Looking for Alaska Special 10th Anniversary Edition

John Green is a great author. This is one favorite book he has written so far. I can't wait for the movie. This is a great book for all ages and would make a great gift to anyone that enjoys reading. The item arrived fast and well packaged. I couldn't believe the prices of his books on the store versus my local bookstore. I will buy more of John Greens books in the future and would even give one as a gift. Very good read and kind of strange.

The thing about this book, this wonderful, terrible, incredibly moving book, is that it has adult themes. GET OVER IT. It's probably a PG-13 book. There is sex, there is smoking, there is language. Do not let this deter you. If anything, it makes the book more relatable, more REAL. It's raw, it's honest, it's compelling, and beautifully written. I would most definitely recommend this book to anyone. John Green has a true gift, he is able to craft masterpieces like Looking for Alaska, full of intense symbolism and imagery, just truly a beautiful novel, and thankfully, he shares his work with everyone. Like any artist, he has his critics, but don't use the fact that this book has adult themes as an excuse to attack him as a writer. He is an amazing writer. This is an amazing book full of tragedy and romance and labyrinths of suffering and crazy swans and loss. 5 stars. Undoubtedly, five stars. I've been in love with this book for years now, reread it countless times, it's a true classic from our generation.

John Green has away with understanding the young adult mind and how they process issues that come in their everyday lives, I loved some of the ideas such as "The great Perhaps" and the labyrinth these made such great sense to me even though I have longed passed the stage of coming of age. I couldn't put the book down.

He also shows the shock and concerns that happen when someone dies and you are not sure if it is an accident or suicide, the friends feel guilty because there were actions that could have been taken but were not. That wanting to relive the time before the death and then the healing after.

I really enjoyed the characters and the chemistry they had as friends. It took me back to my college days, even though this was a high school boarding school. I enjoy books where you can get into the characters' heads and know their thoughts and feelings. This was one of those books. I could truly relate, and the book was smooth and brilliantly written. I found myself thinking about some of the themes often. After finishing the book, I am still left within a lot to think about. I had previously read "Fault in Our Stars" and loved it. I'm looking forward to reading more of John Greene's books.

Looking for Alaska -- the store review

As a coming-of-age story geared toward young adults, "Looking for Alaska" colors outside the lines enthusiastically and often. Its fanciful language is profane in a way that many grade school texts are not, and its handful of sexual encounters are explicit (hilariously so, in one memorable instance). I'm a preservice educator who's assembling a mental list of teachable texts, and these sequences did give me pause, if only because I can anticipate reasonable objections from parents who want to explore these ideas with their kids on their time.

But for students beginning to forge points of view on some of life's bigger ideas -- among them sex, loyalty, suicide, and how much thought to give the rules -- "Looking for Alaska" is a fine place to start. The book follows a worn groove for this genre, complete with experimental drug use and its own manic pixie dream girl, but it decorates these tropes with enough sincere flourishes to keep the attention of readers who've trod this path before. The way main character Miles shuffles off his introverted, largely friendless identity as soon as he gets to boarding school struck me as especially thoughtful. Kids try on different versions of themselves all the time, and the fact that Miles does so with minimal fanfare rang true to me.

For classroom use, I do have some reservations. The novel feels at times like the chattiest episodes of "Dawson's Creek," wherein cliquey bands of idle kids lay out or obscure their feelings using a kind of surreal, uniquely contemporary teenage eloquence that too often draws attention to itself. In "Alaska," this comes across not only in dialogue, but in Miles' narration, during which Green abuses hyphenated modifiers ("the Colonel's I-hate-the-rich routine") and capital letters as a means of demonstrating Very Important versions of otherwise pedestrian ideas -- several things happen Before a very grave thing happens, for instance.

The book is aspirational this way, and I think that's to be commended. I developed much of my own writerly identity, such as it is, from "Angel" and "Buffy" reruns, which teased out the flexibility of casual English but made me insufferably adjectival through most of college.

On the other hand, this deliberate approach to teenage chatter could make for rich lessons in voice. How, when and for what reasons do Miles, Chip and Alaska code-switch between high-minded literary English and colloquial talk? What does their preoccupation with slang and nicknames indicate about what they're actually communicating to each other and the staff at their boarding school? Until the halfway point, the book is divided into a series of picaresque misadventures, which lend themselves well to this sort of isolated close-reading. There are opportunities for cross-disciplinary work, too, the most obvious of which would be Dr. Hyde's world religions class. Teaching this book in ninth or tenth grade would dovetail with explorations into Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, and any other belief systems students take up in global history classes.

There's a lot to like here, and I think most kids will be able to digest the more challenging stuff on offer. I recommend the book cautiously to teachers looking for a more relatable substitute for "A Separate Peace," with one proviso -- mechanically, not all of the language in "Alaska" is the kind you'll want your students to emulate.

I found this book, as after completely loving The Fault In Our Stars, I wanted to read more John Green. Looking for Alaska is the story of a young man, Miles, who goes off to boarding school. He's never had friends at his old school, and is happy to make friends with his roommate and the hot neighbor down the hall, Alaska. They are smart rebels, drinking and smoking and pranking and still getting high marks. I enjoyed the voice of Miles--an insecure, intelligent, sensitive kid. However, the big action of the book left me feeling just, well, irritated. I guess that's why it's meant for Young Adults.

Like John Green's other works, Looking for Alaska holds a cast of teenage quirky outcasts that's banter continually feeds your reading addiction. The book is separated in "Before" and "After" a life changing, pivotal plot twist. Once I got to the "After", like the characters I was defeated. I sometimes found myself skimming (just a little, I swear!) because I thought to myself - What's the point?? Well, I persevered and in the end John Green was somewhat able to satisfy my need for closure (sort of since he pretty much put that all back on me). I forgive you, John Green.

I loved this book and have recommended it to many others. It's a great coming of age story with a powerful message. A young man decides to take a chance at a different kind of life when he chooses to go to a boarding high school in Alabama. He is looking for what he refers to as "the great perhaps". While there he meets some very interesting characters, to say the least, who become his best friends and the reason this wallflower comes to life. His bond with these friends and theirs with him will mean more to all of them then they would realize until "it" happens...want to know what "it" is...go read the book. :)

Holy crap this book is freaking amazing. Very heartfelt and interesting. Yes, the kids in the book do normal teenager things, the drink,smoke,do 'it', but that aside, this book is so... let me find the right word... you know what? I'm going to let you read this book and decide for yourself because, honestly I can't find the right word myself. I cried so hard on the first day after, but in not going to say why, because that would spoil and I would probably just start crying all over again...... Anyways, this book is absolutely magnificently amazing that I recommend you read this book (But keep a box of tissues on hand).

Looking for Alaska is a coming of age novel about Miles Halter trying to find himself in a private preparatory school in Alabama. He's 16, a junior hoping for a better education than he had in Florida public schools. Alaska is a mixed up student whom he becomes fond of. The story moves through their developing relationship. It's very well narrated, funny and informative, different from Catcher in the Rye but similar in tone--sad at times, funny throughout. If you like this kind of story you'll love Looking for Alaska.

Green's format for this book is somewhat unique. I felt it worked very well for the first half of the book and I understood how it would progress and why, believing the technique would work. However, the last half of the book did not work as well for me. After the main climax, there is interest for a while in the boys' searches, but that becomes tedious. Ultimately I found myself not caring what the two young boys found out. The storytelling is fine throughout, but I'm afraid Green's unusual format detracted from the story.

Looking for Alaska wasn't nearly as satisfying for me as The Fault in Our Stars.

Green's format for this book is somewhat unique. I felt it worked very well for the first half of the book and I understood how it would progress and why, believing the technique would work. However, the last half of the book did not work as well for me. After the main climax, there is interest for a while in the boys' searches, but that becomes tedious. Ultimately I found myself not caring what the two young boys found out. The storytelling is fine throughout, but I'm afraid Green's unusual format detracted from the story.

Looking for Alaska wasn't nearly as satisfying for me as The Fault in Our Stars.

I really enjoyed his latest book The Fault in Our Stars that I decided to read his others starting with this one. It was really hit due the the fact that I had a female friends I loved killed herself. I felt the guilt and burden for years cause I wasn't there for her when she needed me and how I still feel from the petty careless person I was. Some of the words Pudge says are words I've said myself. But seeing his ability to move on and thinking of Alaska in a better place is like I deal with heartache all these years later. But I love greens books because they pull at the heart strings and still make you feel great at the end

I didn't read the description of this book before I read it - I chose it because it was John Green and I knew he wouldn't disappoint me. I didn't know I'd feel punched in the gut afterward. But that's a compliment. When I finish a book but can't finish thinking about it - that's goodness. That's why I stay up too late reading and ignore laundry. I will remember Alaska Young for quite some time. "For she had embodied the Great Perhaps— she had proved to me that it was worth it to leave behind my minor life for grander maybes."

“Looking For Alaska" is the third John Green's novel that I've read. This book is a Printz Award Winner, and rightfully so. The story is both funny and sad as it explores the lives of several teenagers at a boarding school in Alabama. Green is a master at writing from the high school nerd boy perspective. This is a well-written book, which tackles the issues of love, loss, suffering, and the meaning of life. In fact, “Looking for Alaska” is my favorite John Green novel to date.

I purchased this book, off of the recommendation of a good friend. He told me that it was his favorite book by John Green. This book marked my first experience with the man's written word, though I have seen his YouTube videos, etc. Is it his best work? I do not know and I do not know if I should find out. I really enjoyed this read. I just wish, that my friend told me, that it would be sad and leave you with a lot of questions, but at the same time leave you a bit hopeful for the future of the characters.

Could I give it no stars please? I cannot understand the reviews. This book is simply awful.
Plagued with underdeveloped characters and a flat plot, this book couldn't accomplish what it set out to do. We were supposed to become obsessed with Alaska so that we could understand everyone else's obsession with her but we weren't given a reason to love or hate her.
On top of the flat plot, the author threw in meaningless teenage stereotypes that seemed forced rather than relatable.

I just finished this,my second book from the author and I am addicted to them.
Beautiful story,well written,lots of new words I learn with it (wich I always like),I have noticed he likes to involve death on the story,but he does it in such an interesting way that you'll never stop reading just because the girl dies,I'm keeping this book for my children,I know in a few years they will love them if they can love a beautiful book.
I like a lot the fact that e-books are easier to receive in my country,in five minutes I got it :)
I'll absolutely recommend this book to everybody who likes read!

I bought this book because I kept seeing a passage from it online in various places. It seemed like it was a good book. I had a harder time getting through it than I thought it would. If a book is really good I can read it in a day. This wasn't really a "unable to put it down" book for me.

Interesting story, likable characters, good writing.

The first half of the book was hilarious and light-hearted - I was really enjoying it. Then the tone changes in the second half and it became much less fun to read. It was still an interesting book and I do like John Green's style of writing and his sense of humor.

Although his books are labeled "YA", he writes at a higher level, in my opinion. Nothing juvenile about his writing although his subject matter does seem to be primarily teens.

A wonderful book! I tried to take my time reading it but I still couldn't put it down. I cared about every character, even when they weren't being completely likable. That to me is the sign of a well written story.

If you are looking for a book that pulls punches, this is not the book for you. The teens in Looking for Alaska are not perfect, and they talk frankly about the things in their lives. This is a young adult novel, not a children's book and there is a difference!

If you remember these things then you will have a great journey Looking for Alaska.

John Green is an author that tackles subjects that most authors would not touch and does so brilliantly. If this is technically considered a YA novel, I am not certain but being an avid reader well past that age, this book grabbed me from the first page and held my interest to the last word. Green has such ability as a story teller that I am in awe of that ability. His writing is crisp, clear and so spot on that I cannot wait to find his next book.

This book is well written, engaging, and ends in the only way it can.
I enjoyed it. I marked "some violence and sex" because it's about teens, and they can be violent and sexual. It is not overtly offensive, overly violent, or blatantly sexual. It's been a while since I was a teen; however, this captured a snapshot of the thoughts, feelings, confusion, and most of all, the search for answers that I surmise most teens suffer through.
I would recommend this book as a good, yet quick read.

Greene has crafted a novella reminiscent of the works from John Updike - complete with turmoil, personal tragedy and weighty topics like hope, death and the human condition.

His plot, character development and prose propel the reader through a faith journey - hope, promises and forgiveness - a modern day Elie Wiesel cast in High School or Hannah Arendt exploring the teenage human condition.

Growing up, misfits and nerdy a young boy strive to understand the mysteries that life can present. Touching tale and a very enjoyable read. A look at sending children away to private schools and the misadventures that befall them. Communication between boy and girl, child and parent, friend with friend are explored and some of the possiblilites and consequences revealed. Many young teens I have talked with love this book and connect with the characters. As an senior adult I still enjoyed the story and feel it taught me a few life lessons.

The challenging of John Green’s Looking for Alaska in Colorado, and banning of the book in Sumner County, TN (in May 2012) unfortunately has all the hallmarks of overreaction. While I’d grant that the groups that have chosen to ban this book have certainly read the questionable elements of the book – the sexual content, consumption of alcohol and cigarettes, etc. – I wonder whether objectors themselves have set out to question the questionable? In other words, have they really read the book, because it seems very obvious that if they had, they’d have likely come across answers to their own questions. They might have also realized that the book offers a unique opportunity for teachers to open a dialogue about the very things they’re worried about.

Looking for Alaska is a well thought out and well written book. The book’s characters are teenagers who engage in the sort of behavior that…well teens engage in. They also analyze and question their own behavior. When they make mistakes – as teens inevitably do – they question and scrutinize these missteps too. They rarely (if ever) ignore their own burdened consciences. One of the most impressive things about Green’s writing is that his characters are rarely let off the hook (for anything) and in the course of the action all major characters are called (at one time or another) on their own behavior.

Is there drinking? Is there smoking? Is there sexual content? Is there objectionable language? The answer is yes for everything, but Green, if anything makes a case, that none of those teen activities are the raison d’etre for any of the characters. None of these “questionable” behaviors are taken frivolously or lightly – by either writer or character – and there are consequences for any character who engages in them.

Neither is Green’s writing haphazard. Everything happens for a reason and instead of taking a wholly unrealistic approach that none of these “questionable” actions happen amongst teens, he instead delves into the why and how they affect the lives of the characters? The question I would ask as a teacher – of any group or council that seeks to ban this book – is why would you want to ban a book that challenges teens to ask questions about their own behavior? Why deprive teens from the chance to read a book that depicts other intelligent teens trying to make sense of the pain in the world and how they might better engage with ways in easing that pain? In places where this book has been banned or challenged, they’re not only questioning the wrong things they’re completely oblivious to the answers.

I really enjoyed this book, it was funny, shocking, sad and sweet. I didn't know I was reading the author of 'A fault in our stars' but I am now adding it and all of Green's books to my reading list. Looking for Alaska reminded me to look at my life as my younger self would have. Not to dwell on what we can not change but to move into the future with open hearts and minds, with our experiences lighting the shadows to come rather than weighing us down till we fossilize in fear and the deception of a safe and orderly life.

I enjoyed it. I enjoy his writing style. It was a quick read, I read this over the course of connecting flights in one day. It wasn't quite the same type of tear jerker that A Fault in Our Stars is, that one really got me. But for those of us that had a very similar experience in high school this really hit home. I don't want to get too into detail, that would ruin the plot. Green does a great job of allowing a peek into the complicated minds, relationships,and actions of teenagers with limited supervision. I have already recommended this book to several friends.

As a parent, this book caused significant discomfort. Yet, as a teenaged survivor, I was also un-comfortable. This book, this story, was raw and real. I cannot say I share all the characters' experiences, but the struggle to cope with GROWING UP, with leaving Neverland, was authentic. I believe this book to be a bridge- a way to open a crucial dialogue between parent and teen about the mess of life and fear and guilt and the future.

After reading his The Fault in our Stars, I decided to try another of his works. Very glad I did. After reading any best seller, I tend to enjoy other works by the author even more because my slate of expectations is smaller. Looking for Alaska was thoroughly enjoyable.
John Green brings out philosophical thought without making my head hurt by wrapping it in a story with compelling, believable characters. The reader gradually understands the character’s motivation by Green slowly pulling back the curtain.

I read this book for book club and really enjoyed it. The characters are believable high schoolers away at boarding school, developing friendships that will be inevitably tested. John Green wrote this novel in a way that made you picture the characters and the boarding school as though you lived it yourself. The characters, each with their own quirks and flaws were lovable, making you want to root for them when they faltered. This is a great book for both teenagers and adults and addresses some overwhelming themes that are central to humanity - forgiveness, love, friendship, loss, making sense of the world, growing up, facing our demons, among many others. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

I was originally introduced to John Green throughout The Fault In Our Stars and I never thought that I would love another book more than l loved that one. Well folks, here it is.

Looking for Alaska was one of those books that I hope will be a classic, and that my grandkids will have to read it in high school. And that they would have such strong feelings about it that we would talk about it for hours on end. Not only were there the real life feelings of love and loss l, my favorite part of the book was the never-ending supply of philosophical questions.

How will I ever escape this labyrinth? How do our moral beliefs impact the structure of our lives? Is forgiveness universal? These questions challenged my brain. This teeny-bopper novel made me question the very ground I stand on and the feelings I feel each day.

Looking For Alaska is by far the most touching book Of have read in a long long time. It is for anyone who questions and seeks a Great Perhaps.

John,Green is a master story teller using skills that accentuate emotional, yet mysterious personalities. If the human body was the car and the mind is the engine then Mr. Green is the mechanic. I would love to talk about Alaska and her story, but so not want to spoil your exploration of this magical personality. These are people you will come to know and wish you could remain in the "mental story mode" after you have finished the book. I miss them. Kudos, Mr. Green...Hippie,Bob

This book exceeded my expectations like you wouldn't believe. I enjoyed "The Fault In Our Stars" immensely, so I decided to give John Green another try. Well, I love this book more than TFIOS! I became attached to the characters so quickly. And I think part of it is due to the fact that they act like ACTUAL teenagers do. And the way it's written, you KNOW it's leading up to something, but you have no clue what it is. Some readers may find that tedious but I LOVED it. I cried way more than I should have for a book, but I have no shame about it. If you enjoy YA novels with more than just fluff, READ THIS. :)

A tale of college students having the time of thier lives. All from different backgrounds and yet melding together in the college setting and becoming friends that will defend to the end. You will be intrigued by each character and the role they play within this dynamic group, and then.....what happens to Alaska? This book leaves you wanting to know more. I love John Green's writings. One of my favorite authors.

I was caught in this book from the very beginning. Solid YA literature though it might be a bit too much for the ultra conservative. I think the message overpowers it all in the end. I checked it out from the library, read it and eventually purchased it for my own digital collection. If you get the print version be carefully not to inadvertently flip to the back pages. John Green has some review questions that will kind of ruin the whole thing if you do. The very first one question to be exact. Take my word for it. Even having the whole before/after aspect ruined I still enjoyed it. A story well written and well told.

Looking for Alaska was a really great read, and chocked full of meaningful quotes that are good to meditate on.

The biggest plot change is what happens around the center of the book. The book is literally centered around this plot change. Unfortunately, some really, really aloof editor decided to include a three sentence summary of the plot twist in the first few pages of the book, along with the copyright and publishing date. The summary completely ruins the plot twist. I accidentally stumbled upon the summary a mere 30 pages before the twist, so you can imagine I was pretty dumbfounded.

My four star rating only reflects my displeasure at that summary being included, otherwise it's a really great book and I highly recommend it.

While I loved "The Fault in Our Stars," this book left me with a - "What the...?!" ending. While there were some funny parts in the book and the characters were believable and likeable, it was by NO means what "The Fault in Our Stars" was. You walked away from that book with tears running down your face and a sadness in your heart because it ended. I walked away from this book disappointed because of how excited I was to read another book by John Green. Not the best...spend your time reading another one like, "If I Stay."

Kind of sophomoric. For instance, all the "adults" are stupid, out of touch, silly, and basically part of the opposition. Drinking, smoking, making nonsensical statements that are "profound" , but really just silly are all very cool. Even names like "the colonel" are too cool for older people to possibly understand.
Still, the characters were fairly likable and there are some real human tragedy issues dealt with. I'd give it a 7, as it had a good beat and you could dance to it.

This book, is. It simply is, it is incredibly well written, and has a great amount of love and passion in it, in its own way. I cannot say this book is good or bad, these terms do not apply to the book in my mind. I cried, I laughed, I thought. This book will make you wonder about so many things, most important if which can we ever escape the labyrinth that we all live in?
I give it a 4 out of 5 due to the well written ways of the book, it is not for everyone, and I personally strongly disagree with many of the actions the characters did and such, this book should be read by older teens 15 and older, not appropriate for younger children.

This book kept surprising me. Just when I thought I had it figured out, things would take a hard turn in an unexpected direction. The characters were incredibly complex. John Green pulled me into the story and I felt as though I knew the characters and could feel their angst and emotions. I highly recommend this book for readers of all ages, not just the YA crowd.

THIS book offers the readers so much and provides so little? I am left feeling sad that the truth and answers are not always given by the author, and like Alaska's friends I too wanted answers. Despite the fact that the answers are not revealed in the end, I feel satisfied that like most people in life, Alaska's friends have accepted this fact and went on. There is a degree of satisfaction in knowing that they will be ok, and they have accepted that in life "things fall apart".

I found this story intriguing, appealing and hard to give up. It goes beyond the usual cliches of a teenager teemed and/or oriented book, and shows unique and complex characters. The unusual mix of this bunch of boys and girls, dealing with existential anxieties, while at the same time being inmersed in a typical routine of discovering romance and sex, making friends and enemies, making pranks and getting into trouble, really talked to me.

From the book structure you know from the start that there's a twist coming, and I couldn't figure it out until it was very close to its development. Don't want to write something that might spoil this book for other people, but it is also a story about loss.

I enjoyed a lot, and maybe you will too.