The Fault in Our Stars: Book Review

Novel: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Release Date: January 10th, 2012
Publisher: Dutton
Format: Hardcover

Source: Purchased

Challenge: Contemporary Challenge 2012

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

Willa's Rambles:
   I didn't know if I had the strength to write the review of this book, because it was so emotional for me. I'm an avid John Green fan, and every time he releases another book, I go insane. The Fault in Our Stars is his best. Hands down. The emotional ride John Green takes you on is funny, heart felt, and beautiful all at the same time. You fall in love with Augustus, laugh with Hazel, and cry every chapter, because you love the characters and everything about them. 
   I wish I knew a Hazel. She is so strong and confident in herself to everyone else, but doesn't know how to deal with her cancer other in the way she has learned - to live her life around the cancer, which is really her only option. Hazel is quite bright (she's taking college classes, and graduated from high school. And she's sixteen.) and has a remarkable vocabulary that I'm very jealous of. I honestly wish I knew a Hazel, because that girl would probably change my life forever, and in her place, Hazel changed me. 
   Augustus and Hazel's relationship was amazing. The way they trusted each other and fell so in love with each other left you dizzy and craving more, and their relationship felt so real and easy to relate to, even if you aren't in their situation. They overcome their challenges together, and at times of need, they are there for each other. 
   I know I'm not doing this book justice. It deserves pages and pages of rambles, but I don't have that. Instead, I'm just going to tell you that if you know John Green, there's John Green mixed in with heart felt John Green mixed in with a bit of Hank. Also, I will direct you to Erin from Mint Tea and a Good Book's review, which might help you to realize how truly life changing this book is. Because it's just that: life changing.
   The Fault in Our Stars will have you laughing, crying, and questioning the ways you live your life all in one chapter, and then will dive into the next chapter and do it again. I'm in love.

  Recommendation to readers: Make sure you have a box of kleenex around at all times. They might will be needed.