Looking for Alaska
Miles Halter is fascinated by famous last words–and tired of his safe life at home. He leaves for boarding school to seek what the dying poet Francois Rabelais called the “Great Perhaps.” Much awaits Miles at Culver Creek, including Alaska Young. Clever, funny, screwed-up, and dead sexy, Alaska will pull Miles into her labyrinth and catapult him into the Great Perhaps.
Green was awarded the 2006 Michael L. Printz Award for Looking for Alaska. It is taught in many high school and college curricula and has been published in more than fifteen languages.
If you’ve read the book and are completely prepared for spoilers, visit the Looking for Alaska Questions page for much, much more information on the book.
Awards
Winner, 2006 Michael L. Printz Award
Finalist, 2005 Los Angeles Times Book Prize
2006 Top 10 Best Book for Young Adults
2006 Teens’ Top 10 Award
2006 Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
A New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age
A Booklist Editor’s Choice Pick
Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers Selection
Borders Original Voices Selection
Reviews (SPOILER ALERT!)
“Green…has a writer’s voice, so self-assured and honest that one is startled to learn that this novel is his first. The anticipated favorable comparisons to Holden Caufield are richly deserved in this highly recommended addition to young adult literature.”
-VOYA
“Like Phineas in John Knowles’ “A Separate Peace,” Green draws Alaska so lovingly, in self-loathing darkness as well as energetic light, that readers mourn her loss along with her friends.”
-School Library Journal, Starred Review
“The spirit of Holden Caulfield lives on.”
-KLIATT
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I just want to put it out there that Tyler Durden’s last words were, “What’s that smell?”
But Tyler didn’t die, exactly. Right? Or did I get it all wrong? o_o
I loved looking for Alaska, John has made me want to write for a living, and i can only hope that anything that comes out of this brain is half as good a what he wrote. If so, it will be amazing! John Green is one of the most amazing authors ever (right up with ms. Rowling!)
Made me want to read for a living. =P
You are so right! :)
John Green, you are my favorite Auther, as of now. This book started my John Green book addiction. PLEASE! PLEASE! Write another book I cant handle it anymore, I need to read another great novel by you.
(p.s pardon my Grammer and spelling, I don’t have my trust worthy buddy, spell check)
The Fault In Our Stars. It comes out soon. Don’t you watch the Vlogbrothers on Youtube with John and his brother being awesome?
I would like to say thank you. Thank you for writing such beautiful books. You are a brilliant author. Your novels have touched me in a way that few books have. I read constantly; I eat up pages and words like candy. However, I have never read novels so quickly and so many times. I’m not saying your novels are easy to read; they’re simply so wonderful that you have to finish them quickly, or your mind will implode. Looking for Alaska has especially touched my heart. I picked it up in a used book store, and first read it in August 2010 when I moved to Japan from Florida (my mom is a Naval officer, and I move every three years). I was feeling really depressed and completely awful, and your novel made me feel better, even though I cried my eyes out numerous times while reading it. Anyway, it helped me through this difficult move because it showed me that life goes on, even if other parts of your life end. I’m not sure that I would’ve been as strong during my innitial transition into Japan if I hadn’t have read your book. Since first reading Looking for Alaska, I have read your novel more than ten times. Paper Towns, An Abundance of Katherines, and Will Grayson, Will Grayson have also really impacted me, though not as much as Looking for Alaska. LFA has taught me a valuable life lesson that I will certainly keep in mind for the remainder of my life. In all honesty, that book probably even saved my life. So, thank you so much, Mr. Green, for writing these beautiful, wonderful novels. You have even inspired me to try my own hand at writing. I look forward to reading anything else you write. Thank you so very, very much.
I have to say that I agree with you. I have definitely never read a book so fast. I too ate up the pages. I was at page 47. Then, I read one night to page 85 then the next day I read the rest all the way to page 221. Most amazing book ever. Thank you so much. I really hope it gets made into a movie. It would also make a great movie.
Haha… I read it in one sitting. I was gonna split it up, but then that thing happened… you know the twist… and i was like well CRAP… now I gotta finish it…
Hi everyone, I am a hardcore nerdfighter who spends most of her time reading and watching youtube. I just wanted to leave a comment saying that while John’s books are hard to get through a points (not through bad writing, on the contrary! It’s because of how deep his messages are) they are worth the energy and time that it takes to fully absorb all his themes and ideas. This book is one that will forever return in my memories, and I can not thank John enough for that. DFTBA
This book was truly beautiful. It brought tears to my eyes and after finishing it, left me thinking. This is, by far, the best book I have ever read. And I have read a copious amount of novels. It was inspiring and wonderfully written. This book will be one that I take with me on every trip and will always want to read again. I am about to purchase my next book written by you. Thank you so much for such a perfect book.
i would just like to say thank you. this book has made me love to read. i would like to strongly and forcefully suggest you write another novel and not ever stop. i read all your book and i love them. i want more. <3
I found this book on my teachers shelf when I was bored. I picked it up because I thought it was about a girl being kidnapped, hence, the looking in Looking for Alaska. I soon found out it wasent, but continued reading. It is the most amazing book I have ever read (and I’ve read alot of books! :) When I was done I read it about four more times and my friends thought I was crazy, but they haven’t read it have they? You are an amazing author and I hope to read more of your books, i love your style of writing and how you include poetry, wise insight, and of course Last words! All of my friends always say, “she knows everyones last words!” because I got interested in them after reading LFA. I truly thank you for writing this book.
“Is the labyrinth living or dying- whick is he trying to escape, the world or the end of it?”
“Love your crooked neighbor with your crooked heart.”
“”Imagining the future is a kind of nostalgia. (…) You spend your whole life stuck in the labyrinth, thinking about how you’ll escape it one day, and how awesome it will be, and imagining that future keeps you going, but you never do it. You just use the future to escape the present.”
:)
I’ve read a LOT of books in my brief life, and “Looking for Alaska” is by far the best book I have ever read.
Never before have I been so gripped by a piece of literature. John Green, you are a genius in your work, I cannot get over how good this book was.
I love the fact that you never actually described Alaska, and Pudge – and that the reader can insert their own images of a truly stunning girl into the story.
I also loved the part where you did not actually let us know whether Alaska kissed Miles out of just being drunk, or because she actually loved him. I love endings like this, readers can discuss it and debate on it.
Mr. John Green, you are truly an inspiration. Keep on writing!
This book changed my life. I can’t explain how thankful I am for this book. I’ve read it so many times. It never gets old. Really. Thank you, John Green!
Hi John, it feels kinda weird to address you by your first name but i think I’ve earned it seeing as how I’ve stuck with the vlogbrothers since 2007 :) but i just wanted to tell you that this book along with paper towns and the catcher in the rye has changed my life and the way i perceive people, i also think some of the themes of paper towns are present in looking for Alaska e.g imagining people complexly.
well that’s all, please come to England again!!! i went to the official release of paper towns in the UK when you were with Alex day and the guys and you left me wanting more!
i just read looking for alaska last night i stayed up all night reading for i couldnt put the book down. this book made me cry laugh relate and feel the characters pain. at parts (most parts) i felt like i was in the book watching this all happen before my eyes as if i was alaska or miles! i very highly recommed this book to every teen out there no matter what your taste in books in. Looking for Alaska made me realize i should spend every minute with someone like it was there last cause in everyway it could be! this was my first of John Greens book but surley will NOT be my last!!! i have fallen in love with this book and the way John Green writes to make you feel the way you are when reading this book! hopefully you now go out and read Looking for Alaska and then you will realize that you know excatly what im talking about!
this book Looking for Alaska is by far the best book i have ever read. it really Changed my life. thanks John Green i am going to begin reading your other book and hopefully they are the same!
Definitely a tie between this book and Paper Towns for my personal favorite book and in my opinion best John Green book.
But there just really is something about the original.
John, I would like to declare to you that you are officially my idle. I think i may be on the verge of falling in love with you in a non creepy way especially seing as im only 15 and ur more than twice my age im assuming. This book has so many meanings and potential for the reader to think about the message of the novel long after putting it down (which FYI was incredibly hard to do when i was reading it. I would get extremly annoyed at my dad when he told me i had to turn my light off at 1:30 in the morning.)
The deeply intense messages that you have so skillfully woven into this book left me crying and wondering about the many questions that Dr. Hyde asks his students, finding myself on a journey to think of good last words to say perhaps on my death bed.
I envy everyone who gets to study this in english which is better by a mile ( not pun intended) than the book i am currently reading (i read the first 5 chapters then read and didnt make any sense of the next 11 which probably hinders the chance of getting at least a C on the essay i am painfully writing, sentnce by sentence.) I would find it much easier to write a 1500 word essay on this.
You are truly an insipiration to me and i think its safe to say, all other nerdfighters all over the world. I cannot speak more highly of this book than your uncanny ability to find and remember trivia. I truly hope that in the future i may write books half as well as you do.
*idol (sorry, I’m a bit of a grammar nazi…)
what book is it? if it’s Scarlet Letter, I sympathize. we just finished it in our English class, and it was the worst book I’ve ever read (somehow including Great Expectations.)
Thank you for such a beautifully written book – Miles’ unfaltering belief in the power of people’s last words kept me turning page after page. His ability to recall them at the right moment and to carry the weight of their meaning up until the very last word of Looking for Alaska is truly astounding.
I don’t know how i can come to thank you enough. You have got me thinking about the history behind the labyrinth and its every piece of mysterious things it beholds. I’ve begun to research about it after reading your book -Looking for Alaska-. the novel was so influential and it sucked me into another world of true atrocious, hilarious and bewildering characters that i was behind on week of school work. I love analyzing and interpreting articles, books and things of great interest to me and you’re novel has just got my mind working again. Ive been writing a chapter book for young adult readers (fantasy-fiction, romance, supernatural and all that) since i was twelve , with a dream to become the youngest writer…….I’m 14 now and Ive been laid back on this story ; looking for a variety of motives after tiring out all my other ones. You’re book has got me started again and that’s another thing I wish to thank you about, without you i don’t think i’d have ever gotten to writing half my book now. Thank you, once again.
After reading Looking for Alaska for the first time I could help but post how much I loved that book. Plain and simple, my favorite book ive stumbled upon!
Hi,
I also read your novel “Looking for Alaska” (what a surprise ;)) which is called in German “Eine wie Alaska”. For being honest at first I didn’t wanted to read on but after some pages I was quite excited how all this would end up. And it was interesting – the whole time! When Alaska died I even cried a bit…
By the way, I think Alaska did suicide. But, dear Mr. Green, don’t misunderstand me please, I like the way you write very much; but I don’t think that it fits to Alaska that she would kill herself “only” because she forgot her mother’s birthday. She was a confused, special girl, but in my eyes she seemed although she felt guilty for her mum’s death strong and grown-up – of course in a special way. But you wrote it and I like that the reader can choose what really happened.
Sorry for my English, I’m from Germany.
Bye, Thess
I just recently read this book and found it amazing. I would deffinately recommend this novel for teenagers and/or older. This is a must read book, and I would surely read it again.
As it says above, I definitely did mourn the loss of Alaska along with her friends. (I didn’t cry if your wandering.) Also, it seemed that I got over the mourning at the same speed Pudge did. It was like I was living the story through the eyes of Miles as if I was actually there. I hope to meet a dead sexy girl that is as wild and amazing as Alaska was. John Green did an excellent job on this book and it is by far the best book I have ever read.
I hope for John Green to reply to my posts. Thanks
P.S. I chose to believe that she died partially because of intoxication. I think that she thought she could get past the car but couldn’t. It doesn’t seem to fit her that she committed suicide as somebody previously stated.
I had this page bookmarked a while within the past but my PC crashed. I have since gotten a new 1 and it took me a while to come across this! I also in fact like the design although.
Hi just wanted to say that I LOVE Looking For Alaska! I picked it when I was on holiday and it was read within a day. When I first picked it up I wasn’t sure but I took a chance with this book and I am glad I did. I cried so hard at the end and have reconmended it to my friends and even my mum! It is such a powerful book, it is beautifully written showing the raw side of teenage life. I simply adore it and it is definately, by far, my favourite book of the year.
Thank you for this book. I’m changed.
Alaska!
Mein absolutes Lieblingsbuch!!! So wunderschön.
Ich habe es unendlich oft gelesen, englisch und deutsch.
Great book!!!! It’s the best I’ve ever read.
Nothing in the world comes close to it.
I got addicted to John Green literature with his story Zombicorns. Though the plot was unlikely and just outright strange, it made me think. It wasn’t just another movie in text form like many of the other young adult books I’ve read. Like looking for Alaska, it brought to light many subjects that many subjects that many authors are not willing to write about. It questioned why we value human life, what it takes for us to be happy, why we become sentimental, what we see as attractive, and what drives us to live, die, and kill. I think I used most of my characters in my little tirade up there, so I’ll end with the only piece of relevant content in this comment: what were the books from Francois Rabelais that Frank (and Pudge) read? I need to know what makes this man so awesome that Frank wrote about him and I’m curious as to what he means by a Great Perhaps. Thanks for reading this far. Sorry for the rambling. Don’t forget to be awesome.
Just read Looking for Alaska. I have been watching since brotherhood 2.0 and I’ve never read one of you books. Well I made a great choice. I love the book and it reminds me of life when I was in high school. It was the first book to make me cry. (I watch a lot of football so I don’t cry.) I am a secret Nerdfighter. I am about to start Paper Towns. I hope it is just as good.
Head Desk! I said “you books”. Extra Head Desk!
This is easily one of the best books ive ever read and I’ve read a number of books. Also I’m one ofthe biggest Harry Potter fans you’re likely ever to come across and in the four times I read the series, never did I read one nearly as fast as Looking For Alaska. I literally read it in less than 24 hours because I just lost track of time reading it and couldn’t put it down. Every minute I wasn’t reading it during those 24 hours, I’d wish I had been. You should be very proud of yourself, this book is absolutely magnificent.
I read, i cried, i laughed, i loved, i read again, i cried again, i laughed again, i loved again.
And i wish i could say it all again but stupid me wanted to enrich my friend’s life with Alaska&Pudge&theColonel, so lend it to her and i miss and i miss and i miss Alaska&Pudge&theColonel.
everything i know about myself, i learnt from this book. i’m currently reading it for the seventh time. so many of my friends have asked to borrow my copy, but i refuse. i’d love for them to read this book, but not my copy, it’s one of my most cherished belongings. my copy of this book has been to Paris with me, and to college every day. i take it in every day. i’m even considering getting the flower tattooed onto my wrist as a constant every day reminder of what this book has taught me. when i’m at home, or on the train, or in the car, or just having a bad day, all i have to do is pick up this book, and i’m instantly back at Culver Creek with them again. i don’t care if my friends find it weird that i’m so fascinated by fictional characters. to me, they are my very own escape from the labyrinth of suffering. Thank you Alaska Young, Thank you Miles Halter, Thank you Chip Martin and Takumi, and even Lara for some of it. but above all else, Thank you John Green, you helped me get over my self harm, for that you will forever be my muse.
One of the many lives John Green has touched with his marvelous works…continue to spread his legacy
I got to the part of Looking for Alaska when Alaska dies and I literally bawled my eyes out because I love Alaska and she reminds me of myself and ugh why do I get so attached to fictional characters? I have a feeling the Colonel’s right though, I think she killed herself, but I don’t want to believe it because sure, she got out of the labyrinth but NOW PUDGE AND THE COLONEL ARE SO MISERABLE and it’s just so sad, but it’s the kind of sad that’s beautiful and makes me happy to be human because the fact that a fictional story could cause this sort of emotional response is incredible.
“The spirit of Holden Caulfield lives on.”
-KLIATT
That is a GREAT review of the book, seriously.
ISN’T IT? My heart smiled at that review.
o__o
Finished it in 2 days. Fantastic book, the ending made me want to stab a tree and then cry. But it was still a good book.
OMG!! you have made me into a book reader:) i cant stop reading books now! i really enjoyed Paper Towns and Looking For Alaska..Looking For Alaska brought me to tears because you had made me feel connected with Alaska and her personality reminded me so much of one of my friends..i was so sad for about 3 days but i absolutely loved those books sooo much:) u really need to write more:) i have to read them:) thank you:)
This book is just amazing. I’ve read it three times and will probably read it many more times. Out of all of his books this is my favorite and it is also my favorite book out of all the books I’ve ever read.
i’ve been reading this for 4 hours straight. and its 4am. omg i cannot simply put this book down, it has made me bawl my eyes and and giggle like a lunatic!! just wow thankyou for this amazing book.
I don’t know where to start. Frankly, I’m not much of a bookworm. In fact, I don’t read books at all. It was just this summer when I got hold of one of your books and started reading it. Surpassing all my expectations, I finished the book in only 1 day!! I guarantee you that this is my most favorite book of all time. Okay, I know that doesn’t sound like much coming from me, someone who hasn’t read that many books, but you’ll just have to trust me on this one. I’ve tried reading other books, falling asleep halfway and ending up not finishing it. BUT THIS BOOK IS SO MUCH DIFFERENT! I never felt the slightest bit drowsy. In fact, I felt eager. I wanted to know what would happen next. You truly have a gift in writing. Take it from me…I know I’m just some normal teen who doesn’t care much for reading, but think of it this way.. If you were able to get ME interested in reading, then it’s more than enough proof of your profound writing abilities. I look forward to reading your future works. Thank you.
I tried convincing my teacher to let me read this book for an independent reading project, but sadly it wasn’t what he was looking for… but he did say maybe in the future! I love all your books, and I can’t wait for TFioS!
I love Looking for Alaska! It is my favorite book. I stumbled upon in the library like 4 or 5 years ago. I have my own copy now and have bunches of tabs in it for my favorite lines!
Since I have read it, I have read all the books by John Green that I’ve seen in the library and have loved each one.
Looking for Alaska has changed my perspective on things. Without it, I’d be a very different lady!
Thank you John Green!
“‘Do you think it would be fun?’
DO I?!?!?!?!??!”
I kind of died a little bit inside. This book, bro. This book.
Thank you for writing. This book has gotten me through so much in dealing with my depression and eating disorder. Alaska’s personality and spunk has really shown me how much I need to live life to the fullest and care about what I want more. I know sometimes her character is selfish and rude, but sometimes you have to act like that to get through life. I also want to let you know that I’m now naming my child Alaska because of this book. I know it’s weird to think that a child is named after a character in a book, but I hope my child sort of turns out how Alaska is. Paper Towns also helped with my depression and not wanting to live. I’m not sure how you do it, but you seem to be able to portray teenagers, or adults, feelings through these characters. Thank you for inspiring to keep going and also to pursue my own dreams of wanting to write one day. You’re an inspiration to many and you’ve probably saved thousands of lives. So thanks.
Dear John,
Firstly, I would like to say a huge thank you for being such an inspiration to me, and producing such wonderful work. I love all your books, and Looking for Alaska provided me with so many insights into the world and made me look at things in a different light. Your writing has opened my mind and given me a different perspective to life, and has educated me on so many things.
I am so very thankful that I happened to come across your videos; because I can truly say that you are one of the few people that have made a significant difference in my life. Thank you for doing what you do everyday. Thank you for caring about the world enough to strive for something better. Thank you for making me better and inspiring me to go out into the world and make a real difference.
I do hope you realise the sheer impact of what you do on so many peoples’ lives and continue writing for a long time yet. Your wisdom is far beyond your years and I think everyone can learn something new from your books.
Best Wishes from Australia,
Kate
John. I fell deeply in love with looking for Alaska. Deeply. No man has ever come close. I stumbled across it during my suspension form school last year (bad things happened that were very untrue). Alaska speaks to me. I understand her. You are my number one favorite author because you don’t write crap stories about stuff that isn’t even true-like speak when the girl was raped and it was like happily ever after in the end-because it’s not happily ever after in the end. Where’s my happily ever after?? I just love everything you write and Alaska is my favorite all time. I read it all the time constantly. thank you so much for writing. I was going through a time where I couldn’t voice everything I was feeling and then you wrote down my like biography without ever knowing me. I found all the emotions that I was overwhelmed with and I’m so happy. Thank you sooo much and I cannot wait for the fault in our stars. Love Gracie Alaska McKenna.
I really love this book, I just bought it and can’t put it down!
This is literally the best book I’ve ever read–it brings out a great message at the end, it’s heart-wrenching, it shows true loyalty and friendship, it’s terrific!! :)
I love John Green! I am an admitted nerdfighter, and I decided to read these books for myself. “Looking for Alaska” was the only book in which it have ever cried. I just related to the characters, they were so well developed, and I felt the emotions as the characters encountered them. I am in the middle of “An Abundance of Katherines” and I have high expectations, and no doubt that John Green will go above and beyond. I cant help but want to shout about these magnificent books to the world!
This book opened my eyes to the world! I absolutely adored it! I couldn’t put it down!
I literally cried for an hour straight. Not just cried, bawled. And my mom tried to remind me it was just a book, but I kept bawling and screaming “No, I loved Alaska!” My mom was actually quite concerned.
But I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you so much. This book was so thought provoking and wonderful. Looking for Alaska has touched me in ways I never thought possible.
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