What The Fault In Our Stars is about:
The Fault in Our Stars is the story of Hazel Lancaster and Augustus Waters, two Indianapolis teenagers who meet at a Cancer Kid Support Group.
Each time I read a John Green book I know that I'm in for an amazing experience. I think this is some of the best writing I've ever had the honor to read. I've read some heated discussions where people feel John didn't have the right to tell this story of young kids diagnosed and dying from cancer. I disagree. We are all together on this ride called life and sometimes that means writing and discussing life altering events that make us uncomfortable, angry, and hopeless. If we don't share experiences with one another how will we learn empathy?
Recommend? Yes. It will break your heart, but it is all worth it.
The following dialogue hit me in the gut:
We sat out there in the silence for a minute and then Gus said, "I wish we had that swingset sometimes."Source: I borrowed it from my son, Marc.
"The one from my backyard?"
"Yeah. My nostalgia is so extreme that I am capable of missing a swing my butt never actually touched."
"Nostalgia is a side effect of cancer," I told him.
"Nah, nostalgia is a side effect of dying," he answered.
Above us, the wind blew and the branching shadows rearranged themselves on our skin. Gus squeezed my hand.
"It is a good life, Hazel Grace."
p. 236
Six Sentence Bookish Thoughts #77
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I had no idea what this book was about until now. so sad but I bet I would be happy I read it.
ReplyDeleteI need to read this!! Thanks for the review Staci! Adding to my list!!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful selection of a quote! Makes me want to read it all over again!
ReplyDelete>. I've read some heated discussions where people feel John didn't have the right to tell this story of young kids diagnosed and dying from cancer.
ReplyDeleteI would have to disagree with this as well. I'm curious as to why anyone would object--do they see the subject as exploitative?
Anyway, my daughter loves John Green and I borrowed this book from her to read, so hopefully I will do so soon.
Great review.
Ah yes, I remember that passage. I read this book last year and really enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteI loved this book too. I agree that it's important to talk about topics that are difficult to face in real life. You mentioned that you borrowed the book from your son. Did he like it?
ReplyDeleteI bought this on Monday because I've heard so much about it. I plan to make time to get to it soon.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice when we get good books from our kids. I never would have read Bel Canto if I hadn't found it among the books my son left here.
ReplyDeleteThe audio version of this book has been on my iPod for months. I know it's sad and am waiting for the right time
ReplyDeleteI have heard such great things about this one!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a difficult book to read, and I can't imagine how tough it was to write. Such a sad subject.
ReplyDeleteBreak my heart? Eeek. Still if it's worth it
ReplyDeleteI've had this on my stacks for way too long and know when I read it, I will say that exact thing.
ReplyDeleteThis was an amazing book! I listened to the audio version and it just blew me away. My first John Green book. I am now a fan. Forever.
ReplyDeleteI loved this book too and that passage embodies why I listed it as one of my 5 favorite YAs of 2012. The author did once work counseling kids with cancer before he became a writer.
ReplyDeleteThis one is on my list. I've heard great things, and I love what you had to say about the author's experience and right to write this book.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a long time since I've read a YA book. This one seems to be a huge hit with teens and adults, so I'm going to have to get a copy and see what all the fuss is about. Have you read anything else by Green? Any other recommendations?
ReplyDeleteI recently read this and I was blown away. So sad, so beautiful. That guy can WRITE.
ReplyDeleteI've heard so many great things about this book. I still haven't read one of his yet.
ReplyDeleteIt really is a heartbreaking of a book, but so so so worth it!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a heart wrenching story. Even the quote gets you in the gut. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI do want to read a John Green book this year. Nice review
ReplyDeleteI have heard many good things about this author and I keep meaning to read one of his books. One day soon I will.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a major fan of Green's, but have this one on my iPod . . . waiting. I have to be in the right mood to listen to this one. I'm not too excited about having my heart broken.
ReplyDeletecouldn't agree with you more Staci ... "we are all together on this ride called life" - summed up perfectly.
ReplyDeleteI loved this one, as I've loved all of his books.
ReplyDeleteI've loved Green's earlier books but haven't managed to get my hands on this one yet. The quote alone would draw me in. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteI've been looking forward to your review of this book. I also read and loved and cried my way through it. I'm glad we both like it. And, thank you, Sarah Laurence for that bit of trivia. I didn't know the writer used to counsel children with cancer. Thanks for joining in, Staci!
ReplyDeleteSounds like this would make an interesting book club choice.
ReplyDeleteStill need to read Green and this one is at the top of the list.
ReplyDeleteI think this book would be too hard for me to read, but I've heard nothing but great things about it.
ReplyDelete