The Fault In Our Stars, written by John Green of the vlogbrothers, is one of the most
enthralling and realistic works of fiction I have read in a very long time. The story is
captivating, page turning without being overly dramatic. Often times I have found that in
an attempt to captivate readers, authors leave outrageous cliffhangers at the end of
chapters. Green needs no such ploy. Green is able to describe the characters in a way
that makes you feel like youʼre watching a movie. Clear images are aroused in the
readers mind without lengthy and boring descriptions. Rather than bore the reader,
Green allowed the actions and tone of the characters to illuminate who they are. The
actions are so real, it is easy to image having these conversations over a glass of wine
after a dinner party with friends.
This was a book that I went from sobbing out loud, to laughing within two paragraphs, and it felt natural. Hazel and Augustusʼs struggles were real, as a reader I felt like I was going through their turmoil with them. Even through their hardships, they tried to find humor and happiness where they could. Despite this, they still would retreat to solitude and anger, normal reactions that again made them seem so real it is hard to remember they are simply characters in a story.
Following the story of sixteen year-old Hazel on her ending battle with cancer, Hazel has all but given up on associating with the world. Preferring the company of reality TV marathons and rereading a book by her favorite author, Hazel has decided that she wishes to spend whatever time she has left in solitude. After being forced by her mother to attend weekly support groups for teenagers with cancer, Hazel meets Augustus. Clearly smitten with her, Augustus begins an attempt to court her. Hazel accepts his friendship, but tries to ignore her reciprocating feeling, knowing she will eventually leave the cancer-remittent Augustus. Succumbing to her feeling, the two delve into an intense and loving relationship. Shortly after their first sexual experience together Augustus reveals that his cancer is back, and has spread throughout his body, leaving him little time and no treatment options. The final weeks are a strain of Hazel, watching Augustus whither into a pitiable boy, and shows true emotion when she is frustrated or sickened by what she sees. He reactions are not a sugar coated version of how you are suppose to act, but rather what feels of reality, and true thoughts when watching someone piss themselves and not have the strength to stop from vomiting on oneself. The book ends shortly after the death of Augustus, and before Hazelʼs. An ending that has to be one of the most powerful and beautifully honest pieces of writing I have ever had the pleasure to read. While much of the bookʼs main outline is here, the very ending I will not spoil for you, but rather encourage you to read.
This was a book that I went from sobbing out loud, to laughing within two paragraphs, and it felt natural. Hazel and Augustusʼs struggles were real, as a reader I felt like I was going through their turmoil with them. Even through their hardships, they tried to find humor and happiness where they could. Despite this, they still would retreat to solitude and anger, normal reactions that again made them seem so real it is hard to remember they are simply characters in a story.
Following the story of sixteen year-old Hazel on her ending battle with cancer, Hazel has all but given up on associating with the world. Preferring the company of reality TV marathons and rereading a book by her favorite author, Hazel has decided that she wishes to spend whatever time she has left in solitude. After being forced by her mother to attend weekly support groups for teenagers with cancer, Hazel meets Augustus. Clearly smitten with her, Augustus begins an attempt to court her. Hazel accepts his friendship, but tries to ignore her reciprocating feeling, knowing she will eventually leave the cancer-remittent Augustus. Succumbing to her feeling, the two delve into an intense and loving relationship. Shortly after their first sexual experience together Augustus reveals that his cancer is back, and has spread throughout his body, leaving him little time and no treatment options. The final weeks are a strain of Hazel, watching Augustus whither into a pitiable boy, and shows true emotion when she is frustrated or sickened by what she sees. He reactions are not a sugar coated version of how you are suppose to act, but rather what feels of reality, and true thoughts when watching someone piss themselves and not have the strength to stop from vomiting on oneself. The book ends shortly after the death of Augustus, and before Hazelʼs. An ending that has to be one of the most powerful and beautifully honest pieces of writing I have ever had the pleasure to read. While much of the bookʼs main outline is here, the very ending I will not spoil for you, but rather encourage you to read.
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