The Fault in our Stars by John Green is a modern classic that has had a lasting impact. If you haven’t read the novel or seen the movie, void all spoilers until you so do. Then you can see for yourself why this novel has connected with so many people all over the world.
The Fault in Our Stars: Summary
Hazel Grace Lancaster is a 16-year-old who is attending a cancer patient support group. She has thyroid cancer that has spread to her lungs and only attended the meeting to please her nagging mother. In the meeting she meets Augustus Waters who lost his right leg because of osteosarcoma and is currently in remission.
The two of them start talking and agree to read each other’s favorite novels. After finishing Hazel’s favorite novel An Imperial Affliction, he is disappointed that the novel finishes off without a proper conclusion.
That starts the journey for them to seek out the author and find out what happened to the protagonist Anna. But hardships strike them that make life difficult. Will they find out what happened to Anna as they fight cancer?
Commentary
John Green may have written a modern classic with this novel. It is very well written and a rollercoaster of emotions. And don’t get me started about how detailed and realistic the characters are.
When an author has your heart going through many emotions, then you picked up the right pick. He tackles a tough topic and does it justice. The novel went on to be very successful and rightfully so.
If you haven’t read this novel because it is a young adult novel, then you are missing it. I would say this novel transcends genres. Green’s writing is top-notch and his witty writing speaks for itself. That is why Time named it the best fiction novel of 2012.
Conclusion
The Fault in our Stars Paperback EditionI have seen both the movie and read the book and I have to say both are good in their own way. If you have seen the movie or read the book, then you know what will happen. However, reading it in a different medium highlights different aspects of the book which is worth watching the movie and reading the book.
In The Fault In Our Stars by John Green, he builds a story out of darkness and despair. He takes the tragedy of cancer and immerses us in the lives of characters that could very well be real. Many know of the heartaches in dealing with those who fight the fight, and many of those scars last a lifetime. He brings his story in the form of a teen girl, Hazel Lancaster. Stricken with cancer from a young age, she believes she has come to terms with what her life has become. Then she meets a young man, Augustus Waters, a survivor of cancer. He is drawn to her in a way that is initially uncomfortable, and as she tries to push him away in her sarcastic vein, he finds her to be exactly the type of girl he has been looking for. Throughout the story there is a beauty and humor, a 'candle in the wind' for each of those whose lives have been touched by such an uncaring disease. For cancer touches not just the victim but all those who love and are in anyway touched by them.
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Be prepared for a story of romance and anger, excitement and humor, and friendship and bravery for that is the direction we are led as Green develops the personality of a group of teens that have the courage to bring both laughter and tears. The stories that encircle each individual give you a glimpse of the character and daring as well as abiding hope. Hidden within that strength they also hide the depression and hopelessness as they try hard to protect their family and friends by showing only the smiles and strength whenever possible.
Written so beautifully your heart and emotions melt, you come to be a part of this group as well as their families, their triumphs, and their losses. The friendships as well as the depths the families go through preparing for the worst while holding out hope is like a beacon of light.
The courage and humor, the energy and despair all keep you on a roller coaster of emotion. Green takes you on a journey both terrible and beautiful.
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While a difficult book to categorize I found it to be one of the most important finds of the last few years. Green shines a light on cancer in a way that sends a tremor of intent awareness, an incandescent monument to those that have both won and lost the fight, as well as the damage done to those closest. The story blasts away the veil of secrecy and hooks you from the very beginning.