The Fault In Our Stars

So I am slowly going to work through the books which I have read this year so far. Today's book is The Fault In Our Stars by John Green. I saw a trailer for the film coming out this summer, and always feel it necessary - if not essential - to read the book BEFORE watching the film. This is one of those typical teenagery cancer books. Two cancer patients meet at a support group, Hazel, who is suffering and Augustus who is in remission. It was love at first sight, and incredibly quickly they find themselves on a romantic adventure in Amsterdam while they search for the author of Hazel's favourite book. All lovey dovey.

Except it's not. It never is in books like this, not really. I think that's one of the things that attracted me most to the book. It's realistic, there is no happy ending. The trip to Amsterdam isn't perfect. John Green deals with the harsh reality of the world exceptionally well, yet in a way which leaves you questioning every life choice you have ever made.

The Best Character?
Would definitely have to be Hazel. She has this way of making comments that are so bluntly true yet oddly uplifting at the same time. She is well aware of her condition, and the condition of those around her, yet there is another layer to her which is a lot more understanding than we are first shown. She is so afraid of hurting people that she won't give them a chance to get hurt. She blossoms from the girl who is doing basically nothing every day into a girl dining under the stars in Amsterdam on an adventure across the world. She understands that there is no way of preventing what will happen, but she also attempts to see the best in everyone and everything.

Although Augustus is not to be ignored. He has that cheeky, arrogant yet charming personality that comes with good looking teenage boys. What I like best about him is that despite his suffering he never drops his character. Right until the end he is attempting to charm Hazel with his wit, and is determined to remain independent. I think that's what adds another layer of emotion to the book.

I didn't cry like everyone said I would, and it's not that I'm emotionless (I have cried so many times), but instead I finished the book feeling really positive and with a completely new outlook on day to day life. If you are in need of a little kick into reality, and a book that will really make you think about any self pity you are suffering from, and the choices you make I strongly recommend this book (plus you only have until the summer until you lose your imagination's own perfect image of Augustus before the film takes over)

I shall leave you with one of the best quotes from the book,

"Our fearlessness shall be our secret weapon"