|  | Massacre Island | |  | | Massacre Island | | Twelve-year-old Nicolas de La Salle and his family sailed to La Louisiane (French Louisiana) with Governor Iberville to start a French settlement on the Gulf coast. Nicolas's father was with the explorer, Robert Cavelier de La Salle, when he reached ... | | | $17.95 | |  |
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| | | Easy Reader (ages 4-8) | Home » » » Looking For Alaska (Printz Award Winner) | | | | | | | Description: | | Miles "Pudge" Halter is abandoning his safe-okay, boring-life. Fascinated by the last words of famous people, Pudge leaves for boarding school to seek what a dying Rabelais called the "Great Perhaps." Pudge becomes encircled by friends whose lives are everything but safe and boring. Their nucleus is razor-sharp, sexy, and self-destructive Alaska, who has perfected the arts of pranking and evading school rules. Pudge falls impossibly in love. When tragedy strikes the close-knit group, it is only in coming face-to-face with death that Pudge discovers the value of living and loving unconditionally. | | | Features: | |
• ISBN13: 9780525475064
• Condition: New
• Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
| | | Product Details: | | | Author:
| John Green | | Hardcover:
| 160 pages | | Publisher:
| Dutton Juvenile | | Publication Date:
| March 03, 2005 | | Language:
| English | | ISBN:
| 0525475060 | | Product Length:
| 8.7 inches | | Product Width:
| 5.68 inches | | Product Height:
| 0.89 inches | | Product Weight:
| 0.88 pounds | | Package Length:
| 8.4 inches | | Package Width:
| 5.8 inches | | Package Height:
| 1.0 inches | | Package Weight:
| 0.7 pounds | | Average Customer Rating:
|  based on 145 reviews |
| | | | Customer Reviews: | |
Average Customer Review:
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 John Green's MasterpieceJul 18, 2010
I received this book in the mail, began reading, and in the blink of an eye, I was 150 pages in. Needless to say, that night, the book was finished. I have to be honest. I am not easily impressed by books. That's sort of why I tend to stay away from new releases and settle with old classics that I know are amazing. However, I heard from a close friend who approaches reading as I do that this book was one of her favorites. Bored during the summer and armed with a gift card, and I decided to give it a try. I cannot begin to tell you how utterly happy and lucky I feel to have decided to read this book.
I've been aware of John Green's existence now for a while, however not on the level of his novels. I've been subscribed to he and his bother's channel on YouTube, Vlogbrothers, for a really long time, now. All the while, I'm laughing and enjoying his videos, somehow I'm tuning out everything he says about his books. When my friend told me that John Green wrote this book, I was like, "...John Green, Youtube John Green? Or different one?" I was delightfully surprised to find that it was the same, and going back and watching his older videos, he discusses several aspects of getting published, the writing process, etc. Not only does this man make amazing YouTube videos, but he writes amazing books!
Final word: If you are a parent who wants their child to read more, buy this book. It has an enthralling storyline that just begs you to keep reading. Be weary, however. High school kids use high school language, so if you want your little cherub to be sheltered from cigarettes, cheap pink wine, and curse words, perhaps this isn't for you. However, I still highly recommend it. And trust me, when your child finishes and tells you how amazing it is, pick it up and read it for yourself. Now, if you're a kid and you want to read more, BUY THIS BOOK. I am telling you that no author (besides perhaps JD Salinger and Stephen Chbosky) has captured the soul of a teenager more truly than John Green has. I'm a guy, and this "romance" was possibly one of my favorite books, so if you think that aspect is going to put you off, think again. You will absolutely love it.
 Loss of a FriendJul 18, 2010
I got the book for my sixteen year old on a recommendation from a co-workers cousin who is a teacher. How about that? I did not read the reviews until now... after I read the book. So I was genuinely surprised as the events unfolded in the book. I give the book four stars. The book is actually kind of slow and steady; interesting enough to keep reaching for it as I was getting ready to fall asleep. I admired the treatment of teachers and parents. Most are wise and understanding, but firm. Overall, the adults are loving and caring people. They fall into various social categories, but they all have one thing in common: experience, both good and bad. Adults play a minor role, but they provide a foundation for our understanding of why these children are who they are.
Following Miles as he thinks about and discusses life with his new friends is a journey filled with adventure, drama, laughs and sadness. Miles is a surprisingly brave and adventurous sixteen year old. He leaves home to go to a boarding school to experience "the great perhaps". In general, the book explores life, death, growing up, friendship, family, sexuality, philosophy and religion from the perspective of an intelligent, but inexperienced group of teenagers. The author did a fine job fleshing out the young adult male psyche. There are some graphic and adventurous sexual scenes that parents may be concerned with. Sex is treated with an innocent, trusting and curious; almost scientific approach by the teenagers. It's a little awkward to be sure, but wasn't our first sexual experience?
It reminded me a little of The Catcher in the Rye, another book I would like my sixteen year old to read someday. Maybe the great perhaps will find hold and grow a little.
 Dark But QuirkyJul 11, 2010
At first glance, this novel seems as if it's going to be yet another story about an eccentric girl who teaches a lesson through her non-conventional ways. The shocking event of Alaska's death and the questions it raises makes this a unique look into
The depth of the novel allows for some discussion about complex issues, specifically suicide and risky teenage behaviors. The "Great Perhaps" that Miles is interested in finding could be personally applied to each student. They could be encouraged to explore what meaning they find in life, what they think is the purpose of life, etc. Very many significant writing prompts could be generated from the topics contained in this story. It would be best utilized as an independent reading assignment because the mature themes may be too graphic or heavy to explore as a class or reading group.
The fact that the characters in the story are not pretentious or preachy will really draw student-readers in. They talk and think about sex, drink, smoke, curse, and engage in all the behaviors that teen readers are interested in. The fact that these characters are exploring the deeper issues of life is also a large draw to students who may be pondering the same issues without even realizing it.
 I want to like this bookJun 05, 2010
but I can't. This book has some dull characters and is excessively, boringly, predictable. The book counts down to the main event leaving you underwhelmed at the books apex of plot development. From there on out it stutters along mourning and guilt over the death of a character. There is little else except the prank and the discovery that the two key characters aren't all to blame (thank lord jesus, I suppose)
The book tries to be cutting edge by letting the characters curse, pull pranks, drink, TALK about sex, and develop their sexuality in plausible, uncomfortable ways. In summary this sounds fine but the way its pulled off is just contrived and uninteresting.
I can't think of any reason you shouldn't read a much better written book about tragedy; there are literally hundreds. My favorite is Perks of Being a Wallflower. There is also Speak and a few others I can't think of. Good luck.
Great bookMay 31, 2010
I really enjoyed this novel. Miles "Pudge" is a wonderful narrator and his roommate, The Colonel, is hilarious with his dry, deadpan humor. Alaska is a spontaneous, funny, intriguing and frustrating character. The dialog throughout the book is very witty and the story is entertaining and moving.
I went to a public school, so being that the story took place in a private boarding school was a plus for me. For most of us, leaving home, getting a roommate and attending such an interesting school doesn't happen until the college years.
This book is a very fast read, I finished it in two sittings. Being that this book is "Young Adult," I probably wouldn't have discovered it without all the reviews on Amazon.com, so thanks.
Last few books I read: Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman, Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman, Under the Dome by Stephen King, Horns by Joe Hill.
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