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mads2007's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Alcohol and Death
Moderate: Drug use, Sexual content, and Death of parent
bookish_bell's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I fell in love with this book as a teen and reread it recently at almost 30. I was shocked at the many (and frankly lazy) reviewers who insist that Alaska is a MPDG. I wonder if these people have ever lost or grieved for someone who died far too young? She's a complex and mercurial character and she exists as a fully formed, imperfect individual outside of the male protagonist's gaze. Yes, Miles idealizes her, but that's pretty normal for anyone to do when they meet someone new who seems mysterious and cool. Not to mention, the Colonel arguably has a greater impact on Pudge's character development than Alaska ever has a chance to.
Stop calling Alasksa a manic pixie dream girl, it's mysogynistic, lazy, and just untrue to describe such a complicated and tragic young female character with an outdated and sexist term.
Moderate: Alcohol and Death
swiftiesophie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Death of parent, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Grief, and Alcohol
nicole_theythem's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
2.0
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, and Suicide
izdxn's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I think I’d have related to it more when I was younger, but it showcases grief in a way that is simple and to the point
Graphic: Death and Suicide
Moderate: Addiction
hufflepuff96's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Moderate: Grief and Death
Minor: Death of parent, Sexual content, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
amandakath's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Yes it centers around school aged teens, but the themes of death and eternity and purpose and state of being are themes that really pop up in our 20s (so goes my experience).
As a teenager, reading this book felt more like an angsty love story, and while I did relate to Alaska and her depression, it was a very surface level comparison.
Now as an adult I still relate to Alaska, but more in the way that I understand and relate to how frustrated she was with how the world worked, and how her heart yearned for answers, and a Great Perhaps. I think on some level we all desire to find our Great Perhaps, maybe we even wonder whether there is one.
Graphic: Car accident, Death, and Suicide
Moderate: Mental illness
bookmorderin's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Alcohol, Death, and Death of parent
goodin10tions's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Graphic: Death, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Drug use
Moderate: Car accident, Vomit, Alcohol, Death of parent, and Bullying
skellyqueen's review against another edition
3.75
Graphic: Suicide and Death
Moderate: Alcohol