miles is pretty bored with his isolated life. He's a quirky guy who likes to collect dying people's last words. One poet, Francois Rabelais, inspires him to look for the "great perhaps". This leads him to a boarding school his junior year of high school. Which leads him to a bunch of firsts - friends, drinks, pranks, love.
Miles immediately falls into a pretty zany group of kids through his roommate Chip, who goes by Colonel. Colonel immediately pegs Miles as Pudge - " 'Pudge', the Colonel said, 'Because you're skinny. It's called irony, Pudge. Heard of it?'"
And then there is Alaska. Alaska is the goddess of Pudge's existence. Alaska is gorgeous, booky, a bit crazy, and elusive. An untouchable, if you will. Which of course, only makes Pudge desire her more.
Looking for Alaska is a beautiful book. This is my second John Green book (first was Paper Towns) and it didn't disappoint. Green captures the voices of his characters with such depth that I often wish I could transport myself into the novel. Really! How many books do you read where you wish that you could hold your breath, tightly squeeze your eyes closed, and try to jump into scene after scene. While Pudge and crew were topping pranks done to them it brought me closer to my own school year memories. Oh and the first kiss from someone that you really had a thing for, the desire for there to be more, the hope that it will conquer all. Yup. Green is one of a kind. I've definitely formed an author crush on this one.
I still prefer Paper Towns. If you haven't read that one, I think that you should immediately run to the book store, library, or online website and pick them BOTH up. I haveThe Abundance of Katherines on my shelf. I think that I will savor it.
When I saw the headline I thought this post was going to be about Sarah Palin. I've not read John Green and for some reason have never been interesting in Abundence of Katherines. You've got my attention with your review. Maybe I'll check out Paper Town.
ReplyDeleteI have this one. I won it ages ago. I shall definitely move it up my list.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't completely into Margo in Paper Towns, but Alaska sounds like an intriguing girl.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you enjoyed it! Paper Towns is my favourite too, but I love this nearly as much.
ReplyDeleteI have this one and the Katherine's book on my tbr list. Thanks for also recommending Paper Towns.
ReplyDelete