[Book Review] The Fault In Our Stars (2012) by John Green
Plot Summary: 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.
Author: John Green
Publisher: Dutton Books
Genre: Young Adult Novel
Review: by Lee
Once again, I selected this book for my Christmas list after having read a preview on Barnes and Noble's website. When I found out that it would also be made into a movie, my desire to read it was solidified.
What I Liked:
The story itself was so simple, yet so poignant. It was very slice of life, but it was a slice of a very interesting and unique life, a slice that encompassed so much. It was heartfelt, and I cried several times in the course of reading it, especially when she was convinced that she was a “grenade” and wanted to limit the devastation she would cause when she inevitably detonates.
I also loved the story within the story. The main character, Hazel, was obsessed with a particular book about a young girl who had cancer. The book ended mid-sentence, letting the readers know that she had become to sick to continue her story or that she had passed away. Hazel’s obsession with what happened to everyone else in the novel was a testament to the kind of character she was, always thinking of other’s lives and how her inexorably untimely death would affect them all, and led me to agonize over whether or not The Fault in Our Stars would end likewise in the middle of a sentence. It created a sense of tension and suspense.
Apart from the actual plot, it was easy to connect with all of the characters. Even though they were going through things I have never experienced, John Green wrote them in a way that made them understandable. Their problems were real, and their reactions and emotions were not only concrete but also contagious. I fell in love with their love. I loved Gus. I loved both sets of parents, who were the most supportive and wonderful parents imaginable.
Finally, The ending is perfect. I just re-read it to make sure, and it made me cry all over again.
What I Didn’t Like:
My only real complaint about The Fault in Our Stars was that Hazel and Gus, the two main characters, were not necessarily very childlike. The spoke and wrote in ways that were highly atypical for people their ages. They articulated themselves like writers, not children. I understand that their circumstances forced them to mature a bit more quickly than most others their age, but it bordered on unbelievable.
Summary
The Fault in Our Stars was a very heartfelt, poignant story of a tragic love affair. If you’re prepared to cry your eyes out over and over again, by all means, this is the book for you.
Author Bio:
John Green is an award-winning, New York Times–bestselling author whose many accolades include the Printz Medal, a Printz Honor, and the Edgar Award. He has twice been a finalist for the LA Times Book Prize. With his brother, Hank, John is one half of the Vlogbrothers, one of the most popular online video projects in the world.
Author Links: Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads |Tumblr
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