Book Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Title: The Fault in Our Stars
Author: John Green
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Young Adult
Sensuality Rating: Sensual
Source: library
Published: January 10, 2012 by Dutton Books

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.

Insightful, bold, irreverent, and raw, The Fault in Our Stars is award-winning author John Green's most ambitious and heartbreaking work yet, brilliantly exploring the funny, thrilling, and tragic business of being alive and in love.

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Why I Read this Book: I’d been meaning to read this book for a while. I knew it would make me sob like a baby, so that’s probably why I didn’t read it sooner. But with the movie coming out on cable, the time had come (since I wanted to read the book first).

What I Liked: The feels. I was looking for an emotionally charged story to read, and I got it. I have to admit that things didn’t turn out exactly how I had initially expected. I can’t go into detail about this but there was one thing I was most certain about, which I was right about. But it wasn’t until a little more than half way through the book I realized how things were going to turn out, and I wasn’t quite ready. I was ready for a certain outcome, but not this. That said, this story wasn’t as predictable as I had thought it was going to be.

For being a story surrounded by such a depressing subject matter (cancer), there were sure some funny moments, most of which Augustus was the center of. And that’s how he is – he embodies a craziness, kookiness, and a weirdness that is fun to be around. He’s just a fun kind of guy. Everyone should have an Augustus in their life. One of his quirks was the cigarette he’d put in his mouth from time to time, and the meaning behind it. I get it – I get why he did that – but it was different and unusual.

Indifferent: The part that involves Peter Van Houten, the author of ‘An Imperial Affliction’, was a bit out there. It was interesting to read about Hazel idolizing this fictitious author and her desire to meet him and pick his brain about her favorite book (and his only piece of work). But at the same time it was bizarre and kind of off the beaten path. But I did like how his book paralleled with The Fault in Our Stars. It took me a moment to realize that but once I did it explained some of what Hazel was seeking.

What I Didn’t Like: I wanted more of an ending. I reached the last page and was like ‘that's it?’. Without giving too much away, I needed more closure. I almost felt like how Hazel felt after she read ‘An Imperial Affliction’. The Fault in Our Stars didn't end as abruptly or harsh as ‘An Imperial Affliction’ did but there's still the unknown and wondering after the last page is turned.

Memorable Moment:

“Really,” my dad said. “I wouldn’t bullshit you about this. If you were more trouble than you’re worth, we’d just toss you out on the streets.”

”We’re not sentimental people,” Mom added, deadpan. “We’d leave you at an orphanage with a note pinned to your pajamas.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t mind, Hazel Grace. It would be a privilege to have my heart broken by you.”

“Would it be absolutely ludicrous to try to make out?”

”There is no try,” I said. “There is only do.”

Overall Impression: I watched the movie adaption right after I finished reading the book (which I don’t recommend – I should have recovered a bit from the book first) and let me tell you, my eyes were swollen all day long. This is one of those soul-touching realistic young adult fiction novels that will forever touch your heart. Hazel and Augustus will stay with you long after you finish reading their tear-inducing story. And every time you think of their story, your heart will pang and weep a little.

Brianna’s Rating: