Looking for Alaska - John Green

Synopsis: Alaska Young. Gorgeous, clever, funny, sexy, screwed up and utterly fascinating. Miles Halter could not be more in love with her. But when tragedy strikes, Miles discovers the value and the pain of living and loving unconditionally.

Looking for Alaska by John Green follows the life of Miles Halter who leaves his family and old life behind as he embarks on a new one at Culver Creek Prepatory High School in Alabama. At Culver Creek Miles discovers true friendship, something he's never experienced before, with his roommate, Chip 'The Colonel' Martin, and the mysterious but gorgeous Alaska Young. The three continually grow as friends, particularly Alaska and Miles, as they make their way through Junior Year, experiencing typical teenage drama, pranks, hurt, love and loss along the way.

There's only one word to describe John Green's writing style: beautiful. I don't know how he does it but Green has a way of making you fall so in love and become so engrossed by a character that they feel so real to you, it's almost as if the characters he creates are people you know from down the street or your friends at school. It doesn't feel like you're reading a book, which might I add is an awe-inspiring piece of fiction, it feels as if you're reliving endless precious memories and that's something I've only ever experienced with Green.

The story of Miles 'Pudge' Halter, Chip 'The Colonel' Martin and Alaska Young is so thought provoking and enticing to read. I love how Green built a friendship that portrayed a real sense of realism. There isn't an instant friendship between the three from the get go and there are arguments here and there and not knowing everything there is to know about each other, despite being so close, it's how a true friendship is. It was also refreshing to read a novel that portrayed some of the struggles teenagers face on a daily basis, contrary to many adult's belief that "we have it easy".

I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Pudge and Colonel because it was just so enjoyable and mirthful to read. One minute they'd be the best of friends and then the next they'd be pissing each other off over the most ridiculous things and that's just what best friends do, and it's a shame that there aren't many novels that have a strong 'bromance' relationship.

Although the book becomes heartbreaking to read it also remains lighthearted and relaxed. When tragedy strikes the key characters really come together to deal with their pain and pay tribute to their loss in the most hilarious and respectful manner possible. It became nostalgic to read because it made me think of the things I've gotten up to with my friends in the past, allowing me to connect further with the story.

Ultimately, this novel is a heartbreaking yet hilariously funny read that captivates you from the word go and takes you on a journey of true friendship, highlighting the best and worst of your own teenage years.

I give John Green and Looking for Alaska ★★★★★