The Fault in Our Stars by John Green Published by Penguin on 2012-01-10
Genres: Social Issues, Young Adult
Pages: 336
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Synopsis:Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.
“This support group featured a rotating cast of characters in various states of tumor-driven unwellness. Why did the cast rotate? A side effect of dying.” (4).
Me (and everyone else who’s ever read it) at the end of this book:
I KNEW bad things were going to happen in this book. I had been told by everyone who recommended it to me that I would cry. I was told I would cry a lot. And cry I did.
The Fault in Our Stars follows the story of Hazel Grace Lancaster who is living with a cancer that afflicts her thyroid and lungs, causing her to drag around an oxygen tank at all times. While at her weekly support group, she meets the charming and handsome Augustus Waters, who is amazingly in remission. Hazel tries to keep Augustus at a distance, as she doesn’t want to hurt anyone with her likely death, but Augustus refuses to allow that. The two become close, believing they have at least some good years ahead of them. But then they receive shocking and shattering news that will either tear them apart or bring them even closer together.
This book was really hard to read because it was very blunt and honest in dealing with disease. I am so blessed to be healthy, and reading this book just emphasized that fact. The characters deal with some really terrible things, and it’s really inspiring how they handle everything. Which is ironic because Hazel goes on about how she is just surviving. She’s not doing anything extraordinary or inspirational.
The writing is so clever; even though it’s really tough material, there is still humor, which is so true to life.
“We are literally in the heart of Jesus,” he said. “I thought we were in a church basement, but we are literally in the heart of Jesus.”“Someone should tell Jesus,” I said. “I mean, it’s gotta be dangerous, storing children with cancer in your heart.”“I would tell him myself,” Augustus said, “but unfortunately I am literally stuck inside of His heart, so He won’t be able hear me.”(pg. 16).
Yep, this pretty much sums it up:
I am both excited and terrified to read more of John Green’s books.
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