Journal Entry #3

            I think that this quarter of Looking for Alaska was the best part of the novel so far. It revealed many new things about the characters and had many unexpected twists and turns. I could not stop reading this book, eager to find out what happens next. This quarter was an emotional roller coaster for the characters, and me. The emotional part started when Alaska revealed the story about how her mother died. This story surprised me because she had talked about stories of her mother before, and never mentioned anything about her death. I felt bad for Alaska because she was quite young when her mother died, and should never have to lose a parent at that age, let alone witness it happen. It broke my heart that her father blames her for the death of her mother because she did not call 9-1-1 when she should have.

The mood got romantic later that same night when Pudge and Lara were sleeping next to each other. They began to kiss, and then later on he asked her to be his girlfriend. I was surprised that Pudge asked her to be in a relationship with him, because of his obvious feelings for Alaska. I felt as if Pudge was just using Lara to attempt to get over his true feelings for Alaska. I personally did not think it was going to last very long as I didn’t find that they shared a very strong bond. It turns out that I was right with my guess, as Pudge cheated on Lara with Alaska one night. They made out in his dorm room during a game of truth or dare. Alaska told him ‘to be continued’ and then fell asleep on his chest, which is when, Pudge told her that he, loves her. I thought that this was the beginning of a new relationship between Pudge and Alaska. I thought that they’d both end their current relationships and pursue one together.

The biggest, saddest, and most shocking event that took place in this quarter is the death of Alaska Young. It all started when she burst into the Colonel and Pudge’s room extremely upset in the middle of the night that she and Pudge madeout, asking them to distract the eagle and get her of campus. I thought that she had come to the realization that she had cheated on Jake and was freaking out. She then took her car and left campus. The next morning the Eagle told the school that Alaska died in a car accident last night, and I was shocked. At first I didn’t believe that she was really dead, I thought that she ran away and staged her own death. I was crushed when I found out that she really was gone for good. Colonel and Pudge started to look for the hows and why’s of her death right away, which I completely understand. If somebody I knew died, I would search for answer and closure as well. This part of the book reminded me a little bit of a murder mystery, but without the murder. All in all, this quarter of the book was very good, but also super emotional. It really took me off guard and surprised me at many moments as well.  

Kira

3rd Discussions Questions

Q.  Alaska revealed a very important story about her mother's death. What was revealed about her character in this scene?
A. This revealed that there is more to Alaska then just a tough girl. It helped us see that there is a softer side to Alaska. It also helped us to understand why she is the way she is.

Q. It's clear to us that Pudge has strong feelings for Alaska, so why do you think he asked Lara to be his girlfriend? What did this reveal about he character?
A. I think that this reveals that he also had feelings Lara, but not as much as Alaska. This shows that he is trying to move on from Alaska because he feels that he doesn't have a chance to be with her.

Q. The Eagle seemed to have no idea that Pudge, Alaska, Lara, Colonel and Takumi were responsible for the prank.  Do you think that he actually had a feeling it was them or do you think that he really had no clue?
A.  I think that he really had no clue it was them because they covered their tracks so well. Even if he had a feeling it was them, he had no proof to back it up and therefore would be unsuccessful of accusing them.

Q. Did you find it odd test Kevin and his friends really didn't seem mad about the prank? Why do you think they didn't really care, and what did this reveal about Kevin's character?
A. I didn't find it that odd that Kevin didn't react very much. After all, he knew that there was a prank coming his way because of the pranks that his gang did to them. I think that this reveals that Kevin is a good sport and excepts things when they happen. Also, their prank was nothing compared to wrapping Pudge up in duck tape and throwing him in the lake.

Q. How did you feel about the blow-job scene? Do you think it revealed something new about Pudge or Lara?
A. I thought that this scene was particularly funny. It was a good to break up the action and drama in the book. I was surprised when Lara offered this to Pudge so early in their relationship. I think that it reveals that Lara has a sexual and a not-so-innocent side to her that we were not aware of before. On the contrary, it revealed a certain amount of innocence that she had no clue how to go about the situation.

Q. When Alaska asked Pudge to hook up with her, what did this reveal about who she is as a person and how she values her current relationship with Jake?
A. I think it reveals many things that we already knew about Alaska. It shows that she acts on her instincts and doesn't think twice most of the time. She and Pudge were making out for a long time so she had time to remember Jake and stop, but she when she finally stopped she said to be continued. Even when Pudge said, what about Jake and Lara, she shhh'ed him and continued to kiss him. I think that this shows that Alaska would sacrifice her relationship with Jake for Pudge, although we will never know what her intentions with Pudge really were.

Q. Why do you think that Jake wasn't at Alaska's funeral? Does this show anything about Jake's personality?
A. I was surprised that Jake didn't attend Alaska's funeral. It made me wonder whether or not Jake knew about Alaska's make out with Pudge and was angry with her. I also think that it might have been too hard for Jake to attend the funeral. Some people can't cope with attending a funeral of somebody that they loved.

Q. Do you think that Alaska's death was an accident or a suicide? Why?
A. I think that Alaska's death was a suicide. I think the fact that Alaska had written 'straight and fast' next to the question, 'how do we get out of this labyrinth of suffering' shows that she thought that the best way to leave this world was straight and fast. She died by running into straight into a police car very fast with her car. Also, Alaska is known to make very sudden decisions without thinking them through, and I believe that in that moment she didn't want to live anymore, so she took herself out of life.

Q. Do you think that Pudge truly loved Alaska? Why?
A. Yes, throughout the entire book I think that Pudge kept falling more and more in love with Alaska. He thought so highly of her and they shared a connection that is hard to explain. She was beautiful and exciting and something that Pudge needed in that stage of his life.

Q. Why do you think Alaska brought tulips with her on the night that she died?
A. At first, I thought that she was going to Jake's house and brought them with her because he got them for her on their anniversary. I thought that she was either going to use them to signify that she was giving them back to him and breaking up with him, or apologizing to him about what she did with Pudge that night. Either way I thought she was bringing them with her to Jake's house.

   -Kira

Looking For Alaska Journal Entry Three

The third quarter of this book was groovy! This quarter of the book was an emotional roller coaster! For example when Miles and Alaska are kissing and Miles says “ I love you.” It brings you joy because we as the reader know this is how Miles felt all along. Then within the next few pages we learn that Alaska has died in a car accident, which really brings you down because we just experienced this emotional love scene. I find that this event further connects us to Miles because we see how he reacts in tough situations.

Also in this quarter of the book, we learn a lot about the characters. When the group is sitting in the barn drinking wine. Alaska comes up with the idea to play a drinking game where each person has to tell a story of their best day, and their worst day. During This game we learn much about the characters. We learn that Alaska indirectly killed her mother. And that Lara had to help her parents through the immigration process. We learn that Takumi never got to see his grandmother alive, and that Chip wants to buy his mother a nice big house one day. I think this part of the book is very important. I think that John Green purposely made us connect to the characters more, so that when Alaska dies we are more emotionally connected to it.

When Alaska dies Miles gets very upset and thinks to him self that he knows so many peoples last words, but he will never know hers. This really shows the friendship that they had and possibly more then just a friendship. I think that although Miles was dating Lara, and Alaska was dating Jake. I think Alaska and Miles both were attracted to each other and wanted to be together. I find that when Miles and Alaska are making out, it shows their true feelings for one another.

Corey ;)

Journal Entry #3

In the third sections of the book we are introduced to the "after". Up until this point, each "chapter" was titles as ___days before but now say the number of days after the event instead. This is because in this chapters an event changes everything for the stories main characters. Alaska, in an attempt to leave the campus and drive somewhere, gets in a fatal car accident just after seeing Miles and the Colonel who now felt guilty and responsible for her accident.

This quarter of the book was very emotional as we watch how the characters handle Alaska's death. The Colonel screaming while tucked in a bundle of the bench that he was sorry, girls who knew Alaska sobbing, people who we wouldn't have guessed to have cared over the death of Alaska were even shown in stages of grief. Miles denied everything, he couldn't believe it had happen and just thought it was another prank. The reactions of the characters seemed very raw and real, just like how I see people in real life once they learn that someone dear to them has passed away. When someone who is a big part of your life dies, you are hit with strong waves of sadness, anger, fear, denial and other emotions while you try to figure out what happened. It was for this reason that I felt sympathy for characters in the book with the unfolding of this event since it obviously took them by surprise and hit them hard.

Before the passing of Alaska, we see new development with the characters as they grow and new relations form. Miles and Takumi start talking more, work together on their part of the prank and seem to be a lot more comfortable with each other. Miles also finally asks Lara to be his girlfriend while the group is camped out in the barn after they've all been drinking. Miles and Alaska further their relationship as well once the group returns to campus and him, Alaska and the Colonel spend the night drinking in their room. While playing truth or dare, Alaska and Miles forget about their relationships and kiss each other before falling asleep together the night before Alaska gets in her car accident. However, the new relationships built all shatter after the news of Alaska's passing is brought up at the school assembly. I felt really bad for Miles and the Colonel because they both new Alaska probably shouldn't drive and yet because of the heat of the moment they still let her go and now feel the overwhelming guilt of it. The weight they're putting on themselves by taking responsibility for her accident is unfair and a very heavy burden to carry around. That being said, if I was in their place, I would blame myself too. When a friend passes away you can't help but ask the question, “If I was there or if I had stopped her, would she still be alive?”

- Lauren

Journal Entry #3

During this third quarter of the book, Miles, The Colonel, Alaska, Takumi and Lara were still hiding in the barn after they did their prank to get back at the Weekday Warriors who flooded Alaska’s room. They started playing a drinking game called Best Day/Worst Day which was made up by Alaska. Alaska recounted the night where her mother told he to go do her homework so later she could watch TV, and during this time Alaska heard her mother scream and fall and Alaska saw her convulse on the floor and moments later fall silent. In Alaska’s mind, she thought she had fallen asleep, but when her father came home, he was extremely angry because Alaska failed to call 911. Alaska said that her father blamed her for the death of her mother. On one hand, I understand why Alaska’s father blamed her for letting her mother die, but on another, I don’t know how he was able to blame a child for being scared and not knowing what to do. I really don’t know how I’d react in this situation, but I can understand both Alaska and her father’s reaction to the situation.

After this people hookup, blah, blah, blah, but the most important thing is when Alaska gets a phone call from a mystery person and comes back into the room hysterical, saying she needs to get out of the school and Miles and The Colonel must distract the Eagle while she does so. Alaska succeeded in getting out, but the next morning there is an assembly announcing the death of Alaska and obviously the whole school is devastated, but most of all Miles and the Colonel. They both are grieving, and after the funeral, Miles finds the book “The General in his Labyrinth” with a quote highlighted saying “How will I ever get out of this Labyrinth” and next to that was written by Alaska was “Straight and Fast”. Later on the Colonel comes up with a theory for why Alaska died; he thinks she committed suicide and Miles and the Colonel try to figure out if that’s true. Personally, I think this theory is very plausible in relation to the quote Alaska wrote in her book, but I don’t see how that makes any sense with the phone call Alaska received right before she left. I think there was another reason Alaska left and later died and someone wanted to hide it with the excuse of suicide. I’m excited to read what happens next and to find out the real reason for Alaska's death.

~ Amanda

This quote and part of the book was so great. The message is so true and it really made me think so when I saw this I just had to post it.

-Lauren

Journal entry #2

This second section of the book was incredibly interesting. We really started learning a lot more about the characters as well as got introduced to new ones. This quarter gave me a deeper understanding to the behavior of certain characters while still keeping up with the exciting plot that keeps you wanting to continue reading and not wanting to put the book down.

During this section, we are introduced to Jake (Alaska's boyfriend) and Lara, a girl who Alaska is trying to set up with Miles (also known as "Pudge"). The actual bond and relationship between Alaska and Jake was truly surprising. Though the story describes them to be a great match for each other, by the way Alaska would subtly or not-so-subtly flirt with Miles, you would have expected them not to be so into one another. Even with Alaska's excuse every time she flirts with Miles ("don't get me wrong, I love my boyfriend"), I still assumed there were problems with the relationship since she still flirted with Miles frequently and knowing that he liked her. Then we are reintroduced to Lara, a girl from Romania with a cute accent who apparently likes Miles. Miles seems interested enough in Lara as well and Alaska said she was going to help set him up with her however on their triple and a half date (the three couples and Takumi) she asked Miles to sit on the other side of her instead of sitting with Lara. Later after their date, Miles gets hit with a basketball, receives a concussion, throws up on Lara's jeans and spends time in the hospital for the night before going back to Culver Creek.

Besides these new characters, we also see much more character development. When Pudge decides to stay at Culver Creek for Thanksgiving instead of going home, we see a deeper connection form between Miles and Alaska. They dig up and drink wine together at the edge of the forest, snoop other dorm rooms and do other activities together that bring them closer as friends and also reveal that Alaska might like Miles as more than a friend. Also, we start to understand the hatred the Colonel has for the “Weekday Warriors” when he invites Alaska and Miles over for Thanksgiving and we as readers find out that he lives in a small trailer with his mom. Because the “Weekday Warriors” have so much and don’t really realize the opportunity of Culver Creek as well as are snobby and very rude, the Colonel, who has barely anything, is very disgusted by their lifestyle while probably also a bit jealous.

-Lauren

Section 2 discussion questions 

1) why do you think Alaska and Colonel took all the blame for the smoking incident?

 
Alaska and Colonel take the blame for the smoking incident in order to show their loyalty and trust to the group.

2)while on the date, why do you think Miles "wanted to hate Jake" ?

Miles wanted to hate Jake because he is jealous of what he is like, and in a way admires him.

3) why is Colonel upset about his break up even though he and Sara fought a lot?

Even though Colonel and Sara flight a lot he misses the fact that there is no one their for him even if it just for fighting, also he lost his virginity to Sara.

4) why did the weekday warriors flood Alaska's room? 

They flooded Alaska's room in order to get back at her for a previous prank.

5) why is Colonel not embarrassed by his mother?

Colonel is not embarrassed by his mother because, he is proud of who she is.

6) why does Alaska say that she is great full for having the best thanks-giving dinner in a decade?

Alaska says she is great full for the thanks giving dinner because, although she has family they don't act as though they are family.

7) what causes Alaska to come crying into miles room while on break?

The fact that she lost Colonels trust by admitting to ratting on her friends for getting drunk upsets her.

8) what does Miles mean when he says " you don't have to care about her- screw her."?

Miles says this because he knows its is his personal choice to caring so ,much for what Alaska does, its not his job to care. But he cares because he wants to.

9) what does Miles mean when he says " the great perhaps was upon us?" 

I believe miles says this because he is experiencing the feeling that he came to Culver Creek for.

10) why is the prank such a big deal to the group?

The prank is a big deal to the group because they want to get back st the weekdays warriors and show them who is boss on campus

 Corey ;)

Journal entry quarter 2

This quarter of the book was a great delight to read! This quarter of the book really touches on the feelings and emotion that teenagers experience. For example when Miles is feeling upset that Alaska and Colonel leave him out of the planning of the prank. Miles realizes that he doesn't have to be upset over Alaska and that he is only upset because he chooses to care about her. I think a lot teenagers can relate to this feeling when we get upset over some one we care about but but still choose to care about them because we feel it is worth it.

Another feeling that is very well expressed in the quarter of the book is when Miles “ wants to hate” Alaska's boyfriend Jake. I think most people have had a similar experience where we want to hate someone, but we don't really hate them. We just hate the idea of them having what we want. For example in Miles case he wants a girlfriend like Alaska and in a sense wants to be Jake. John Green does a great job at creating emotion through out the book. By doing this John creates a strong connection between you and the characters in the book, which makes you never want to put down the book in order to find out what happens to the characters.

When the group pulls the prank in the last portion of the book, it takes you even deeper into the story. It makes not want to put down the book at all. It gives you a sort of adrenalin rush. The way John Green describes the actions and feelings of the characters really puts you into the situation along with the group. You can imagine your self in the scenario. Heart pounding from running away from the Eagle, the sting of thorns cutting deep into your leg.

Corey ;)

Journal Entry #2

          The second quarter of this book was amazing. During this part we discover more about some of the existing characters and are introduced to a few new characters such as Lara and Jake. I was shocked to see how in love Alaska seemed to be with her boyfriend, Jake. I thought that their relationship would not have been as strong as it seemed because of Alaska's persistent flirting with Pudge. I found it very amusing when Pudge got hit with a football, suffered from a concussion and accidentally puked on his date, Lara. We see that there is a friendly, yet very flirty connection that continues to grow between Alaska and Pudge while they were the only two students to stay on campus during the Thanksgiving break. The Colonel picked up Alaska and Pudge from campus and brought them to Thanksgiving dinner at his house with his mom. I was shocked to find out that the Colonel lived in a tiny trailer with his mom. This helped me understand why Colonel has such a strong hate for 'Weekday Warriors' who are mostly rich with very large houses. I also understand now why he is so scared of getting expelled and having to live there with an education that wouldn't even compare to that at Culver Creek.
          In addition, there is also a very exciting, high tempo and adventurous event that takes place at the end of this quarter that had me on the edge of my seat. This event consisted of Pudge, Colonel, Lara, Alaska and Takumi pulling off a giant prank on Kevin and other 'Weekday Warriors' at the end of vacations. They had a very precise plan which involved; Pudge and Takumi setting firecrackers to lure the Eagle from campus while Lara switched out certain of the 'Weekday Warriors' hair products with blue dye, and Colonel and Alaska sent out letters to their parents stating that they're failing certain classes. I enjoyed how there was humour even in this intense part, which was when Pudge was bitten in the butt by a crazy swan. The fact that this quarter tugged on many of my emotions and made me understand the characters on a deeper level really made this quarter of the book a wonder for me to read.

-Kira Bombay

Journal Entry #2

Right at the beginning of this section, Alaska, Miles, the Colonel and Takumi were sent to Jury (12 elected students plus The Eagle who decided the punishment for no expellable offences) for being caught smoking on school property, or at least Alaska and the Colonel were. The punishment for Alaska and the Colonel ended up with 10 hours of work in the kitchen cleaning dishes, and nothing but a warning for Miles and Takumi. I think this punishment shows a kind of softer side to The Eagle because he didn’t interfere in the punishment given to four friends, like he could have being the judge. He allowed the students to pick a fair punishment without allowing his personal dislike or prejudice effect his decisions.

Miles was convinced by Alaska to stay during Thanksgiving with her on campus while everyone else when home. Miles phoned his mom asking permission to stay over break and she agreed, but with some reluctance. Miles reconsidered his decision, but when he called his mom he didn’t quite get the answer he expected. They had quickly booked a trip when they heard Miles wasn’t going to be home for the holiday. When Miles heard this, he was quite disheartened, and I relate to that feeling. I’ve often been in the same situation as Miles, regretting a decision and trying to reverse it without any luck. I think that’s one the of the worst feelings, its as if you let yourself down by making a wrong decision and having no way to fix it.

As time went on, someone pranked Alaska when it was raining by diverting water from a drainpipe into her room and therefore flooding her floor and ruining her books. Alaska, being the queen of pranks had been planning to get the weekday Warriors back for doing this. Alaska arranged a prank for the weekend coming up with the Colonel, Miles, Takumi, Lara and herself were to get an excuse to be away from the campus for the weekend, but in reality they were all going to be at the barn near The Eagle’s house. They were going to release two pranks, knowing The Eagle wasn’t going to expect that. As I read through the pre-prank, I’m wondering how much worse the actual prank will be, I’m questioning if Alaska’s idea for two pranks was really a good call for the group of friends to make. I’m excited to see what happens next.

~Amanda

Journal Entry #1

At the begining of “Looking for Alaska” we are introduced to Miles Halter. Miles seems to be the average teenager but doesn’t exactly fit in as his High school in Florida. Due to this, and the fact that Miles wants a bit more adventure and freedom, Miles decides to attend Culver Creek private school in Alabama. Miles seems like a very relatable character just by his introduction in this first quarter of the book. He is described to be a bit scrawnier, not too popular, trying to fit in and a really good guy. Just reading the first few chapters, you really start to find yourself liking Miles as well as rooting for him.

Once Miles arrives in Culver Creek, the author creates the picture of the school campus with great success. It’s very simple to see the image and scenery that the author is trying to create due to the order in which he describes the school grounds. The six dorm buildings all in a circle, the school building just outside that, a lake nearby, bits of forestry and lastly, the “Eagle’s” spot within the dorm circle ( concluding the tour). After Miles is dropped off and his parents leave, Miles is introduced to Chip Martin (the Colonel) and then also quickly introduced to the beautiful Alaska Young followed by Takumi the following morning. Miles, along with us readers, are also introduced to the idea of “Weekday Warriors”. This is the group of student who live at the school solely on weekdays and then run back home to air conditioning. They’re described as the stereotypical rich snobs and are also immensely disliked by the Colonel and many other students outside of the warrior group.

During his first few days at Culver Creek, we see Miles beginning to take up smoking in order to fit in better with his new “group” and to help him look a bit cooler. I think the way that Miles talks himself into smoking was a great example on how there can be pressure to do something whether your peers or anyone else tries to purposely pressure you or not. Simply being around a certain action can influence someone to think it would possibly be a good idea for them to join in as well to help fit in or create their ideal image.

Reading the first 55 pages of “Looking for Alaska” has been very excited to continue reading the rest of the book.  John Green has done a fabulous job at capturing my interest and attention as a reader and has made me look forward to seeing everything that will happen next. Whenever I pick it up, I can never seem to put it down. I can’t wait to see what else unfolds.

-Lauren

Questions for Section 1 of Looking For Alaska

Questions:1) Where is the private school, that Miles Halter wants to attend, located?
2) What is the name of the new private school and what reason do Mr. and Mrs. Halter think Miles has for switching schools?
3) What is the layout of the Culver Creek campus?
4) Who does Miles get assigned to dorm with and what is his nickname?
5) Who else is in the group of people that Miles is first introduced to when he arrives at Culver Creek?
6) What was the welcoming prank pulled on Miles during his first night at school?
7) What was the reason for the extra cruelty used in his "welcoming" prank?
8) What special talents do Miles and the Colonel possess?
9) Why were Miles and Alaska kicked out of their religion class?
10) What opinions does the group have about the religion teacher, Dr. Hyde?

Answers:
1) The new private school that Miles wants to go to is in Alabama, farther away from his home in Florida.
2) The new school Miles wants to attend is Culver Creek. His mother thinks his reason for switching school is his lack of friends while his father thinks that he is trying to follow in his footsteps.
3) The Culver Creek campus is composed of six tall door buildings all facing in towards the center of the circle. It has the one building for classes just passed the dorms, a lake, and the residence of "The Eagle" in the dorm circle.
4) Miles gets assigned to dorm with Chip Martin, a.k.a. the Colonel.
5) Upon his arrival at Culver Creek, Miles is also introduced to Alaska Young and Takumi.
6) The prank pulled on Miles was that Kevin and his two friends wrapped him up in duct tape and threw him into the water, wearing nothing but his underwear.
7) The average welcoming prank involves no duct tape, Kevin and the others were especially cruel to Miles because he is a friend of the Colonel and they think he ratted out their two friends Paul and Marya.
8) Miles has a unusual talent of being able to repeat the last words of a great number of people due to his adoration of reading biographies. The Colonel has the special talent of being able to memorize the names of states, countries, cities and capitols just by reading about them.
9) Miles was kicked out of religion class for not paying attention while Dr. Hyde (also known as "the old man) was talking. Alaska got kicked out as well since she tried to stand up for Miles and made a bit of a scene while being rude to Dr. Hyde.
10) Alaska, Takumi and the Colonel all have fairly negative opinions of Dr. Hyde. They think he's rude, strict and a little bit scary. Miles, on the other hand, thinks that Dr. Hyde is a complete genius and wants to absorb as much information in that class as he can.

Journal Entry #1

This part of the book starts out with Miles Halter in the midst of leaving his school in Florida, which he hates because of the different social groups that he doesn’t fit into. Miles wanted to go to Culver Creek boarding school to find his “Great Perhaps” and he knew he wasn’t going to find it in his old school. He was hoping to find this “Great Perhaps” before he died, unlike the write Francois Rabelais who said he was going to find it once he passed on. In this book it doesn’t specify what this “Great Perhaps” is, but I think it means a person who is searching for happiness, belonging or maybe their meaning in life.

Also I feel like at the beginning of the book, Miles is trying to leave his life in his former school for a new, more exciting school where he hopes to fit in. he also mentions all the social groups a his old school that he doesn’t fit into, but what I don’t think he realized at the time was that every school had their social divisions, and even Culver Creek had “groups”. Regular boarder and Weekday Warriors was the division between borders. I think every school has its division and presumptions about those groups and I think Culver Creek is no different from this idea.

I really relate to Miles with his liking of Mr. Hyde, because I tend to be more interested and engaged in class where someone is talking at me, as long as they have something interesting to say, rather than class work and group projects. I respect the actions of Mr. Hyde when he gets mad at Miles for looking out the window during class. I know that he wants his students to be involved in the class, but I also think that he went overboard in his reaction when Alaska stood up for Miles, but I think the principle of the thing is fair. 

~Amanda 

Looking For Alaska Journal One

This quarter of "Looking for Alaska" is a real hoot! This quarter of the book took me right into the foot steps of miles. I felt almost as though I had been right there with miles, entering Culver Creek. In the first quarter of "Looking for Alaska" we learn that Miles is not the most popular guy at his home in Florida, and by attending Culver Creek he will find his "Great Perhaps." When Miles arrives at Culver Creek he meets his roommate Chip, and makes some new friends, Alaska and Takumi. I found these characters easy to relate to which helped me place myself in the book. John Green has done a great job with the introduction to the characters and the over all plot of the story. When Miles first arrives to his new school, his parents tell him to stay away from trouble and not to mix in with the wrong crowed. Miles befriends the "bad" kids. The exact thing Miles parents wanted him to stay away from. I think this one of the reason this book is so addictive to read. It gives you an insight on what it might be like to break the rules and be a rebellious teenager. The first quarter of this book gives a great look on what the rest of the book will be like. John Green does a great job of describing how the characters feel during certain moments within the book. For example he really goes out of his way to explain how Miles and his parents are feeling when they have to say their goodbyes when the drop Miles off at Culver Creek. I found this book almost addictive while reading. Its one of those books you never want to put down. It always has you wondering what will happen next. I can't wait to keep reading this great book! 

Corey ;)

Welcome!

Welcome to our page! This blog revolves around our findings on Looking for Alaska by John Green. We'll each be updating journal entries on our thoughts of the 4 sections of the book as well as sharing what we find relevent. Hope you enjoy!

- Lauren, Corey, Kira & Amanda