When Miles asked his parents to send him to his father’s old boarding school, he had no idea what he was getting himself into. All he was looking for was an escape from the loneliness and drudgery of his everyday life and judging by his fathers wild stories, Culver Creek might be just what he’s looking for. And if he isn’t the most experienced in the wild shenanigans his dad described, well, its high school, what’s the worst that could happen?
What Miles didn’t anticipate was his new roommate Chip, who calls himself the Colonel. The Colonel introduces Miles— newly nicknamed Pudge, to a secret world of midnight pranks, bad alcohol and forbidden adventures. And at the center of it all is Alaska Young; clever, daring, unpredictable, gorgeous Alaska Young.
Looking for Alaska is— surprisingly— among the most insightful and intense books I have encountered in YA literature. Looking for Alaska is, in a way, a more modern and well written version of A Catcher in the Rye, with language and experiences that the twenty first century teen will understand and identify with. Whether you’re a teacher looking for an interesting and meaningful story for your students, or a teen yourself, Looking for Alaska is a fascinating and philosophical story filled with vivid characters and an intriguing plot.
Tag Archives: Modern World
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
They Both Die at the End, by Adam Silvera is a heartbreaking, but heartwarming book. It tells the story of two teenagers nearing the end of their life. They live in a world where everyone gets told the day they’re going to die on their phone by a company called ‘Death-Cast’. They usually call around midnight so you can have as much time to say goodbyes and experience all your dreams as soon as possible. People dying are called Deckers. Death-Cast calls Mateo and Rufus today because they’re dying, but not before one more huge adventurous day.
Mateo and Rufus find each other because of an app called ‘Last Friend’, which is meant for Decker strangers to meet up and create a last friend on their End Day. The two boys face the world together, learning everything about each other and facing the fear of death. A violent Rufus and a cautious Mateo turn into the best of friends during their End Day.
Adam Silvera writes an original story, like no plot you’ve ever read. This book will keep you reading, wanting to discover every inch of Rufus and Mateo’s friendship.