Looking for Alaska (Entry 4)

When searching through the list of books to choose from, I was looking for the one that I could most relate to. When I'm reading a book that I can relate to it makes it more enjoyable for me and easier to read, and I also discover themes more. After looking through all the options, I decided that Looking for Alaska would be the best choice for me. I'm the same age as them, I'm going through the same things as them, and I mostly think the same way they do. So when they make a decision in the book, I can relate and understand why they made that decision. I also chose this book because it seemed to have action, mystery, and humor thrown in. On top of that, I have heard from many people that John Green is a good writer, and they were right. I was not disappointed with the book at all. I could relate to Pudge a lot throughout the book, especially when it came to him and Alaska. This made me pay really close attention to the book, and instead of wanting to put it down. I wanted to keep reading. I would recommend this book to any teenager. Even though we are all different, we still have the same thoughts and can relate to each other. I feel this is a book most teenagers can relate to. In fact, my sister recommended this book to me because she felt I could relate to it, just as she had. If you're looking for a  good book that has action, humor, and a twist, this is the one.

Looking for Alaska (Entry 3)

   Thanksgiving had just passed and classes were starting up again as Alaska mentioned to Pudge her idea of a new prank. Pudge asked to know what the prank was but she said she had to discuss it more with the Colonel. This annoyed Pudge because instead of going home for Thanksgiving, he stayed so Alaska would not be alone, but it seems that she still enjoys the comfort of the Colonel. The Colonel wouldn't tell Pudge a word about the prank, except that it was to be called Barn Night, and that when he packed, he should pack for two days. The next three days were torture for Pudge, as the Colonel and Alaska were always together and he was never invited. So to pass the time, Pudge finished his religion paper that he had been procrastinating on for so long.

   It was finally Friday, the start of the prank. After Pudge's successful precalc exam, he packed preparing for two days and then headed off to get Takumi. The Colonel, Pudge, and Takumi all walked up to the Eagle's house together getting ready to lie straight to his face. "I'm taking Miles and Takumi home for the weekend to New hope," the Colonel told him. The Eagle gave them an unsure look and then said that he was going to call his mom just to make sure. Takumi & Pudge's eyes both bulged from their heads as sweat treaded down their face, while the Colonel didn't flinch. "Chip and Miles and Takumi will be at your house this weekend?... Yes, ma'am....Ha!...Okay. Bye now." The Colonel's mom had saved them from what could've been a disaster.

   The three of them walked off to the barn with full smiles on their face. Alaska was already there and ready when they showed up, while Lara would be an hour late. Everybody was sitting on sleeping bags and enjoying the warmth of the barn, when the Colonel pulled out a single piece of paper and read from it. "The point of this evening's festivities is to prove once and for all that we are to pranking what the Weekday Warriors are to sucking. But we'll also have the opportunity to make life unpleasant for the Eagle, which is always a welcome pleasure. And so," he said, pausing as if for a drumroll," we fight tonight a battle of three fronts..." I will not go on to tell you what happens during the prank and what exactly they do, as that is for you to find out. All I will say is that the prank involves firecrackers, the school's computer network, and no room for error. The reason I chose to tell you this section is because it is one of the biggest things that happen in the book, and the prank has a big affect. Also it is one of the most enjoyable parts to read because it contains the most action and also humor. I guarantee if you read this book, this section will be one of your favorites.

Looking for Alaska (Entry 2)

The characters in the book have started to come out and display who they are and what they want as I’ve read more and more. Pudge is not as quiet and shy as he used to be and has actually made quite a few friends while still maintaining good grades. The Colonel has convinced Pudge to try smoking and it doesn’t take him long to get hooked. On top of that, Alaska got him to try his first drink of alcohol, which he wasn’t very fond of. He still has not made much progress on getting what he wants: Alaska. Every time he gets close to kissing her she says,” You’re adorable, but I love my boyfriend.” She has been loyal to her boyfriend throughout the whole book so far, but her personality tells me that won’t stay for long. Besides Alaska, Pudge wants to keep getting good grades while having fun with his friends. The Colonel & Alaska both seem to desire the same things. They care about having fun with their friends and pulling the best pranks they can. It seems that getting an education isn’t the first thing on their priority list. The Eagle wants all the kids to follow the rules and do their best to excel in school. He wants them to have fun too, just as long as they don’t cross any lines.

 One theme that’s beginning to appear in the story is Self Discovery. I’ve mostly seen this theme in Pudge so far. When he first came to Culver Creek he was shy, lonely and unsocial. But because of The Colonel & Alaska, Pudge has begun to discover his true self. Another theme that has appeared is Independence. A lot of new independence is given to Pudge, which helps support the other theme because it helps him to discover who he is and what he really enjoys doing. He’s started off fresh, away from his family & old school. I predict that Death will be another theme to appear in this book because Alaska and Pudge talk a lot about her mom’s death and they both think about what will happen when they die. Also, Pudge studies a lot of people’s last words, and I feel like that will be involved with something later in the book. 

After reading quite a bit of this book I’ve noticed that it’s structured in a creative way. Instead of chapters, the book is in a countdown. For example, the book starts off saying,” one hundred thirty-six days before.” And as you keep reading, the days slowly decrease. I think it’s very creative because this structure helps events form in the story and it also foreshadows that something is going to happen when the countdown reaches zero. While looking around and reading things about this book on the web I came across a video by John Green, the author of Looking for Alaska. In this video he talks about the Printz award and also how he wrote the book. Here is the link to the video:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0pz5g5FP0g