Looking for Alaska by John Green

I listened to this story on my way to and from work. Set at a boarding school in Alabama we become familiar with Pudge, the Colonel and the unforgettable Alaska Young. Culver Creek sounds like a pretty interesting place to be receiving an education--for Pudge this learning extends outside of the classroom. He is in search of the Great Perhaps and the adventures awaiting him in a sweltering Alabama deliver him to that unknown precipice.

When one of the main characters exits the story the rest of the characters must deal with the loss in whatever way they can. Green lets us experience the struggles inherent in facing the mystery of life. His characters shine with individuality and mirror humanity's incessant need to both push the bounds and question authority. Read it now!

Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison

I read the delightful novel Angus, Thongs, and Full Frontal Snogging: Confessions of Georgia Nicolson by Louise Rennison. To be a bit more exact I listened to the audio book of this story and received strange looks while driving because of my uncontrollable laughter. If Georgia were to see me she would think me quite mad. Rennison lets Georgia tell her story through the use of diary entries that detail the inner workings of the female teenage mind and the extreme ups and downs that highlight a year seen through her eyes. Be warned: Georgia’s observations might lead one to smile unconsciously and chuckle with abandon.

If it isn’t already abundantly clear I really enjoyed entering the world created by Louise Rennison. Putting a humorous touch to the awkward teenage years only seems fitting and Rennison speaks clearly through her characters about the typical adolescent worries: peer pressure, love and self-image. Georgia’s relationship with her parents rings true and you get the sense that although they occupy the same house they operate within different universes. Georgia’s focus stays on those her same age namely Jazz, her best friend and Robbie the SG (Sex God). These relations can sometimes be sticky but they bring Georgia the most pleasure and allow her to find out more about herself.
Her baby sister is a source of great humbling to Georgia especially in a scene with Robbie when she blurts out that “Georgia took a big poo.” Despite this and other embarrassing situations, Georgia prevails during this year by standing up to peer pressure and being with the boy of her dreams. But as I learned in this novel everything is subject to change. Moods sink to the depths of hopelessness and magically rebound with a phone call. Who was a best friend one day can no longer be spoken to. Such is the teenage experience through the eyes of Georgia Nicolson and a time worth sharing with a hearty cheer.

The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier

Don't try to cross Archie Costello or the Vigils! Jerry stands his ground and refuses to sell chocolates for the school fundraiser. Repercussions abound as different forces work to make him follow the straight line. Evil characters shape destinies and their machinations go unpunished. By the end of the story you find yourself ready to support Jerry and fight back against those that deserve some form of retribution.

Alas this is just a story and the corrupt Brother Leroy, heartless manipulator Archie Costello and violent Emile are just out of reach. Defying the expectation of an uplifting ending, Cormier leaves the reader with an ache for justice against those that only produce hatred. I feel sorry for Jerry but glad that he moved in the affirmative to T.S. Eliot's question, "Do I dare disturb the universe?"

Teenagers will be able to identify with the peer pressure and blind actions of the sheep-like student body. On the surface Cormier seems to say that if you try to rock the boat you will be pummeled from all sides without mercy. This is the fate of Jerry. Gauging my reaction, however, I think Cormier leaves such a bitter aftertaste that I want to fight the forces of conformity and take a stand at whatever cost. Perhaps this will be the trace left in the adolescent reader and their future actions will take into consideration the sacrifice of one freshman who decided to say no.

The reading of this book reminds me of the visceral reaction to a car accident: the curious gaze trying to figure out what happened coupled with the guilt of having witnessed something tragic. Even though these are just made-up characters I feel that I should have done something to help Jerry out against the overwhelming forces he faced. Perhaps I’m reminded of times in my own life when the earth seems to tilt in a direction that always has me trudging uphill. Times when you might need a little help but might not know how to ask for it. I thank Jerry for facing the impossible without hope and achieving success through the small act of survival.