Review: Looking for Alaska

Looking for Alaska

John Greene

Miles Halter was always a fan of last words. While some people pride themselves on knowing the capitals of the states, Miles prides himself on knowing famous people’s last words. So when Miles reads a biography of Francois Rabelais, he learns his last words were “I go to seek a Great Perhaps.” Convinced now that he himself is after a Great Perhaps, Miles begins his journey at Culver Creek boarding school.

His roommate Chip (called Colonel) introduces Miles (whom he nicknames “Pudgie” – complete irony, seeing as Miles is insanely skinny) to his friend Takumi, and more importantly, to Alaska. After meeting Alaska, Miles is sure that he is in love with her. She completely confuses him, being flirty and sweet one day, then moody the next. But, Miles continues to hang out with these people who become his friends, and he agrees to help out with the pranks that they are planning. After all, they are teenagers and invincible – what could go wrong?

John Greene entertains readers with these unique characters. My favorite character is Alaska; there is no doubt about it. Just the fact that her character was given the power to pick her own name shows how unique she really is. The whole novel was definitely unique in its story line, and I really enjoyed reading it.