Looking for Alaska by:John Green

Looking for Alaska begins with Miles Halter's goodbye party (the protagonist). Only two people attend, his parents are disappointed by this but he has learned to not expect much out of his pears, he is not popular at his school. Miles has accepted this. Miles is about to attend Culver creek preparatory school in Alabama for his junior year. At Culver creek miles meets a few new friends. These friends are The Colonel (his roommate), Takumi, Lara and Alaska. The group quickly gives him the nickname Pudge. Pudge quickly developed a crush on Alaska, but Alaska is dating a college boy and is emotionally unstable. She is quite the mystery.  In Pudge’s first week he is covered in duct tape and thrown into the lake by the "cool kids" at his school as a prank. Alaska and The Colonel are furious, due to the fact that this prank could be lethal. The year turns into an all-out prank war. Like most friends do, the group becomes close and much tighter nit. They drink, smoke and just enjoy the simple fact that they have fun together. Late in the year, a horrific event occurs and nothing is ever the same... 

The aspect of the book that I had the biggest reaction to is the voice of the author (John Green). The way he explained everything from your first love to the first time you break the rules was just so raw and real. The way he wrote (as Pudge) was just so authentically teenage and really got across that our lives are not the Disney version of a teenager. That teenage life can be hard, crazy and joyous all at once. On the other hand, the way he stated the great themes represented in this book can be depressing at times. His writing really makes you question what the meaning of existence is truthfully. 

Personally, I have read a few of Green's novels and have noticed a recurring theme of a depressing sense of writing with a good message. My question for you is have you noticed this theme? And if so specify the books of his that you have noticed this theme occurring in. 

I would absolutely recommend this book to my pears! I loved this book; it was a wonderful representation of a coming of age novel. Looking for Alaska really works through some tough themes, for example the great task of looking for yourself and your purpose. These lessons or themes everyone has to go through at one time or another. This book made me laugh, cry and think. I would recommend this book if you’re up for a roller coaster ride of emotions, if not take a pass on it.