Book+10+-+Looking+for+Alaska


 * Discussion Dates:** Friday 23rd August to Friday 6th November



**What would you give the book out of 10 and why?** Genevieve: Overall I found this book a bit boring. It was an easy read and well written, but I just didn't really get what was so amazing about Alaska. I thought the themes of the book were interesting such as teenage disconnection etc but I just didn't have much of an emotional connection to any of the characters and it certainly isn't a book that has stayed with me much. Maybe I am just told old for teen fiction ! 6/10

Mel: I am definitely too old for teen fiction if this is what wins awards. I gave this 50 pages and put it down. This is the first book club book I haven't finished. If I wasn't so snowed under with uni and starting back at work I probably would have kept going as it certainly was an easy read, but I just don't have time right now for something that doesn't grab me. As I read the first 50 pages I thought about the coming of age fiction that I have enjoyed as an adult - "The Secret History" by Donna Tarrot or "Jasper Jones" by Craig Silvey, and how Alaska just wasn't matching them in terms of substance and originality. I didn't find any of the characters particularly interesting or endearing, and Alaska herself was quite boring and predictable in her attempts to be unpredictable. Maybe I shouldn't be so harsh as perhaps from page 51 it all turned around and it was a gripping read, but judging by Gen's reaction - I think not! I am interested to learn what others thought of the book and if indeed I am missing something of major importance by not reading on.

Genevieve: I really enjoyed 'Jasper Jones' too and thought while I was reading 'Alaska' how much more interesting a book JJ was.

Michelle: I read this very fast and enjoyed it as a bit of light summer reading - but I'm having trouble remembering what it was about and whether I cared or not. I enjoyed Jasper Jones too (but honestly, I didn't think it was all that amazing, and cliche in parts)... I think I really might be too old for teenage books. 5.5/10

Sharyn: The book was easy to read and inoffensive, but I thought it was poorly written and so cliched. I couldn't help compare it to another piece of teenage fiction that I read earlier on this year, 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower', which had a similar storyline about the relationships between a group of disaffected high school misfits, but the writing in that book was much better and the storyline much more powerful and philosophical. I also loved Jasper Jones and, of course, Catcher in the Rye. [As an aside, every year on my son's birthday, I buy a book for him to read in years to come when he is a teenager in the hope that we can read it together and/or that it will help him navigate the difficult teenage years. He's had three birthdays and so far i have bought him Jasper Jones, Tom Sawyer and The Perks of Being a Wallflower.] I agree that Miles was not a particularly interesting character and I couldn't understand what was so alluring about Alaska. Mel, the only downside of not finishing the book was that you didn't find out why Alaska was so moody and apathetc, but I even found that aspect of the story a bit forced and unbelievable. In summary, I don't think I am too old for teenage fiction but this book didn't hit the spot for me. 5/10

Lucy: I agree with the above. I read it a while ago and found it pretty annoying and wasn't sure why it had won prizes and thought maybe it was just me and when I tried to read it again to remind myself for this discussion I don't think I even got as far as page 50.

Catherine: unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately having read these posts) I didn't read the book. I just ran out of time. Looks like I didnt miss too much though.

Mel: So why was she moody and apathetic? And why am I typing in green all of a sudden? PS Sharyn - I love your book buying idea for Marcus. Is it just too hopeful to think that he and Jack can read their coming of age books together and help each other with the tricky aspects of life's journey?

Lara: Its interesting to read your comments and know that I wasn't alone. It did engage me and I found it easy to read (even with two kids around, which might say something too), but having waited a few weeks since finishing to post comments, the book hasn't stayed with me very much. Alaska wasn't my kind of "alluring girl" and while last words as a concept is interesting, I'd like more to tie me to the narrator. I did enjoy some of the aspects of the Colonel and Takumi, but it wasn't enough to make me fall deeply into the novel. I had to keep reading to find out why Alaska did it though and I'm glad to have read one of John Green's books. 6/10.

Miles tells the story in his own first-person voice. How might the book differ if it had been told in Alaska’s voice or the Colonel’s? Or in the voice of an omniscient narrator? Michelle: Miles was an average kind of boring guy - the teenage everyman. Perhaps if the book had been told from a more interesting narrator it might have been more engaging and had more longevity. It's just all a bit standard: Average guy, whacky sidekick, beautiful & mysterious girl. I wouldn't be surprised if they make a movie out of it.
 * 2.**

Lucy: I think Miles was the best view point it could have been told from. If it had come from either Alaska or the Colonel it would have been far too self centred to make it interesting at all.

Lara: It has movie all over it. Megan Fox (or younger counterpart) as Alaska. The guy from Juno would have been Miles and Zac Efron as Colonel.

3.The Colonel says “Everybody’s got a talent.” Do you?

4.Miles’s teacher Dr. Hyde tells him to “be present.” What does this mean? Lara: I liked the Old Man more than most of the characters in the book. We can all use reminding to be in the moment -- especially in the days of smartphones. At least I can.

5. John Green worked for a time as a chaplain in a children’s hospital. How do you think that influenced the writing of Looking For Alaska Lucy: I am not sure that it did. I think most of the characters were a little unbelievable. Alaska seemed too contrived and the Colonel too flippant. Although he was trying to deal with some big issues I don't think he did it very well. I am not sure teenagers really talk like that??? Maybe we are all too old!

7. In the “Some last words on last words” section at the end of the book, Green writes, “I was born into Bolivar’s labyrinth, and so I must believe in the hope of Rabelais’ Great Perhaps.” What do you think he means by this?

8. Has this novel changed the way you regard human suffering? And death? Lucy: No.

Lara: No, but again - if it can connect with some teenagers and make them think a bit more about it, then that is at least a positive thing.

9. One of the characters, Dr. Hyde says, “Everything that comes together falls apart.” Do you think the author agrees? How does he deal with this Zen belief in his novel?

10. Alaska loves these two lines from the poet W. C. Auden: “You shall love your crooked neighbor / With your crooked heart.” What do these lines mean to you and why do you think Alaska likes them so much?

11. Miles writes, “Teenagers think they are invincible.” Do you agree? Why or why not? Lucy: I think we all feel we are slightly invincible and that bad things wont happen to us until the actually do. Lara: True - not original certainly, but still a key belief of teenagers in particular and really everyone up until you experience it yourself.

12. Was it necessary for Alaska to die? Lucy: That was what the whole book was leading to so yes.

13. This novel is filled with wonderful characters. Who is your favorite? Why? Do you know any people like these characters?

14. Can you imagine Miles and the Colonel as adults? What might they be like? What professions do you suppose they might choose?

Lara: Miles - screenwriter. Colonel - NYC fireman

Lara: I'm already into "The Woman Upstairs" - the anger pulls you in from the start!