@Codie Yes, the emotional things they do have in common; it’s just John Green is considered a good writer and Nicholas Sparks is considered more of a popular, formulaic writer.
People have to consider someone a good author for them to become popular don’t they? How else do they sell all of those books? I can’t tell you how many patrons I’ve had come into the library gushing about James Patterson as such a great author, or Dorothea Benton Frank. And I think they’re terrible. To each his own. It’s as mystifying as 50 Shades being on this list.
Many badly written books are popular, unfortunately. 50 Shades is one example, as are Patterson and many others. Sounds like we both work in libraries & hear the same things 🙂
I seem in the minority on this one all the time. I picked this one as well as Paper Towns up after *LOVING* The Fault in Our Stars and just did not care for it at all (Paper Towns was “meh” for me). Alaksa as a character was just horrible, the other characters weren’t as compelling and fun as TFioS. I got all the way through, but do not recommend.
I read Paper Towns first and really liked it. Loved The Fault in Our Stars. Didn’t care for Alaska, but I think a lot of teens would like it. I did not like the teens-behaving-badly.
It’s not bad. It was in the hospital library collection a few years ago when I volunteered there. I remember being disappointed that it wasn’t about Alaska but got over it and enjoyed the story. 😉
I liked it but was not overwhelmed by the character development. However, I can see where I would teach to this book at the high school level. There are a lot of lessons in the book if dissected properly
I loved it, I haven’t read it since high school but it’s the reason I’m still obsessed with John green & all of his projects. It’s certainly YA genre so I’d take that into consideration before picking it up if you don’t normally like YA themes
The only thing of his that I didn’t like was An Abundance of Katherines… I had to put it down after only a few chapters. I’ll probably try again eventually but… I found it absolutely annoying!
Frankly, I did not care for it all that much. I really like the person of John Green, but I feel that his writings really try to force the emotion out of you by creating scenarios where you will cry. Just because you feel a strong emotion (and of course, which teenager doesn’t), does not always make for good writing. I sometimes feel manipulated by his stories. Will you cry? Probably. But I prefer something much deeper and stronger – not just a pull of emotion.
My favorite John Green book. It has some deep material and mature themes but beautifully and powerfully captures the intensity of emotions and experiences of growing up. Had lots of important conversations with my daughter after we both read it.
One of the books that got me hooked into reading. Have reread it a couple of times. A beautiful perspective on adolescence. I actually enjoyed it more than TFIOS.
I liked it but personally did not think it worthy of the GAR 100 list. There are many books that didn’t make the list that had better writing, characters, and plot.
It’s an engaging YA novel, but I didn’t love it. I really like John Green (especially after seeing the feature story on 60 minutes last week), but something about his books leaves me feeling very “meh” upon completion.
I enjoyed it. I think JG speaks well to his intended audience. He bravely brings up topics that many adults don’t want to discuss with teenagers and helps them to process their related emotions.
I just finished it. Would never read a YA novel were it not for seeing this talked about on Great American Read. I am far from ‘young’ but the themes are universally adult and thought provoking. That said, I had to get through about half of the book before I was really ‘into’ the story. Am very glad I finished it!
I had to close the book at one point because it remind me of a situation in my teens. I often think of this book and the characters. I like John Green’s writing style and have read everything but The Fault In Our Stars, on my list TBR. I love his humor.
@Sharon not obtuse at all. I did not like Alaska at all. As someone else mentioned, it is sort of like a current day version of Catcher in the Rye. While I loved Holden Caufield when I was 15 years old, I now find him to be a sniveling spoiled brat. Same goes for Alaska.
Check out 60 mins 7Oct; good feature on John Green. I reluctantly read FAULT IN OUR STARS for a terriffic discussion group on contemporary fiction. So l should’ve had no reluctance (terriffic selector of reads). FAULT was wonderful — chokingly hilarious in most unexpected circumstances from onset & touching. l woudn’t read others by Green (‘YA’ afterall & multi other commotments); but many — not YAs — loved ALASKA.
obviously didn’t leave much of an impression – I can’t remember it! Even after I read my OWN rating on Goodreads. All I remember is this author is depressing and death is his obsession
I’m a strange one, I know. Did NOT like Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice either. So I’m use to being in a minority if not all alone in my preferences. That’s the nice thing about books – to each his own
oh, but I am ;). I didn’t take your comment as an insult. It was just a statement of fact. I was unable to confess my dislike for Jane Eyre until this group. That’s why I love this group!
I have not read Looking For Alaska, but I read his book A Fault in our Stars. I can see where I would have loved it at 16, but as I get older I’m noticing that a lot of YA comes across as whiny to me. That’s just been my experience-I loved many up until about 5 years ago.
It’s on my list to read. I’ve heard really good things about the book!
I really liked it…
I am curious too. Put this on my might want to read list after watching show on Tuesday
That’s where I heard about it…I’m a chapter or two into it! Good so far!
Loved it!! My favorite John Green book. Made both my boys read it. One got mad at me because the book made him cry!
Couldn’t finish
I also did not finish this one.
Loved it!
John Green is like a young adult, hipster version of Nicholas Sparks. Something shocking will happen and his books will make you cry.
He’s a way better writer than Nicholas Sparks. 🙂
I’ve read a number of books by both and that’s why I have that opinion.
@Codie Yes, the emotional things they do have in common; it’s just John Green is considered a good writer and Nicholas Sparks is considered more of a popular, formulaic writer.
People have to consider someone a good author for them to become popular don’t they? How else do they sell all of those books? I can’t tell you how many patrons I’ve had come into the library gushing about James Patterson as such a great author, or Dorothea Benton Frank. And I think they’re terrible. To each his own. It’s as mystifying as 50 Shades being on this list.
Many badly written books are popular, unfortunately. 50 Shades is one example, as are Patterson and many others. Sounds like we both work in libraries & hear the same things 🙂
@Kristen I did, for almost 10 years! I’ve been a stay at home mom for the last 2 years. I would love to go back once my kids are in school.
@Codie fun! I’ve been a librarian for seven years after saying home with my kids.
I seem in the minority on this one all the time. I picked this one as well as Paper Towns up after *LOVING* The Fault in Our Stars and just did not care for it at all (Paper Towns was “meh” for me). Alaksa as a character was just horrible, the other characters weren’t as compelling and fun as TFioS. I got all the way through, but do not recommend.
Same!
I’ve read all three and completely agree with you.
That’s how I felt about An Abundance of Katherines! I couldn’t get past the first few chapters.
I agree.
@Meredith Shoot–I was hoping that one was better. It’s been on my used book store watch list, but I’ll push it back a bit… SIGH!
@Meredith It’s different, but very good if you keep with it.
Completely agree. TFiOS was the standout here. Alaska was awful and I found Paper Towns to be annoying.
I should mention that I did enjoy Turtles All the Way Down but not as much as THFiOS.
I read Paper Towns first and really liked it. Loved The Fault in Our Stars. Didn’t care for Alaska, but I think a lot of teens would like it. I did not like the teens-behaving-badly.
Was okay.
I loved it.
I liked it. I think it might be more meaningful in high school lol
Uh oh!! At least I will have read it and make recommendations to my high school granddaughter! ❤️
It’s not bad. It was in the hospital library collection a few years ago when I volunteered there. I remember being disappointed that it wasn’t about Alaska but got over it and enjoyed the story. 😉
It’s my favorite of John Green’s books.
I loved it too!
I liked it, I like YA. I liked the characters, they had intriguing life stories.
I liked it but was not overwhelmed by the character development. However, I can see where I would teach to this book at the high school level. There are a lot of lessons in the book if dissected properly
Amazing YA! I couldn’t put it down!
I loved it, I haven’t read it since high school but it’s the reason I’m still obsessed with John green & all of his projects. It’s certainly YA genre so I’d take that into consideration before picking it up if you don’t normally like YA themes
The only thing of his that I didn’t like was An Abundance of Katherines… I had to put it down after only a few chapters. I’ll probably try again eventually but… I found it absolutely annoying!
I was pleasantly surprised. It had laugh out loud moments and really sad moments.
Didn’t care for it.
Frankly, I did not care for it all that much. I really like the person of John Green, but I feel that his writings really try to force the emotion out of you by creating scenarios where you will cry. Just because you feel a strong emotion (and of course, which teenager doesn’t), does not always make for good writing. I sometimes feel manipulated by his stories. Will you cry? Probably. But I prefer something much deeper and stronger – not just a pull of emotion.
My favorite John Green book. It has some deep material and mature themes but beautifully and powerfully captures the intensity of emotions and experiences of growing up. Had lots of important conversations with my daughter after we both read it.
Lovely ?
I liked it. I thought he did an excellent job making the characters come alive in my mind.
Didn’t like it
It’s my sisters favorite John Green title
I really like John Green and thought this was my favorite of his books.
Loved it
Excellent book. Read it in 2 days.
Great young adult novel! But as an adult over 60, loved it!
Me, too!
Loved it. The teens in my school library love it. Somewhat like an updated “Catcher in the Rye”. Won the Michael Printz award for teen literature.
I really enjoyed it.
After John Green’s interview on 60 Minutes this past Sunday, I’ll probably read it eventually. Wasn’t interested before. He really impressed me.
One of the books that got me hooked into reading. Have reread it a couple of times. A beautiful perspective on adolescence. I actually enjoyed it more than TFIOS.
His books are a bit formulaic, but he does a great job of capturing an authentic adolescent voice.
Well said.
I liked it but personally did not think it worthy of the GAR 100 list. There are many books that didn’t make the list that had better writing, characters, and plot.
Haven’t read it, but I was also very surprised at some that made the cut.
I love that one! I’ve read it a few times. My favorite of his
It wasn’t on my radar at all before the last episode of GAR. Now, I might consider it at some point.
A good book–but not a classic.
It’s an engaging YA novel, but I didn’t love it. I really like John Green (especially after seeing the feature story on 60 minutes last week), but something about his books leaves me feeling very “meh” upon completion.
Good read.
My favorite book
Nope
I think it’s his best.
I really didn’t like it… I only finished it because I loved TFIIOS…
Not my favorite.
I liked it more than the most recent one
I wasn’t that crazy about it.
I enjoyed it. I think JG speaks well to his intended audience. He bravely brings up topics that many adults don’t want to discuss with teenagers and helps them to process their related emotions.
Loved it!
Intense but good.
Reading it now. If uou love Alaska, good insights past the usual tourist experience
Ummm. What? It has nothing to do with Alaska as a state. LOL.
Sue…you must have it confused with another book?!
Was also wondering what you mean. Alaska is the name of a girl. Although we have plenty of those here.
Ok,sorry for confusion. Evidently there is more than one book titled Looking for Alaska and I’m reading a different one than you. Enjoy your read!
Just finished it. About love, loss and forgiveness. Doesn’t matter how old you are to think more about these topics. I liked it.
I only just read it recently as an adult; it was the first John Green novel I’d read. I was impressed to say the least. It was intense.
Loved it
It was a great book!!
I just finished it. Would never read a YA novel were it not for seeing this talked about on Great American Read. I am far from ‘young’ but the themes are universally adult and thought provoking. That said, I had to get through about half of the book before I was really ‘into’ the story. Am very glad I finished it!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts ?
I had to close the book at one point because it remind me of a situation in my teens. I often think of this book and the characters. I like John Green’s writing style and have read everything but The Fault In Our Stars, on my list TBR. I love his humor.
Very good read, but not outstanding enough among the other GAR entries to get a vote from me.
Good. The writer puts in some interesting twists to
the story line. Worth your time to read it…
Have it in my nightstand as my next read and I was wondering the same thing!
My very least favorite of John Green’s works.
Which is your fav?
The Fault in Our Stars. Turtles All the Way Down second and Paper Towns a very distant third.
Thanks, Stacey . I have that book on my Kindle so I might read that before Alaska. I’ll probably borrow the latter from the library.
No to be obtuse, but wondering if you like Looking for Alaska but not as much as his other books. OR do you not care for it in general?
@Sharon not obtuse at all. I did not like Alaska at all. As someone else mentioned, it is sort of like a current day version of Catcher in the Rye. While I loved Holden Caufield when I was 15 years old, I now find him to be a sniveling spoiled brat. Same goes for Alaska.
Thanks
Check out 60 mins 7Oct; good feature on John Green. I reluctantly read FAULT IN OUR STARS for a terriffic discussion group on contemporary fiction. So l should’ve had no reluctance (terriffic selector of reads). FAULT was wonderful — chokingly hilarious in most unexpected circumstances from onset & touching. l woudn’t read others by Green (‘YA’ afterall & multi other commotments); but many — not YAs — loved ALASKA.
My favorite John Green book.
My favorite of his books is actually The Abundance of Katherines because it’s so funny.
I liked that one too. He really is a good author.
obviously didn’t leave much of an impression – I can’t remember it! Even after I read my OWN rating on Goodreads. All I remember is this author is depressing and death is his obsession
Hmm ? first comment like this about him…
I’m a strange one, I know. Did NOT like Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice either. So I’m use to being in a minority if not all alone in my preferences. That’s the nice thing about books – to each his own
@Merla I certainly didn’t mean to imply you were strange!
oh, but I am ;). I didn’t take your comment as an insult. It was just a statement of fact. I was unable to confess my dislike for Jane Eyre until this group. That’s why I love this group!
Speaking of Goodreads reviews, I laugh sometimes when I see a review I wrote maybe 5 years ago and don’t remember reading the book!
I adore John Green.
I think my daughter said it’s her favorite. Or was, until Turtles
Really disliked cheesy charcters
Wasn’t crazy about it.
All time favorite. Definitely a good read, especially if you like ‘Catcher in the Rye’ or ‘The Outsiders’
I have not read Looking For Alaska, but I read his book A Fault in our Stars. I can see where I would have loved it at 16, but as I get older I’m noticing that a lot of YA comes across as whiny to me. That’s just been my experience-I loved many up until about 5 years ago.
Love!!! My favorite of all of John Green’s books.