Book Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Wednesday, June 26, 2013
I love reading. Books are amazing. They are a form of escapism, yes, but they are also inspiration, joy, and... well. Goodness. I think in some ways I have used my appetite for reading to define parts of my personality, so it made sense for me to review some of what I read! Here we go...




Title: The Fault in Our Stars
Author: John Green

Synopsis: "Despite the tumour-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon her 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."

My thoughts: Straight up, I have to say that this is not a book I would normally have picked up. I hadn't even heard of John Green before a friend mentioned him to me, and then subsequently sent me a copy of this book (thank you so much!).
I don't often read books about cancer patients, or wars, or anything that makes me feel immediately sad about the state of the world. After reading this book, I have realised how that view is so very naive and not something I wish to indulge in any more (though I completely understand anyone else wanting to continue on in that way).
This book blew me away. From when I was first introduced to Hazel, I found her to be someone I could understand, someone I could relate to - even though I have never had cancer. I find it strange to write about relating to someone with a terminal illness, but there were similarities between the way Hazel dealt with things and the way I deal with my chronic illness, and so I warmed to her. Augustus and Hazel have such interesting, intelligent, and witty conversations and, despite their young age - or perhaps because of it - I felt their emotions as strongly and vividly as if they were my own.
Look, I honestly don't want to spoil the reading of this book for anyone. I do not want to give away very much at all, because I feel that so much of it is integral to the ending. You can see in the blurb that the story isn't going to be happy-happy-sunshine-daisies all the way through, but John Green's writing in this book just pulls you in and shows you the lives of these characters in such a raw way.

I will admit that by the end of the book, I was sobbing. And, while I may be an emotional person overall, books don't often make me cry. So I think that says a lot for how invested I was in the lives of these characters, and how well John Green can tap into my heart-strings here. Because I don't want to give away much, I won't say anything more, but I would definitely recommend this book to everyone and anyone. Honestly.

You would like this book if: You like unconventional teenage romance; you love a good read that can rewrite the way you see the world.

Rating: 10/10

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6 comments:

  1. 10/10! Wowsers baby! I'd better get reading!

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    1. Haha well we're reading it together again, so that's fine :D <3

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  2. I'm so glad you loved it!!
    (Ps: Not sure if you saw this: http://zenpencils.com/comic/119-john-green-make-gifts-for-people/)

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    1. Me too! XD
      I DID. I was so surprised. Pretty sure the Universe is pushing me towards John Green? Idk. XD

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