Customer Comments

Happenstance, I picked-up the teen novel, Looking for Alaska. Much to my surprise, I was totally taken in by the story. The plot is smart and believable; I cried as the drama unfolded. Each of the characters have unique strengths and relatable flaws that made them as loveable as my daughter's friends. The ending left me curious about other books written by John Green. I recommend this book for anyone interested in exploring the question: How do we get out of the labyrinth of suffering?

What a lousy, poorly written read. I was irritated and disgusted through the entire book. Whether or not this is the intent, the story comes off as misogynistic and homophobic, discouraging the outing of bullies and rapists. The main character is poorly written and unlikable -- self-loathing and desperate as a child, shallow as an adult. Resolution of the conflict is passive-aggressive, cowardly, and unsatisfying. Constant name-dropping of designers and the horrible weight-loss tips are worthy of a gag-fest. Most horrifying is the inapt way the author portrays Planned Parenthood as a place that would not counsel a girl that was raped. For shame!! I'm glad it only took me a day to get through it. Skip this book --- and consider yourself lucky. .