Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Published: 2012, Dutton Books

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary

Source: Hardcover won in contest hosted by Allison

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You don't get to choose if you get hurt in this world...but you do have some say in who hurts you. I like my choices. I hope she likes hers.

After reading An Abundance of Katherines and not being its biggest fan, I wasn't sure what would happen with my second attempt to read a John Green book, or even which of his books I should read next. Fortunately my choice was made for me when I received a copy of The Fault in Our Stars via a contest. And honestly this book should probably have been my introduction to Green's works. It provided a reading experience I was able to enjoy and savor. Although I've now had a more positive (or, at least, moving) experience, I am not sure what expectations I should have towards Green's remaining books.

Hazel Grace Lancaster was diagnosed with terminal thyroid cancer years ago. Although modern treatments have caused her tumors to miraculously shrink, her doctor appointments and hospital visits are not focused on curing her, but rather finding ways to extend her remaining years. Hazel thinks she has accepted her prognosis, preferring to spend her time at home with her parents; she does not reach out to many people outside of her parents, afraid to become a ticking time bomb for others. But once she meets Augustus Waters at a cancer support group, she begins to question what she wants out of life and how she should live her remaining years.

Hazel is not quite depressed, but she has also become rather complacent with her mostly isolated life and doesn't make many efforts to do things outside of the ordinary (and really, who can blame her?). She's been told she's dying for years. A few years ago she actually was all set to die, only to have a miracle cure buy her some extra time. In the midst of such a struggle, it would be very easy for Hazel to become selfish, to think of all the things she's missing, those she'll never experience. But that's not Hazel. Caring and compassionate, she puts others first and is very much aware of the potential she has to affect others. Hazel also appreciates the arts, especially poetry and prose. I loved that she not only appreciated literature, but how she was able to understand it and adapt it to her own life.

Although Hazel is technically the protagonist and the story is actually told through her first-person perspective, I'd argue that Augustus is just as much a leading character. This is Hazel and Augustus' story. August Waters is atypical in every way imaginable. A former basketball star who lost a leg to osteoscarcoma. Philosophical, appreciative of poetry, and incredibly friendly and charismatic. His greatest fear is to disappear into oblivion. Perhaps he doesn't sound like a normal teenage boy, but then again he's not, not really. He and Hazel both have had to deal with so many unfortunate circumstances throughout their young lives and have had so much time for self-reflection and self-teaching. If neither of them acts too much like a teenager, I can actually accept that.

In this very character-driven novel, even the secondary characters are given their chance to shine. Augustus and Hazel's friend Isaac from cancer support group is wonderful. In many ways his story is just as tragic as theirs, but he infuses the story with more wit and humor. And it was nice to see Hazel and Augustus interact with another person their age. Hazel and Augustus' families are both amazing support systems, which was so nice to see. And I'd be remiss without mentioning Hazel's literary idol, Peter Von Hauten. I was torn between rolling my eyes in annoyance and laughing in each scene where Hazel encountered him.

And as for the romance? It's a huge part of this book. And for once I really enjoyed it and how fitting it was to the story. Hazel and Augustus have already lost control over so many aspects of their lives, but at least they're able to make the choice to love one another. Their romance is poignant, tender, and so, so bittersweet. It also functions as a system of hope within the novel, which was definitely necessary. Their romance is a perfect meeting of souls and it made me so happy to see this piece of happiness in the midst of so much struggle and pain.

Yes, The Fault in Our Stars is a cancer book. But it's also so much more than that. It's about human behavior in extreme situations, and also about choices, hope, first love, and moving forward with one's life. Green brings up so many heartwarming messages that I'm sure the book will continue to resonate with me for quite some time to come. And yes, I did cry quite a few times.