So, Looking for Alaska was my first John Green book. This is what I thought of it:
- This book reminded me a lot of Catcher in the Rye, especially at the beginning. I really don't know why or what elements of the novel reminded me of that but I remember it did, way before I knew Green's favourite classic is indeed J.D.Salinger's most famous book. I guess, the influence is quite evident.
- I found Alaska annoying. She kepts complementing Miles for anything and then saying "too bad I love my boyfriend" and stuff like that. I mean, I question -quite frequently- whether she really loved her boyfriend. I did not appreciate that she played with Pudge's feelings. I know that is supposed to be her character and the way she is, all cool and stuff, but I do not know, I really did not like her much.
- By this time, I had already seen -several times- The Perks of Being a Wallflowe -but I hadn't had read the book- and I remember that I thought the movie also had some similarities -in tone- with Looking for Alaska. Nevertheless, now I have already read The Perks, and cannot found anything remotely similar now. But, I guess it was the feeling of the movie, I do not know.
- 50 pages in, I was really enjoying this book.
*SPOILER PART*
- Before I read this book, I haven't had being spoiled at all. So, I was trying to figure out all the lose items in the novel. For example, I was hardly suspecting that Alaska was the one that ratted Maryn and Paul. Turns out it was true.
- In the first chapters I have not decide if I liked Alaska or not. Because I liked a few features of her, but I abhorred another ones. For example, I liked that se seemed liberal, and feminist, and completely loved the portrayal of her room with all those books. But was not quite sure about her sex freedom positions -not pun intended-. I'll explain this. I think she was trying so hard to go against the patriarchy of society that she was actually contradicting her own principles. For example when she says that men should not treat women as objects, but then says she enjoys watching porn -which in general, portrays women as objects-. I realize, she then says that "as long as the woman enjoys it too", but how often those that happen in porn? Also, many times porn movies are made with trafficked women.
- Since I was not spoiled, I first thought "before" meant before they made out, then I thought before the prank.
- But when I arrived to that part, I really felt the sadness and my mouth was bitter. I really got invested with Miles, especially, and his pain was almost tangible.
- Something I would like to highlight is the way I found surprising how well Green changes the mood. From "poor Alaska" to "that bitch". But I guess that is how it is when something that hard happens to everyone. You are sorry and sad and then your think how selfish of them to leave you like this. I think that was really accurate human behaviour.
- I remember I thought -before I knew really, of course- that was Alaska lost their way in life?
- I do not if this was intended but I think that if it is, then it is really symbolic how Chip was pennamed "Colonel" and Alaska's fav book was "The General in the Labyrinth". Colonel in Labyrinth.
- I found really good that the book starts 136 days before and ends 136 after. Changing everything, but closing cycles, as well.
I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars. Even when it was not what I was expecting, I still like it very much. I recommend this book.
