The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

The Fault In Our Stars
Author: John Green
Published by: Dutton Books


Hazel Grace is dying but not like you or me, in that abstract way that we think about our own mortality. She knows she's dying from sucky lungs that shouldn't be called lungs. Not depressed but not exactly outgoing, Hazel sits at home marathoning America's Next Top Model and taking college classes. Afraid that she's missing out on all the things teenagers get to do, her mom suggests she goes to a Cancer Kid Support Group. There, Hazel meets Augustus and Isaac, each with their own cancer story. But soon Hazel realizes that her cancer isn't everything. She can still live what short life she has left, albeit differently, but definitely to the fullest.

There aren't enough words in my vocabulary to praise this book the way it deserves.


John Green's ability to write a book about two cancerous teenagers and have millions of people relate to their story is a testament to his writing ability. No. Not ability - gift. The book isn't a tough read, you can do it in one sitting, but the emotions you feel afterward will leave you feeling like you've just run a marathon. A crazy, sad, funny, heart-crushing marathon.

What captured me were the true emotions that Hazel felt. These things that are not socially acceptable to say aloud. When they talk about the fact that dead people's Facebook pages fill up with heartfelt but saccharin comments I felt that she and I could be buddies. Her snark and witticisms aren't a sign of depression brought on by the cancer. They are a sign of her understanding. Hazel is a brave person. She is caring and wonderful and beautiful inside and out. It is no wonder that Gus liked her so.

But Augustus Waters was something else himself. So confident in himself that he would pursue Hazel. Confident enough to go after the things he really wanted, no matter how small. At first I was kind of annoyed by his machismo attitude, but eventually that falls away and you're left seeing Gus for who he really is.

The book itself may be about dying but it's more about living. And I absolutely loved it.

I give it 5 out of 5 cateyes.