“That’s the thing about pain. It demands to be felt” (John Green, The Fault in Our Stars)

This quote captures the inspiring heartfelt themes that are depicted in The Fault in Our Stars written by the infamous John Green.  The novel itself dives deep into themes of illness and healing, and the wonderful ways that people can impact your life.  

Summary:

The novel centers around  a young 16 year-old Hazel Grace Lancaster, who is dealing with thyroid cancer and goes to a support group for other people who are dealing with similar cancers. While there she meets Augustus Waters, a 17 year-old boy who is in remission from osteosarcoma and has lost a leg.  They form a bond as they talk about shared humor, literature, and big questions about life and morality. 

Augustus helps Hazel fulfill a long time of wish. They travel to Amsterdam to meet Peter Van Houten, the reclusive author of An Imperial Affliction, in hopes of finding out what happens after the abrupt ending of the book. Along the way, their relationship deepens; they explore what it means to love someone when you know that you only have limited time.

The longer that they spend time together the more they understand that their respective diseases carry uncertainty and pain. 

Review:

For as long as I have loved reading I have always had a special place in my heart for the books that John Green writes. The way he writes characters that embody what it’s like to be a teenager has always resonated with me.  When I decided to read the book I had an idea of what the plot of the book would be, however I never anticipated the emotions that I would feel when reading would stick with me to this day.

The novel is written in a casual tone while talking about serious topics which makes it feel much more intriguing as if you were there in the room with the characters having the conversation. The duality of writing is what makes John Green books my personal favorites. 

Hazel’s character is self aware of her situation and knows that she doesn’t have forever, and this influences her relationships and actions. She is complex in every important way. When reflecting on the novel you can notice the way her actions appear mature but that they are quite the opposite as they are often made with Hazel wanting to protect herself and others from getting hurt. She’s a caring person to her core, who is scared of change and being a burden on others. 

Augustus’ character on the other hand wears his scars physically and mentally. He’s charismatic and charming and seems to light up every room he goes into which attracts the attention of Hazel. His character is seen through the eyes of Hazel yet he still seems so full of depth and intrigue. Once their relationship starts she helps dissolve the facade that he puts up,  as they become more comfortable with each other we begin to see the true raw character of Augustus. 

The novel shows how everything can change in an instant and that to live in fear, is no way to live. In the most heartbreaking way possible John Green has taught me the most important life lesson that there is–living life to the fullest is the best and only way to live. 

I would give this book: 📚📚📚📚 📚– wonderfully deep and heartfelt and is the kind of story that is utterly unforgettable! (5/5)

Love, Julia

GFB Ambassador