I first read this book many years ago when I was unable to understand the words and feelings of these characters. I felt it was a good sad romance, and nothing else. Now that I am much older, I can appreciate the intense emotions of the characters, and relate to more of the things they say than not.

However, the relatability or amount I enjoyed this book does not make it a good book. I keep it in my heart as a book of nostalgia, heatbreak, and a short read to get me motivated again, but sadly, I must critique this book to no end.

The manic-pixie-dream-girl-ification of Alaska is simply absurd. The fact that we learn next to nothing about her, and that the only things we know about her are through the horny eyes of the narrator doesn't help. I want to know more about her life, her feelings, her side of the story. The way Miles and The Colonel discuss her mood swings, as if it's worse for them than it is for her literally experiencing them. Her obvious mental illness is used to be an interesting plot point for Miles to work through, but only when he wants to.

This book is also quite an empty book. I think this is actually a skill of the writer, for I can tell it is purposely like this, but reading through everything Miles does in his life feels extremely medicore. He describes his life before transferring to the new school in quite a sad boring and lonely way, but I don't see how this new school is any better. The monotenous things he spends his day doing, the boring conversations he has, its all almost painful to read. The only interesting moments are, of course, when Alaska comes to save his boring little life, and then die 150 pages later to teach him lessons about the world. I believe it is an interesting read, but never a truly "good" read.

3.5/5 stars.