Book Review: Looking for Alaska

Book #43

“I wanted to be one of those people who have streaks to maintain, who scorch the ground with their intensity. But for now, at least I knew such people, and they needed me, just like comets need tails.” — John Green, Looking for Alaska

I read this pretty much all in one go, as part of my all-nighter last night. I actually have very little to say about the book, apart from this: it is lovely writing, and it is how young adult books should be written. I would be glad to give it to any teenager. Pudge is endearing, Alaska less through my own eyes but I can understand her appeal through his.

I’m glad I read this book now. I feel like if I had been to wait too much longer I could not have fallen under its intended audience. It is a very lovely book though, and I can see John Green becoming this generation’s Judy Blume. When I was younger, I read a lot of Blume, for which I’m exceedingly glad. I think reading in general helps us get through the hurdles of life, but her books definitely touched on specific subjects that I thought were important and that I wanted to read about. Blume is probably the most widely read young adult author, and it is in this instance I mean that he will be (and should be) this generation’s Blume.

I think this book would be especially meaningful to read as a sixteen year old, but pretty much everyone until end of college/university age would do for it, I think.