Looking for Alaska by John Green - Restarting August 12th 2019

[[deleted user]]

I read this book in February this year and the worst part is when she die leaving a hole in evryones life... It disappoint very much.. After her death I totally lost interest in book.. TFIOUS is best becuz Augustus' death is not so abrupt...

[Anne]

Kirsty wrote: "I finished the book today and gave it 3 stars. I had such mixed feelings about it, the first part of it really didn't interest me. I didn't like the characters and nothing really seemed to be happe..."

"I feel that John Green books are overhyped and my overall experience with him as an author has been disappointing"-- Your words, but my sentiments EXACTLY.

[Anne]

The only thing is, i kind of do feel sympathy for the characters even when they aren't original and are overstated.

[Gayatri]

64% (view spoiler)[ This book confuses me. I know I am supposed to be sad but its like I don't know the characters enough to be sad (hide spoiler)]

[Gayatri]

Finished (view spoiler)[ Well that was an interesting book. It didn't really have a proper ending though. It made me feel slightly unsatisfied (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah Elizabeth]

*************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆

Date Changed. Restarting December 8th 2015. Happy Reading ☺

★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

[Drishti]

Hi, Isabel!

I've just read one book by John Green which is The Fault in Our Stars. I have really liked that one. So, my hopes are high for this one. Isabel, have you read some other book by John Green?

[Drishti]

Isabel, one of my friends decided to join us. She and I agree that a schedule for the BR would help us both to stay on track. Are you comfortable with a schedule?

[Nicole]

I finished this book ages ago. It's a really good book!
Just remember to keep a box of tissues near you when you start reading ;)

[Drishti]

Don't worry, Nicole. We'll surely follow your advice. :-P

[Drishti]

Great! I'll tell you when we come up with a schedule.

How was Paper Towns?

[Drishti]

Isabel, the schedule idea is cancelled. Actually, this book doesn't have chapters or any other format of sections to make an easy-to-follow schedule. So, the schedule would have to be prepared by using page numbers. There would have been heck lot of a confusion if we have different editions. So, we dropped the schedule idea.

[Allison]

Do you guys mind if I joined in on this buddy read?

[Drishti]

Not at all, Allison. Of course, you can join. :D

[Allison]

Great!! I'll be getting the book today so I have it when we start.

[Drishti]

I started reading and I'm on page-36 of my edition, which is nearly 13%. I feel like it is too soon to form an opinion about the characters, yet.

Reading people's last words is an unusual hobby. Miles is the first such person I've known. Do you guys have such unusual pastimes, too?

Miles is good at remembering people's last words and Chip has an awesome memory. Is there something that you guys are particularly good at?

[Allison]

I've only read up to page 21 so far because of school consuming my time so I have yet to really form an opinion on the book.

However, so far I almost feel as if this may be slightly cliche. Like for example, (view spoiler)[a outcast goes to a new school befriends a rebel of sorts and meets a girl that is more adventurous than he is. In the end the girl changes him and they end up together. (hide spoiler)] At the moment though I'm not really sure if I'd be bored with this happening or if I would want this to happen. So I can't wait to see what really happens in the book and is I was right at all.

Also to answer your questions:
1. No I usually am just on Netflix, reading books or am on here.
2. I like to believe that I am particularly good at basketball since I do enjoy playing the sport and I like to think I'm a good writer.

[Drishti]

However, so far I almost feel as if this may be slightly cliche. Like for example, [a outcast goes to a new school befriends a rebel of sorts and meets a girl that is more adventurous than he is. In the end the girl changes him and they end up together.
This is what I think, too. And, I'm not a big fan of clichés.

I like to believe that I am particularly good at basketball since I do enjoy playing the sport
That's great! Unfortunately, sports have never been my cup of tea.

[Drishti]

I'm on page-45 of my edition. And, there's this line --

After my last class of my first week at Culver Creek, I entered Room 43 to an unlikely sight: the diminutive and shirtless Colonel, hunched over an ironing board, attacking a pink button-down shirt. Sweat trickled down his forehead and chest as he ironed with great enthusiasm, his right arm pushing the iron across the length of the shirt with such vigour that his breathing nearly mirrored Mr. Hyde's.

I know this went a little bit lengthy. But, I couldn't stop myself. John Green has made ironing a shirt look like one hell of a task!

[Drishti]

Now, this was a priceless scene.

"Buy!"
"SELL!"
"Trade!"
"BARTER!"
"YOU'RE BIGGER, BUT WE ARE SMARTER"

Does anybody of you understand Alaska? She is all but predictable to me.

[Drishti]

I'm on page-204 of my edition.

I liked that game Alaska, Colonel, Pudge, Takumi and Lara played after the prank. I would like to know what was your best day? I won't ask the worst day as I think nobody wants to reminisce bad memories.

What?! (view spoiler)[ Alaska died!!!

I liked her mysteriousness and the way she didn't let anybody degrade a female in front of her. Her death really broke me! :-( (hide spoiler)]

It was so irresponsible on Pudge and Colonel's behalf. How could they (view spoiler)[ let Alaska go alone when she was drunk and so upset? Do they have any sense?! I won't ever forgive them for this. (hide spoiler)]

Pudge said these lines after (view spoiler)[ Alaska died (hide spoiler)]
That is the fear. I have lost something important, and I cannot find it, and I need it. It is fear like someone lost his glasses and went to the glasses store and they told him that the world had run out of glasses and he would have to do without.
Ummm.... What? (view spoiler)[ Do you really compare the loss of a dear friend to the loss of glasses? (hide spoiler)]

I don't like Pudge. There is mainly one reason. (view spoiler)[ I don't get why he doesn't want to know how Alaska died. I didn't like how he talked to the Colonel about it. He was very rude. If a friend of mine died, I would definitely want to know the reason. (hide spoiler)]

[Drishti]

I'm on page-252 of my edition.

When I read this, I realized how much Pudge has grown up as a character till now -
"And maybe that was what the only answer we'd ever have. She fell apart because that's what happens. The Colonel seemed resigned to that, but if the Investigation had once been his idea, it was now the thing that held me together, and I still hoped for enlightenment."

So, Alaska actually (view spoiler)[ committed suicide. I don't know what to say about this. One moment, I think it's a miracle that she hadn't done this earlier and the next moment, I think come on, there's always hope. What do you guys think about this? (hide spoiler)]

And, that prank....... I have only one word to say -- INGENIOUS!

[Drishti]

I had finished this book Sunday night. But, I was really busy, so I wasn't able to post.

My rating : 4 stars

Initially, I didn't like Pudge much. But, seeing his character development, I liked him towards the end. A lot, actually. The Colonel, I think, has become one of my favourite characters. I liked him even more than Alaska. (SURPRISE!) And, Takumi's revelation at the end was surprising. I was happy that (view spoiler)[ Pudge and Lara made up to each other. (hide spoiler)]

IDK why but (view spoiler)[ Alaska's death didn't hurt me really bad. (hide spoiler)] That's what made me take back one star.

Overall, I liked this book. Glad that I read it!

[Sarah Elizabeth]

*********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆

Date Changed. Restarting February 2nd 2018. Happy Reading ☺

★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆
*****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

[Maddie]

Alright time to jump into this one later today!

[Maddie]

9% (view spoiler)[This seems to be going okay. I'm not a huge fan of Green's books, but this has been on my TBR for way too long so made the decision to finally read it.

I like Miles so far. Seems like a cool guy. I can't wait to see his friendship with Chip develop. Just hating the insta-lust with Alaska. (hide spoiler)]

[Maddie]

22% (view spoiler)[This book's entertaining. I'm a fan of Alaska XD Not a fan of the 'not-ratting rule' though. I would always be down for telling on the bullies, if we had them like that here.

Also I hate the Colonel's relationship. (hide spoiler)]

[Maddie]

36% (view spoiler)[Them being caught was so good. I'm super pleased Miles and Takumi didn't get punished too!

And Alaska's the rat? I really hate her unpredictability. But I do like the way she isn't really flirting with Miles, and she does seem to love Jake.

I love the Colonel XD 'I just did some calculations and I've been able to determine that you're full of shit' XD (hide spoiler)]

[Maddie]

43% (view spoiler)[I really like this character development. Man watching that porn must have been awkward!

I am officially a Dolores fan :D (Am I the only one who reads character's dialogue in an accent if we've been given an accent? And if I don't know the accent I search it up? XD) (hide spoiler)]

[Maddie]

Enjoying this so far :) Although I will be pleased to finish so I can then move onto Cruel Prince :)

[Maddie]

54% (view spoiler)[Oh wow that pre-prank was amazing! What's the actual prank going to be??

This is an intense drinking game.. Pleased he's getting along with Lara. (hide spoiler)]

[Maddie]

Alright going to just lie on the couch and finish this off because if I don't finish now who knows when I will.

[Maddie]

Alright finished! Review: That was definitely an intense book! And although it might be terribly horrible of me to say, I am kind of pleased (view spoiler)[she was actually dead like everyone thought, and not just hiding in the jungle waiting for the happy ending. (hide spoiler)] I had no idea what was coming, and at the end when I finally got around to reading the synopsis, am actually appreciative of it. For once, the back provides no spoilers.
I am pleased for the lack of (view spoiler)[romance (hide spoiler)] in the book. I definitely didn't expect that. In that respect, the synopsis was misleading.
The description of their experiences at high school, their activities, their classes and teachers and relationships, were fleshed out really well. I really like the character development, and how we got to know a lot of the characters, rather than just Miles.
The ending reminded me rather a lot of (view spoiler)[13 Reasons Why, (hide spoiler)] with (view spoiler)[Hannah killing herself and everyone blaming themselves, (hide spoiler)] and Alaska annoyed me just the way (view spoiler)[Hannah did, even though Alaska did it while she was alive while Hannah did it through the tapes. (hide spoiler)] The same way of overreacting, although Alaska had reason to.
And while I did think this book was average, I am pleased that I read it. Enjoyed it more than I thought I would.

[Dannii]

Just about to begin this. I adore John Green so I am excited!

[Maddie]

Sweet

[Avid]

This story gives a great insight on teen life and suicides. I'm glad I read it...

[Dannii]

1/4: (view spoiler)[I know some despise John Green for his 'unrealistic teens' but I adore how all his characters each have their own unique passions. It makes me want to befriend everyone he has ever created. Also boarding school settings are some of my favourites to read about so this is shaping up to be a great read! (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

2/4: (view spoiler)[I am still loving this. Alaska is not the most immediately likeable character but, weirdly, that is exactly what makes her... well, likeable. I want to know her more and am just as intrigued with her character as Miles is. I also adore how enamoured with the beauty of words she is. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

3/4: (view spoiler)[Every scene was infused with a tension from the daily countdown that were used instead of chapters but I had no idea what the 'after' would refer to. This didn't make the bawl like other of Green's books but was definitely unprecedented and filled me with sorrow. Miles begging for Alaska to be in their assembly was horrific! (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Maddison wrote: "54% Oh wow that pre-prank was amazing! What's the actual prank going to be??

This is an intense drinking game.. Pleased he's getting along with Lara."

I know, right! They killed that prank!

[Dannii]

4/4: (view spoiler)[The Alaska Young memorial prank!? I am tearing up! This was probably my least favourite Green book but it was still phenomenal. It made me think and it was unafraid of dwelling in the darkness. Also, it had the beautiful quotability that Green has become renowned for. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Maddison wrote: "Alright finished! Review: That was definitely an intense book! And although it might be terribly horrible of me to say, I am kind of pleased [spoilers removed] I had no idea what was coming, and at..."

I agreed with every part of this!

[Maddie]

XD thanks dannii. I like it when people read my review and agree haha

[Jennifer]

21% - I really want to know what we are counting down to!

Miles: he seems like a sweet kid that just wants to fit in with someone, anyone.

Colonel: I like him! Sure, he seems like he has a chip on his shoulder (pun intended), but he also seems like the kind of guy that will be a true friend when push comes to shove - just not before then.

Alaska: I'm still waiting to hear how she is messed up. She seems pretty normal so far.

I like the writing too.

[[deleted user]]

I will join this as soon as I get my copy.

[Jennifer]

51% - Yey, only 2 more days till ??

(view spoiler)[ Alright, I don't know what everyone else is whining about, Alaska doesn't seem strange to me at all. Is it because I remember being moody at that age? I don't know. She seems pretty typical to me. I know we are supposed to be thinking that she has some kind of bad home life, but it could just be that she wants her independence.

I laughed so hard when Pudge got bit in the ass by the swan! (hide spoiler)]

[Jennifer]

83% - (view spoiler)[ Wow, I can't believe Alaska is dead. I kind of thought it might still be a prank until we got to over a couple of weeks from the date.

I am really impressed so far about the writing of this topic. I've read a few books that deal with death of young people and even suicide that didn't do as good of a job of capturing the guilt of the people left behind, or of the need to understand "why". This is my first John Greene book and so far I'm impressed. (hide spoiler)]

Finished - (view spoiler)[ OMG, I was laughing so hard at the Romanian girl yelling "take off your clothes". That prank was pretty good; I bet Alaska would have loved it.

I really enjoyed this book. I can see it becoming a classic. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah Elizabeth]

*************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥

Date Changed. Restarting June 8th 2018. Happy Reading ☺

♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

[Ashleigh]

19% - Up to One Hundred Nine Days Before

(view spoiler)[Not entirely enjoying it so far. It feels a little.. juvenile compared to John Green's other works, but at least the teenagers aren't all philosophical and 'deep'.

Also, question: am I supposed to be shipping Miles and Alaska? Clue is in the title that romance may happen at some point, but Alaska isn't coming across as very likeable at the moment. Maybe she's supposed to come across that way, and maybe she'll shit on Miles, and we'll hate her, but for some reason, he likes her right now? Do 16-year old boys only like girls if they're pretty and for no other reason? Hmm.. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashleigh]

30% - Up to Seventy-Six Days Before

(view spoiler)[Urghhh. Why is Alaska grating on me so much? She's very condescending, and not a great person. 'Sweetie'?? Urgh.

Really considering DNF'ing it, but I need to continue :( (hide spoiler)]