Looking For Alaska, released in 2005, has remained on the Young Adult New York Times Best Seller list for 63 weeks and is currently residing at number three. One reason John Green’s first novel gained popularity is because of his other books like The Fault in Our Stars.

The author introduces Miles Halter as a junior in high school from Florida who decides to attend Culver Creek Preparatory High School in Alabama. Having a distinct interest in reading biographies and memorizing the subjects’ last words, his reason for wanting to move was quoting, writer, Francois Rabelais’ last words, “I go to seek a Great Perhaps.”

Once he starts school in Alabama, he meets his roommate Chip “The Colonel” Martin. The Colonel dubs him Pudge, with the irony being that Miles is very skinny. Later, Miles is introduced to Alaska Young, amongst others who become his friends. Not only is he introduced to new people but smoking, drinking, a girlfriend and a first love.

Throughout the novel, Miles becomes close friends with The Colonel and especially Alaska. Even though she’s extremely beautiful, witty and smart, she’s just as mysterious and troubled, which is what boggles him and I the most. That being said, he comes to fall in love with her, at least what he’s been able to learn about her. One reoccurring conversation between Miles and Alaska is what the labyrinth is, derived from, political leader Simón Bolívar’s last words, “How will I ever get out of this labyrinth!”

In the first half of the book, Before, readers experience the dull routine of the protagonists going to class, planning pranks, drinking and building their friendship with each other. The After, is the most climatic which answered many questions I had from reading the Before. There was an eerie tone to the story with many laugh worthy parts well as parts that brought me to tears.

While the award winning novel is filled with parties, pranks, school and bets, there is a much more serious side. This is growing up. Green sheds a brutally honest light on what its like to be a teen from experiencing friendship and love to dealing with death. Follow Pudge through his triumphs and struggles on his journey of figuring out what the labyrinth is.