Look beyond the alcohol and oral sex in Looking for Alaska

After reading Looking for Alaska by John Green, I realized a few things. First being I understand why this book has been challenged/band--the controversy is apparent--secondly, I want to marry John Green, and lastly, I never want my child to attend boarding school (Just kidding, kind of). With that being said, I think this novel was brilliant!

***SPOILER ALERT***

As a blossoming adult myself, I found this book fabulous. But to be perfectly fair, I can see why parents would not want their children reading a book with such heavy sexuality and misbehavior by the young characters. A quick summary:

When the main character, Miles, goes off to boarding school in Alabama, he has friends for the first time in his life. He also gets a girlfriend. There is one problem however, he is infatuated by the very girl that set him up with his girlfriend, the wild, self-destructive, young girl, Alaska Young. We learn of Alaska's troubled past, which causes her to act out and close up. Miles, his roommate, and Alaska are on a journey of growing up in this book, and they share in first experiences together. Ultimately, the overarching theme of the novel is findings one way in the world, to get through "the labyrinth" known as life. And when Alaska suddenly dies in the end of the novel, Miles struggles with this question even more, but ultimately decides the way to get through the labyrinth is to keep on living, something Alaska was unable to conclude for herself.

There are obviously heavy themes in this novel that focus on self-identity, teen death, alcoholism, explicit language and sexuality. This is the reason the book is so often challenged. One scene that has caused an uproar is one where Miles receives oral sex for the first time. This book does present explicit situations, and if I was an adult, I may not want my child reading about oral sex either. However, the book is at its core a coming of age novel, and I shared and related to most of the situations these teens went through, as I'm sure more people would. So, yes, it is controversial, but the fact of the matter is, children everywhere are going through these same situations, emotions, and journey through the labyrinth. I would highly recommend this book for a classroom. Not only is it great for a teen to read for personal reasons, but the themes and eloquent language and character development are magnificent and highly educational as well. But beware--parents will challenge!

Besides the complex characters and controversial plot, this book has much literary merit! It won the 2006 Printz Award and John Green writes with such beautiful language and literary devices. The words just soar right from the page into the readers minds to easily that it makes for an easy read. His literary merit lends credibility to his work, without a doubt, and this can be a tool for argument against those protective parents. Reading this book, led me to do some researching on Green, which led me to the realization that I am mildly obsessed with him! I can't seem to find a valid link, but if you ever get the chance, please read his article entitled "Becoming a YA Writer". (2006, March). Booklist. This will explain my love for him, and how this novel came to be. Teachers everywhere should read this book, and you will gain so much respective, and I just know you'll want to teach it to your class...right? Right! Happy Looking for Alaska.