I've been looking for some good young adult fiction that would be appropriate for and appealing to high school girls and boys. This book comes highly recommended on many book lists, and the title caught my attention. 
 The book definitely grabs your attention early on and keeps it throughout. Miles, the main character, has arrived at boarding school in Alabama to finish his junior and senior years of high school. He has led a fairly boring life, and has not really "fit in" with kids in his previous schools. In short order, Miles meets other students who are as unique and quirky as he is, and they all become friends. "Pudge", as Miles is nicknamed by his new-found friends, is most enamored with Alaska Young, the girl who lives down the hall. Alaska is beautiful and funny, moody and adventurous, and Pudge find himself loving her and in love with her. 
 Pudge, Alaska, and the rest of their gang of friends have several adventures, and Pudge learns much about friendship, love, and life. John Green writes some beautiful passages in this book, and addresses those themes that are common to all people-- young and old. 
 This book has aspects that may be objectionable to some parents. There is plenty of adult/ graphic/ vulgar language-- but none of it is anything most teens won't have heard before, and it lends authenticity to the novel. My greatest concern-- both as a teacher and a parent-- is the content in the book related to alcohol, smoking, and sexuality. There are numerous instances of underage alcohol and tobacco use, and a few scenes are quite graphic about sexuality, though no actual instances of intercourse are described. Green is quick to point out that his intended audience for this book was high-schoolers age 14 or higher. I would probably let my 15 year-old read the book, but this is one that definitely deserves to be monitored by a parent.