Last week our group began reading Looking for Alaska by John Green. The story is told from Mile’s (nicknamed Pudge) point of view. Only one hundred pages in and I already like this book. The characters he quickly befriends are genuine, and welcome him into their group with open arms. For Pudge, who had no friends back in Florida, is pleased to finally belong in a group. Especially because in that group is Alaska. He meets her on the first day, and from then on he is immensely infatuated with her. Although she has a boyfriend, their friendship continues to grow. Immediately a conflict arises within the social groups at Culver Creek Boarding School between the wealthy “cool” kids and the smart “scholarship” kids over the issue of secrecy. It is a known rule to the students to not rat out each other, no matter how bad of an enemy they are to one another. Friction between the two groups occur when accusation of tattling on, now expelled students, last year as each group tries to get revenge on the other. Since coming to Culver Creek boarding school Miles realizes that the activities he has been partaking in haven’t always been a wise idea, but he knows he would do anything for Alaska.
I think Pudge didn't care if Alaska had a boyfriend or not. He liked her and he would try to get to know her to see if Alaska would feel something for him. Also i think Pudge felt happy to belong in a group since he used to be more of a loner.
What made you like the book so much, and What did you think of the characters? I've always wonderd What it is about alaska that made Pudge so attracted to her.
Deigo Reyes Assignment #1 The story i began to read is Looking For Alaska by John Green. The Main main character of the book is Miles known as Pudge. So far i the story is kinda interesting, but boring at the same time. When Pudge gets to Culver Creek he is dumped into a creek by some guys. Pudge doesn't do anything about. Which i dont know why? When the main character Pudge describes Alaska it makes it sound like she is a sluty girl. This makes me stop reading the book. A question i have is why did Alaska parents named her Alaska? I also don't like how Alaska starts to smoke. It's something i wouldn't expect girls to do. As i keep reading this book i want to find out if Pudge and Alaska have a thing or start dating. Overall this book has some funny parts to it, i hope it keeps getting more interesting and not turn boring.
I think Pudge didn't do anything about the guys dumping him in the water because he's pretty laid back, he's not the type of person to add to conflicts; he's more passive than that. As for Alaska's name, she later describes where it came from, and why she picked it as a young girl (which I'm sure you've already read about by now).
Why was Pudge thrown in the lake? I think the reason why Pudge didn't do anythng about the guys throwing him in the lake is because like he said he wasn't a very popular guy back in Florida and wanted desperatly to fit in and make friends. He also seems like the type of guy to try and avoid drama and doesn't like conflict.
Assignment #2 “… then in a flash everything comes together and the end of the labyrinthine mystery is staring her right in the face and she does it, straight and fast… not because she’s drunk but because she killed herself” (Green 160). I chose this quote spoken by the Colonial (Chip) about Alaska’s death because it starts a whole new conflict in the book regarding how their best friend died. I like this quote because it shows how Pudge (Miles) and the Colonial are putting together the clues that will lead them to understand her death, and eventually come to terms with their guilt and grief. With the investigating they have done they soon begin to come to grips with that night, and also learn to let go as they make history with a grand finale prank in Alaska’s honor. As far as I can tell this book was challenged, and, possibly banned, due to sexual content, strong language, and the implications of the group’s actions (smoking, drinking, possible suicide). Alaska’s death symbolizes who she was: rash and angry. On the night of her death she was vastly emotional, and couldn’t think straight. Added with her intoxication level, the accident was fatal. Many books with reckless teenagers are frowned upon because they don’t want to give the readers any indication that it’s all right to do these things, but these things happen in reality and should not be banned when mentioned in a book.
Assignment#2 "Our tongues dancing back and forth in each others mouth until there was no her mouth and my mouth but only our mouths intertwined.. she tasted like cigarettes and mountain dew and wine and chap stick.. her hand came to my face and felt her soft fingers tracing the line of my jaw" (pg 130). I chose this quote because it shows how Alaska and Pudge love each other even though Alaska doesn't want to accept it. I like this quote because they forget about having a boyfriend and girlfriend and just do what they feel like doing. This shows why this book was banned. My opinion is that High school student are mature enough for this type of book. This makes the characters look not loyal because they both have relationships end they cheat on their partners. I think this is something that happens all the time in real life not just on books.
I totally agree with you! I don't feel like this book should be banned. Majority of the things that are in this book, high schoolers have already done. I'm not saying every high schoolers drinks, smokes, or does anything sexual, but I know some people who have done those things, And for the people who haven't done those things it shows them how it is like from a different perspective.
In seek of the dying poet, Francois Rabelais, "Great Perhaps" Miles enrolls in Culver Creek academy. There he learns how to love, lose and grow. He meets the girl of his dreams, establishes great friendships, and had life-changing experiences all in one year. Although Looking for Alaska has won just under ten awards, so far this book has been brought up multiple times by concerned parents. The use of strong language and graphic sexual implications are what brought this book up to be challenged in schools. I didn't know what to expect when I started this book because too many High School required readings seem to be boring and pointless. Surprisingly, Looking for Alaska was better than I had predictable. It kept me wanting to read ahead and find out what was happening as Miles went on to have many new adventures with his newfound friends. Pudge (Miles) is a very likeable character. He provides comic relief throughout the book, and he is easily relatable to whoever the reader is. You can't help but to feel pleased when he finally starts to make friends; first the Colonial, who then later introduces him to the rest of the students who end up impacting him that year. It is a tight-knit group of friends that help each other during hard situations and accept each other, no matter the differences. This book demonstrates how friendships should be. I loved the witty characters, but not always fond of Alaska. She was particularly moody and severely depressed and unstable. She rants about how strong women are, but hates herself regardless of her beliefs. Despite this, Pudge still cannot seem to love anyone else. This book accurately describes how difficult it is for High School age kids to find out who they are. Barnes and Noble believes it to be an amazing coming-to-age story that will deeply affect the reader because the book contains a mature adult style with thought provokers, and simple enough vocabulary. Which teaches kids to think outside of the perfect fairy tales they grew up reading in school, and realize what the real world is like. Once the readers discover the reality of life they discover the truth about life and themselves. The reason this book is controversy is because of the mature scenes and topics involved, but this book is not suggested for young readers. I wouldn't propose this book to a child under twelve, but to anyone older who is looking for a good book, Looking for Alaska receives my highest recommendation.
Sam Landis Assignment #4 The majority of concerns brought up regarding books are from worried parents. School is supposed to be a safe environment that disclosed anything they may consider harmful to their children. Although parents try to do what they believe is best for their kids sheltering young adults from everything can stunt their learning, and harm their development. Obviously, some things are only intended for older age groups. Movies, for example, have ratings on who they think should be able to watch them, but ultimately leave it up to parental discretion because some things in movies (violence, sex, drugs) should not be seen as acceptable behavior. However in books the authors write specifically for that age group. In the books that have been previously challenged there have been strong language, violence, and sexual implications, but for an audience that is mature enough to handle it. Libraries stalk their shelves with thousands of books that they believe will inspire thinking, for a book to be removed gives other people the authority to decide what you think about and feel. This decision should not be left up to those who don’t know you, or your child. John Green (Author of Looking for Alaska) explains that the line should be drawn somewhere. He used the example of allowing students to read Penthouse magazine versus a classic. Obviously teachers, as they should, provide copies of the classics to give to their students. He goes on to say that aside from the instantly recognizable texts will inappropriate issues that should not be allowed in school, other one’s that were banned for only implications that only add to the story should never be banned. Challenged books spark imagination and new thoughts that lead to growth. This type of new thinking should never be banned. Looking for Alaska contains under age drinking and smoking, and a blow job scene none of which I would recommend for a twelve year old, but for a High School student, who most likely accepts this behavior as appropriate, it is a great coming-to-age story.
Cheyenne Mack assignment #1 My group has been reading looking for Alaska by John Green. the main character in this book is named Miles (nicknamed Pudge) Miles moves to Alabama from Florida to attend Culver Creek Boarding School to find the great perhaps and an end to the labyrinth. Immediately conflict arises between the "cool" kids and the "smart" scholarship kids due to the matter of secrecy. The night before the first day of school Pudge gets taped up and thrown into a lake because he is friends with the cool kids rather than the smart kids and they feel that the cool kids did not keep secrets. in this group Pudge falls in love with a girl named Alaska who happens to have a boyfriend. Pudge doesn't seem to care that she does and will do anything to make her fall for him and see if they have something together. Pudge realizes that his actions will get him in lots of trouble but will do anything for Alaska. what i want to know is what is it about her that makes him so attracted to her and makes him feel like he loves her.
Diego Reyes assignment#4 Many Parents want books ban from school library's because they have bad or sexual language. In my opinion books shouldn't be ban from high school library's. One reason is because most kids in high school are mature enough to read books like those. Some books have character's that relate to them. Its a way for student to feel free and read any type of book they like. Some schools have ban books for their language without realizing that some students like to read books like those because that the way they are. Also students get tired of reading the same book genre over and over again. In looking for Alaska By John Green is a book that has been ban from school library's. Its been ban because it has a couple of sexual parts. For example it contains a blow job scene. Students are age are mature to read this book. The type of new books should never be banned because it help student increase their reading skills by reading something the like to read. Looking For Alaska contain under age drinking and smoking, and sexual contact which would be recommended for elementary or middle school students, but for high school students because it relates to what goes on in real life today in life.
Cheyenne Mack assignment #2 "We cannot be born, and we cannot die. Like all energy, we can only change shapes and sizes and manifestations. They get scared of losing and failing. But that part of us greater than the sum of our parts cannot begin and cannot end, and so it cannot fail." (Page 121-122) I chose this quote spoken by Pudge about Alaska's death because he is saying that in his mind she will always be alive and viable, because she will always be in his heart, mind, and soul as energy does not die. I like this quote because we are invincible. We can never be irraparably broken. I believe that after you die you are born agin, that you either go to heaven or hell. When Jesus died on the cross you died too and he says you will be born agin and that he will make you new. From What I can tell this book was possibly banned, due to sexual content, strong language, and the characters actions of smoking, drinking, and possible suicide. This book has a lot of good life lessons in it and all the things mentioned in this book happen in real life and therefore it should not be banned. We are in high school where people begin to treat us like adults and I believe we are mature enough to read these types of books.
Many parents want books banned due to sex content, strong language, and violence. Students also ban books as well due to those reasons or they may find it depressing, etc. In my opinion books should not be banned from high school libraries. I feel strongly about this because we are in high school and we are mature enough to read these types of books. Also parents allow their children to learn about drugs, sex, and violence in health class so why can't they learn about it in a book? In the book looking for Alaska by John Green their is sex content, drug use, strong language, blow jobs, and orgasims but all high schoolers already know about that from health class and from other high scoolers and people who do those things. If a parent does not want their child to read a certain book they can address it with the teacher and the child but not every student should have to suffer from being able to read a book. I would not recomend this book to anyone who is not in high school or above. But as high scoolers we are almost adults and books like these are good for our development.
Last week our group began reading Looking for Alaska by John Green. The story is told from Mile’s (nicknamed Pudge) point of view. Only one hundred pages in and I already like this book. The characters he quickly befriends are genuine, and welcome him into their group with open arms. For Pudge, who had no friends back in Florida, is pleased to finally belong in a group. Especially because in that group is Alaska. He meets her on the first day, and from then on he is immensely infatuated with her. Although she has a boyfriend, their friendship continues to grow. Immediately a conflict arises within the social groups at Culver Creek Boarding School between the wealthy “cool” kids and the smart “scholarship” kids over the issue of secrecy. It is a known rule to the students to not rat out each other, no matter how bad of an enemy they are to one another. Friction between the two groups occur when accusation of tattling on, now expelled students, last year as each group tries to get revenge on the other. Since coming to Culver Creek boarding school Miles realizes that the activities he has been partaking in haven’t always been a wise idea, but he knows he would do anything for Alaska.
ReplyDeleteI think Pudge didn't care if Alaska had a boyfriend or not. He liked her and he would try to get to know her to see if Alaska would feel something for him. Also i think Pudge felt happy to belong in a group since he used to be more of a loner.
DeleteWhat made you like the book so much, and What did you think of the characters? I've always wonderd What it is about alaska that made Pudge so attracted to her.
DeleteDeigo Reyes
ReplyDeleteAssignment #1
The story i began to read is Looking For Alaska by John Green. The Main main character of the book is Miles known as Pudge. So far i the story is kinda interesting, but boring at the same time. When Pudge gets to Culver Creek he is dumped into a creek by some guys. Pudge doesn't do anything about. Which i dont know why? When the main character Pudge describes Alaska it makes it sound like she is a sluty girl. This makes me stop reading the book. A question i have is why did Alaska parents named her Alaska? I also don't like how Alaska starts to smoke. It's something i wouldn't expect girls to do. As i keep reading this book i want to find out if Pudge and Alaska have a thing or start dating. Overall this book has some funny parts to it, i hope it keeps getting more interesting and not turn boring.
I think Pudge didn't do anything about the guys dumping him in the water because he's pretty laid back, he's not the type of person to add to conflicts; he's more passive than that. As for Alaska's name, she later describes where it came from, and why she picked it as a young girl (which I'm sure you've already read about by now).
DeleteWhy was Pudge thrown in the lake? I think the reason why Pudge didn't do anythng about the guys throwing him in the lake is because like he said he wasn't a very popular guy back in Florida and wanted desperatly to fit in and make friends. He also seems like the type of guy to try and avoid drama and doesn't like conflict.
DeleteAssignment #2
ReplyDelete“… then in a flash everything comes together and the end of the labyrinthine mystery is staring her right in the face and she does it, straight and fast… not because she’s drunk but because she killed herself” (Green 160).
I chose this quote spoken by the Colonial (Chip) about Alaska’s death because it starts a whole new conflict in the book regarding how their best friend died. I like this quote because it shows how Pudge (Miles) and the Colonial are putting together the clues that will lead them to understand her death, and eventually come to terms with their guilt and grief. With the investigating they have done they soon begin to come to grips with that night, and also learn to let go as they make history with a grand finale prank in Alaska’s honor. As far as I can tell this book was challenged, and, possibly banned, due to sexual content, strong language, and the implications of the group’s actions (smoking, drinking, possible suicide). Alaska’s death symbolizes who she was: rash and angry. On the night of her death she was vastly emotional, and couldn’t think straight. Added with her intoxication level, the accident was fatal. Many books with reckless teenagers are frowned upon because they don’t want to give the readers any indication that it’s all right to do these things, but these things happen in reality and should not be banned when mentioned in a book.
Assignment#2
ReplyDelete"Our tongues dancing back and forth in each others mouth until there was no her mouth and my mouth but only our mouths intertwined.. she tasted like cigarettes and mountain dew and wine and chap stick.. her hand came to my face and felt her soft fingers tracing the line of my jaw"
(pg 130).
I chose this quote because it shows how Alaska and Pudge love each other even though Alaska doesn't want to accept it. I like this quote because they forget about having a boyfriend and girlfriend and just do what they feel like doing. This shows why this book was banned. My opinion is that High school student are mature enough for this type of book. This makes the characters look not loyal because they both have relationships end they cheat on their partners. I think this is something that happens all the time in real life not just on books.
Jessica Chan (period 5/6, assignment #3)
DeleteI totally agree with you! I don't feel like this book should be banned. Majority of the things that are in this book, high schoolers have already done. I'm not saying every high schoolers drinks, smokes, or does anything sexual, but I know some people who have done those things, And for the people who haven't done those things it shows them how it is like from a different perspective.
In seek of the dying poet, Francois Rabelais, "Great Perhaps" Miles enrolls in Culver Creek academy. There he learns how to love, lose and grow. He meets the girl of his dreams, establishes great friendships, and had life-changing experiences all in one year. Although Looking for Alaska has won just under ten awards, so far this book has been brought up multiple times by concerned parents. The use of strong language and graphic sexual implications are what brought this book up to be challenged in schools. I didn't know what to expect when I started this book because too many High School required readings seem to be boring and pointless. Surprisingly, Looking for Alaska was better than I had predictable. It kept me wanting to read ahead and find out what was happening as Miles went on to have many new adventures with his newfound friends. Pudge (Miles) is a very likeable character. He provides comic relief throughout the book, and he is easily relatable to whoever the reader is. You can't help but to feel pleased when he finally starts to make friends; first the Colonial, who then later introduces him to the rest of the students who end up impacting him that year. It is a tight-knit group of friends that help each other during hard situations and accept each other, no matter the differences. This book demonstrates how friendships should be. I loved the witty characters, but not always fond of Alaska. She was particularly moody and severely depressed and unstable. She rants about how strong women are, but hates herself regardless of her beliefs. Despite this, Pudge still cannot seem to love anyone else. This book accurately describes how difficult it is for High School age kids to find out who they are. Barnes and Noble believes it to be an amazing coming-to-age story that will deeply affect the reader because the book contains a mature adult style with thought provokers, and simple enough vocabulary. Which teaches kids to think outside of the perfect fairy tales they grew up reading in school, and realize what the real world is like. Once the readers discover the reality of life they discover the truth about life and themselves. The reason this book is controversy is because of the mature scenes and topics involved, but this book is not suggested for young readers. I wouldn't propose this book to a child under twelve, but to anyone older who is looking for a good book, Looking for Alaska receives my highest recommendation.
ReplyDeleteWas this assignment #3?
DeleteSam Landis
ReplyDeleteAssignment #4
The majority of concerns brought up regarding books are from worried parents. School is supposed to be a safe environment that disclosed anything they may consider harmful to their children. Although parents try to do what they believe is best for their kids sheltering young adults from everything can stunt their learning, and harm their development.
Obviously, some things are only intended for older age groups. Movies, for example, have ratings on who they think should be able to watch them, but ultimately leave it up to parental discretion because some things in movies (violence, sex, drugs) should not be seen as acceptable behavior. However in books the authors write specifically for that age group. In the books that have been previously challenged there have been strong language, violence, and sexual implications, but for an audience that is mature enough to handle it. Libraries stalk their shelves with thousands of books that they believe will inspire thinking, for a book to be removed gives other people the authority to decide what you think about and feel. This decision should not be left up to those who don’t know you, or your child. John Green (Author of Looking for Alaska) explains that the line should be drawn somewhere. He used the example of allowing students to read Penthouse magazine versus a classic. Obviously teachers, as they should, provide copies of the classics to give to their students. He goes on to say that aside from the instantly recognizable texts will inappropriate issues that should not be allowed in school, other one’s that were banned for only implications that only add to the story should never be banned. Challenged books spark imagination and new thoughts that lead to growth. This type of new thinking should never be banned. Looking for Alaska contains under age drinking and smoking, and a blow job scene none of which I would recommend for a twelve year old, but for a High School student, who most likely accepts this behavior as appropriate, it is a great coming-to-age story.
Cheyenne Mack
ReplyDeleteassignment #1
My group has been reading looking for Alaska by John Green. the main character in this book is named Miles (nicknamed Pudge) Miles moves to Alabama from Florida to attend Culver Creek Boarding School to find the great perhaps and an end to the labyrinth. Immediately conflict arises between the "cool" kids and the "smart" scholarship kids due to the matter of secrecy. The night before the first day of school Pudge gets taped up and thrown into a lake because he is friends with the cool kids rather than the smart kids and they feel that the cool kids did not keep secrets. in this group Pudge falls in love with a girl named Alaska who happens to have a boyfriend. Pudge doesn't seem to care that she does and will do anything to make her fall for him and see if they have something together. Pudge realizes that his actions will get him in lots of trouble but will do anything for Alaska. what i want to know is what is it about her that makes him so attracted to her and makes him feel like he loves her.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDiego Reyes
ReplyDeleteassignment#4
Many Parents want books ban from school library's because they have bad or sexual language. In my opinion books shouldn't be ban from high school library's. One reason is because most kids in high school are mature enough to read books like those. Some books have character's that relate to them. Its a way for student to feel free and read any type of book they like. Some schools have ban books for their language without realizing that some students like to read books like those because that the way they are. Also students get tired of reading the same book genre over and over again. In looking for Alaska By John Green is a book that has been ban from school library's. Its been ban because it has a couple of sexual parts. For example it contains a blow job scene. Students are age are mature to read this book. The type of new books should never be banned because it help student increase their reading skills by reading something the like to read. Looking For Alaska contain under age drinking and smoking, and sexual contact which would be recommended for elementary or middle school students, but for high school students because it relates to what goes on in real life today in life.
Cheyenne Mack
ReplyDeleteassignment #2
"We cannot be born, and we cannot die. Like all energy, we can only change shapes and sizes and manifestations. They get scared of losing and failing. But that part of us greater than the sum of our parts cannot begin and cannot end, and so it cannot fail." (Page 121-122)
I chose this quote spoken by Pudge about Alaska's death because he is saying that in his mind she will always be alive and viable, because she will always be in his heart, mind, and soul as energy does not die. I like this quote because we are invincible. We can never be irraparably broken. I believe that after you die you are born agin, that you either go to heaven or hell. When Jesus died on the cross you died too and he says you will be born agin and that he will make you new. From What I can tell this book was possibly banned, due to sexual content, strong language, and the characters actions of smoking, drinking, and possible suicide. This book has a lot of good life lessons in it and all the things mentioned in this book happen in real life and therefore it should not be banned. We are in high school where people begin to treat us like adults and I believe we are mature enough to read these types of books.
Many parents want books banned due to sex content, strong language, and violence. Students also ban books as well due to those reasons or they may find it depressing, etc. In my opinion books should not be banned from high school libraries. I feel strongly about this because we are in high school and we are mature enough to read these types of books. Also parents allow their children to learn about drugs, sex, and violence in health class so why can't they learn about it in a book? In the book looking for Alaska by John Green their is sex content, drug use, strong language, blow jobs, and orgasims but all high schoolers already know about that from health class and from other high scoolers and people who do those things. If a parent does not want their child to read a certain book they can address it with the teacher and the child but not every student should have to suffer from being able to read a book. I would not recomend this book to anyone who is not in high school or above. But as high scoolers we are almost adults and books like these are good for our development.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry I forgot to put assignment #4
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete