Review: The Fault in Our Stars

Title: The Fault in Our Stars
Author: John Green
Release date: January 2012
Age group: Young Adults
Pages: 318

Expectations

I've been wanting to read this book for a long time, but also never wanted to start reading it. I know reading this will be an emotional roller-coaster and I needed to be prepared for that.  I talked to another book blogger Katrina and we decided to read this together!

Synopsis from Goodreads
Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

Review

The first five chapters show us a great start of a very touching story. When I started reading this, I knew that I will be emotionally invested in the characters John Green describes so realistically. 

I immediately liked the main character Hazel a lot. She has a good sense of reality. She has a great sense of humor, which is always a plus for me. We get to see her connecting with Augustus (Gus). From the moment they meet, they seem to have some kind of deeper connection. I love Gus, he really gets Hazel and he is the person she needs. He understands her fascination for the book she has read over and over and he tries to help Hazel the best way he knows how.

I also liked the side-characters, especially Isaac. I really enjoyed reading about him and liked the moments with Isaac, Gus and Hazel a lot. 

The writing is so beautiful and rich. I really get the feeling that I read Hazel's thoughts and get to see the way she's trying to live her life, despite of everything going on.

An example of the exquisite writing:
Hazel's on the phone with Gus:
'And then the line was quiet but not dead. I almost felt like he was there in my room with me, but in a way it was better, like I was not in my room and he was not in his, but instead we were together in some invisible and tenuous third space that could only be visited on the phone.' 

Part of the book takes place in Amsterdam. It was fun to read about the city where I live, which made reading this more dynamic for me.

I definitely was crying my eyes out near the end, but still loved reading this story. It was definitely the roller coaster ride I thought it was going to be and I felt all kind of emotions reading this.

 I would recommend reading this, but only if you're up for it and ready to tackle this emotional read. It's beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time.

5 Questions
Katrina and me both answered these five questions about the book. Check out her review and answers to these questions: review TFIOS by Katrina

1. What was your favorite part of the book?

That's a hard one, because there are a lot of great moments in this book.
To name one, I loved the scene with the swing set. Gus doesn't pity her and that's exactly what she needs. He doesn't see her as a dying girl. When he looks at her, he sees a great, funny and smart girl who he can't be without.

2. Did you have a favorite character? If so, who?

I would have to say I loved most of the characters. If I need to choose a favorite one, I think it'l be Gus. He understands her fascinations for the book she has read over and over and he tries to help Hazel his way. I really like Gus' personality. He seems to fit Hazels'perfectly. He knows the struggles because he's been through the same process.

3. Was there anything that you didn't enjoy or would change about TFIOS?

Of course I wished the sad parts didn't happen, but at the same time, it because of those moments this book is such an amazing novel. It's very realistic and honest. At the end, I think changing things would take away some of the awesomeness of this novel. 

4. How did you feel when the book was finished?

 I cried reading the end of the book. I couldn't write a review right away, which is what I normally do right after reading a book.  I really needed a couple of days to process what happened.

5. If you could say anything to John Green right now, what would you say

I would say that I loved reading this and the story really grabbed me and didn't let go for a while. Reading this really motivated me to read more of John Greens books and I'm sure I will read more books by this author in the future!

Rating

I couldn't do anything else that rate this book my full 5 stars. I loved it and it gave me all kinds of feelings. I feel like there's so much I haven't said about the book, but I think you got to experience those things yourself and I don't wanna spoil that for you. If you have some time and a quiet place to read and cry, go ahead an read it!

Btw,the movie is coming out in June 2014, you can check out the trailer (I waited to watch it until I read the book, but that's just me) 

Happy Easter everyone!

Myra