A review by thazell
Looking for Alaska by John Green

emotional mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

I don't think I know anyone's last words-- Miles, later known as Pudge, is amazed by the last words of famous people and while bored of his home life decides to attend the same boarding school as his dad once did as well as seeking his "great perhaps." And he doesn't take long to find it as the moment he lays eyes on the love interest, Alaska, he has found it. The romance that Miles felt for Alaska felt superficial and throughout the whole novel, the only thing he ever mentions is her curves, books and smoking habits. There was zero chemistry between the characters and Miles was constantly objectifying her. I don't think there was a single time she was mentioned without her curves being mentioned either. And, later when another girl appears the same thing happens. What a coincidence, it's now even more obvious that he is just an ass. I really didn't like his character nor really any of the others... All of them were annoying, self-centred, stuck up and despite preaching loyalty since the start had none of it.

I feel like the plot with the boarding school and pranking could have been fun if it wasn't done out of malice --like literally almost causing someone to drown. It was just all crazy and I would've been fine with prank wars, that's cool but this felt like they were TRYING to harm or harass each other. There was also too much smoking, alcohol and sex. Literally every chapter had it. I found it excessive as half the time they spend it doing the first two and sometimes the third. The plot could have been so much better if it had one, but it was barely there.

At first, I was really enjoying the boarding school vibes and the searching for the "great perhaps" which could've been amazing if it wasn't found in a girl he just met but after that, I found things started to go downhill. Some things also made me uncomfortable like how it made it seem like suicide was heroic in a way? and a deep philosophical thing. Also romanticizing cheating and other things as well. There are definitely lots of trigger warnings for the book and I don't recommend people who are not in the best headspace to read it.
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