Looking for Alaska
discussion
am i the only one who didnt really like this book?
I felt the same, the characters didn't grow on me and parts of the book were incredibly slow! Along with that I felt that the 'after' part of the book was slightly pointless as she was the only character that I kind of liked, I also thought a lot of it was philosophical crap trying to make the book deep. Not to say I didn't ind the quote interesting but I felt some of the metaphors were just taken to far...
I didn't like it at all. I read it because of TFiOS.
SPOILER:well, i didnt hate the book, because, i really wanted to see what the book was about, and how alaska changed pudge's life (wanna know what the funny things is? she didnt change his life! at least i dont think so!). i didnt get hooked into the book (meaning i didnt stay up all night and drop dead everything to read) but there was some point where i would take the book to the bathroom w me, or to a friends house to read while they were conversing without me. i was def interested in reading it tho as recommended by a good friend of mine.
its true, theres def something missing and i dont understand why everyone liked alaska, i mean i get it, but there is something missing about her, something more tragic leading to great. maybe John Green need more inspiration on writing Alaska's character; i think that is it! he needed better inspiration on Alaska's character, someone he knew in the past, but Miles seem like a fully developed character.
the reason why I LIKE THE BOOK is because the quotes that was in it. my fav has to be the section where Pudge described his feelings about he was drizzle and she was a hurricane.and i get it, she was def a hurricane, i understood how he felt, like in all honesty and complete. i get why he felt that way, and the paragraphs leading to that quote def opened me into the understanding. i never felt like a drizzle while someone else was a hurricane but i know what its like to be an hurricane.
the story could of been plotted better, and i believe alaska shouldnt have die, but i guess i understand why green didnt want her to survive, because, then whats to become of her odd behaviors; how is he going to explain her thoroughly and make us know her all the way through. and this is why i mention that green need a real life inspiration for this alaska character.
but nevertheless, i like this book, id read it again one day in many years from now and see if i would see a diff perspective. but until then, i like it, 2.8/5
it didnt impress me as much (maybe because umm this happens often in life [weird guy liking a outrageous girl] but without the dramatic death or pranks)but i absolutely love green's quote. pudge and alaska DEFINITELY fit the quote "if people were rain, i was drizzle and she was a hurricane." EXCELLENT well done with using them two for the quote. esp when he said he went back to his room and COLLAPSE on the BOTTOM-bunk bed, that shows me a lot.
theres many times where i laughed out loud reading some of them lines lmfaooo i see the humor. wonder if the book made anyone laugh?
I think its because it was too hyped up because everyone was saying how incredible it was so my expectations were high. Now I did enjoy the book, I just didn't like it as much. First, Miles was obsessed with Alaska after knowing her a few days. I don't understand why he was so attractive to her. I liked Colonial the most better than Miles. Also, Alaska was just so bipolar sometimes like why are you like this.
In both paper towns and looking for Alaska, both of the main characters are obsessed with a girl. Q with Margo and Miles with Aladka. TFIOS a great story because it was a relationship between Hazel and Augustus that developed over time and had great moments.
I really enjoyed this book, and was surprised not many did. It made me reflect about our purpose here on Earth. It's understandable that there are books with better philosophical meanings and bases, however this was presented in an entirely different way. I really loved reading this and look forward to reading more.
I loved this book. I agree it is 'wannabe philosophical,' but you have to keep in mind that it was his very first novel.
I thought this thread was for people who didn't like this book? Feels like it's become a lovefest lately. No matter how much you post how much you love it, I'll still hate it and think it was a load of rubbish haha...
Kelly wrote: "I thought this thread was for people who didn't like this book? Feels like it's become a lovefest lately. No matter how much you post how much you love it, I'll still hate it and think it was a loa..."My thoughts exactly.
Damn, everyone was suppose to just comment yes.
Not quite...because there are plenty of us who thought Alaska the character was hideous and the book trite.
This is a thread for people who disliked Looking For Alaska, hence the title: "did anyone else dislike this book?" And I'm here because the book was complete crap. Shitty characterization, a terrible protagonist, bloody Alaska.... the works. Face it, if this is John Green's best work, well, that's really sad.
I don't think this is John Green's best work. In my opinion, that would be The Fault In Our Stars. Though this is a crap book at some parts, it isn't as bad as some other books I've read.
I really enjoyed this book in a way that I didn't enjoy The Fault in Our Stars. Not to say that TFIOS wasn't amazing, but I think looking for Alaska only strikes a cord with people who could relate to it personally with something they're dealing with/have dealt with.
this book was nice but paper towns was nicer. hahah u get what i mean??
The thing with this book is that it hasn't a established plot, things just kind of... happen.Maybe I'm talking nonsense but this is just how I feel. I still loved it though.
I love the book. I just think that the story is really beautiful despite the tragedy. However, I can see how some people don't think the same way. I mean, Alaska's death was a huge turning point in the book, and by the time the book is over, you either love it or hate it.Though it was sad, I think John Green did a good job of finishing it off and making it ok. Obviously it's up to you how you think about it, but this is one of my favourite books. I've even recomended it to some of my friends.
Vyshu wrote: "I don't really know why but I just wasn't into this book...don't get me wrong, I love john green and I loved the fault in our stars but for some reason, I did not enjoy this book. Did anyone else f..."I feel the same way to me I think to like Looking for Alaska you would probably have to like the character Alaska and I really didn't like her character very much idk why but that is just my opinion
YES YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE WHO HATED THIS BOOK
I did not like this book at all. It was like "Catcher In The Rye" light. Same boarding school setting, same gratuitous cursing, same question of the characters sanity. I read "Catcher In The Rye" for high school and grad school and didn't like it either time.
It fell a little flat to me too. And Tumblr made my expectations so high.
it was a ok book. Not bad but not that good either.
Lauren wrote: "YES YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE WHO HATED THIS BOOK"Uh sorry...OBVIOUSLY THE ANSWER IS "NO"!
The book itself set up large expectations form me, the book is reasonably thick yet it is printed with a large font and it ends up being way shorter than i expected, After a couple of sessions I suddenly finished the book, it was as I had accidentally skipped half of it.
nah, it's not so good. something's missin'. just don't know what.paper towns it's the only book that have all in all everything. not that thios or lfa aren't good but something make it ....
Did not love this book at all, but didn't hate it. Just okay for me. Felt like an episode of Seinfeld - no plot - just a section of time in the lives of characters, which works fine for tv, but I didn't love it for a book.
this was a good book but i had expected a lot more from the way people had previously spoken about it, i couldn't relate to any of the characters and couldn't bring myself to like Alaska either.
SPOILER***SPOILER***SPOILER***SPOILER***SPOILER***SPOILER***Never in all my reading life have I ever hated a fictional character more than Alaska Young, which yes I do feel guilty for saying given her depressing and unfortunate fate. But I mean c'mon? If John Green's intention was for you do hate this character, no matter how tragic her life was, no matter how tragic her death was then that's a credit to his writing abilities because she was utterly detestable! What a dreadful, terrible girl and friend! When Alaska was alive anyone who knew her would have so much poison in their life caused by her. And the things she done to people was inexcusable no matter how tragic her life was.
And I'm sorry to say but when someone you care about dies tragically and unexpectedly you wallow and suffocate in a desperate depression for months, years maybe forever - you do not react with playing a game of Sherlock Holmes! Personally I was shocked and slightly Offended with the way Alaska's friends dealt with her death. It felt like John Green simply brushed past his own characters grief and thought "hmmm how would a teenager react to someone they love dying...Why they'd play a game, of course!"
I can completely understand why someone would want to read John Green's novels and the joy and love and inspiration and whatever else they can find in them is really great. But after the offence of this novel and the disappointment of The Fault In Our Stars I'd have to say I'm definitely not a fan and would not recommend these books.
I'm really torn about the book. I liked the layout, the fact that the big event hinted in the title was in the middle of the book, I liked the setting, and I liked the secondary characters (especially The Colonel). But I really really really disliked the protagonist, he was a pretentious self-important twat, and I felt the same way about Alaska. So I'm in a curious position where I'd like the book if the narrator wasn't around... which doesn't make sense, does it?? ^^;;
I legitimately disliked this book. The characters are petty and stupid, thinking only about how to do wrong things and not get caught and rarely about anything worth while. Alaska is more or less a self proclaimed slut and a sex addict at what, 16? They all drink and smoke constantly, and their only rule seems to be to cover for people so they don't get in trouble.There was nothing healthy about this book and I would not recommend it to anyone. I'm seriously disheartened to have to give it such a poor review. I expected better from Green. I had to force myself to slog through page after page of boring or even highly inappropriate content with far too much cursing and bad behavior than was necessary. Huge disappointment. Sorry I wasted my time on it.
Lauren wrote: "YES YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE WHO HATED THIS BOOK"Lauren, this is obviously not the case. You should read the other comments before generalizing.
I kindof agree actually. I mean, the idea of how Alaska somewhat changed pudge was cool. And judging on the basis of characters? Their personality was what I loved. The whole philosophical thing was too much, as was the whole mystery behind the countdowns that it began getting a bit depressing. Plus, that got me really impatient.
The book as a whole was quite OKAY in comparison to TFIOS which I enjoyed SO SO SO VERY MUCH.
I just think the minuscule of HUGE moments were the only parts that made the book good. For example, the labyrinth thing. As well as the colorfull-ness of each character.
I honestly read the book and judged it when I saw the quote where Pudge describes Alaska to rain and such.
I loved the meaning and purpose of the book. The messages were very profound but I didn't enjoy the plot as much. John Green is still one of my all-time favourite authors though!
Nope.It was a good read, true but it was an exaggerated cliche sob story.
I knew Alaska was going to die, it was really obvious.
And honestly, I don't really see the point in a story like this???
The characters were bland and not much development going on.
Jennifer wrote: "Nope.It was a good read, true but it was an exaggerated cliche sob story.
I knew Alaska was going to die, it was really obvious.
And honestly, I don't really see the point in a story like this???..."
The characters were kindof interesting though?
I am largely disappointed in this book.
I read this book about 2 years ago. I had heard alot of good things about it so I decided to read it. At first I had found it interesting because I thought, " It's John Green. He is a really good author." I wasnt disappointed when I finished it because it had a good plot but it took me awhile to finish it. It didnt pull me in as much as I wanted.
Anna wrote: "Yes."Nope! I didn't like it either...
I'm sorry, but I loved this book. The characters weren't maybe as interesting as Hazel and Gus, and I will say Isaac is much funnier than the Colonel, but this isn't about the characters themselves. This is about Pudge and his struggle to find his meaning. It was about the deaths of loved ones, and it's less meant to entertain you than to make you think. This book probably has had one of the biggest impacts on my life, and I'm sorry if you couldn't take away the same meaning as I did. When people say it's really good, but I didn't like the book, I usually reread, so maybe you should try that.
Abby wrote: "I'm sorry, but I loved this book. The characters weren't maybe as interesting as Hazel and Gus, and I will say Isaac is much funnier than the Colonel, but this isn't about the characters themselves..."Liking a book is very personal and if I read a book and don't like it, I never reread it. Too many books and too little time! And telling someone they should just reread it implies they didn't "read it right". I just understand that everyone has their own taste and opinion...nobody's opinion when it comes to books is "right" or "wrong"...whether you liked a book or not is a completely subjective matter. I have friends who didn't like books I absolutely love, I respect their opinions and leave it at that :-)
I dislike this book. I'm saying "dislike" because I hate hating a book. But anyway, I honestly don't get the point of this book. It's not that John Green is an awful writer, I mean Paper Towns and TFIOS were great but Looking For Alaska? I just don't like it. The only thing that hooked me up on the book was Alaska's death. I was thinking she'll show up, or something unexpected would happen but all there was was nothing. Pudge kept on discussing the labyrinth stuff and arguing on whether Alaska's death was due to impulse or planned. I mean seriously? That's not so fun to read, alright. The book has some good stuff of course but for me, my impression on it is just dominated by dislike.
You're right, Gwyn..everyone has their own personal taste in books.
tbh it had a shitty ending but at least he was realistic
Sarah wrote: "I read it quite a while ago so I can't give you a reason but I remember thinking... "well that wasn't all it's hyped up to be." I think it's more of a cult book.From the person above who said thi..."
I agree, It was a little too overdone, to be honest I didn't really like it.
If you didn't like this one, definitely pass on Paper Towns! They both left me with a "glad that's over" reaction after I finished them. An Abundance of Katherines is still my favorite, followed closely by Will Grayson, Will Grayson.
Gwyn wrote: "I am completely opposite from you. I really like Looking for Alaska, but I feel the Fault in our Stars is overrated. I think that it was something different from his usual writing and I liked that,..."THANK YOU!!!!!!! I'm glad it's not just me. I love Looking for Alaska. It's amazeballs.
I really didn't like the book. The characters seemed unsympathetic and the plot not that engaging.
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Me too. Thats was exactly how I felt about the book