Review: The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Release: January 10, 2012

Source: Purchased 

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 13, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now. 

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault. 

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind

I admit it: the hype behind this book and this author was too much to ignore. So, when I came across a signed copy of The Fault in Our Stars I had to read it. ASAP.

The Fault in Our Stars is about a girl, Hazel, who had cancer. She's in remission, but still suffers from the residual effects (meaning, she needs oxygen via a nasal canula to breath properly). Against her wishes, Hazel is encouraged to participate in a weekly support group. And that's where she meets Augustus.

Allow me a few moment to regain my composure.

*sighs*

Okay, I'm good.

I feel that this book is really about finding oneself. It's about learning to live life for the little moments. But it's also about the love between Hazel and Augustus and how it changed both of them for the better. Their banters, their chemistry, their love is tangible and real. I can't express how much I loved them both as individuals and as a couple. They're funny, snarky, and wise beyond their years. Sometimes a little too wise.

What's interesting about this book, though, is that it evoked in me feelings of both sadness and hope. For the most part, hope won out. Knowing this book was about cancer, I was prepared to shed a few tears. That really never happened. Instead, I found myself letting out a happy sigh as I read the last page. It's not what I expected, but I enjoyed it and I can definitely see why so many people love it too.

And now I am hooked. I must make time to read more books by John Green.

I know, I know. This review is rather short and lacking in details. I'm just scared of letting out a spoiler or two because I did that with another blogger friend (sorry, Nikki). So, my suggestion? Buy or borrow the book and read it. See what you think.

RATING: 5 SLICES