‘Joy and heartbreak skillfully interwoven’ could sum up this beautiful book from John Green. I’m a huge fan of Green’s writing: “Looking for Alaska”, “Paper Towns” and now “The Fault in our stars”, the latter being my favourite.

Superficially, this is a story of two teenagers (Hazel and Augustus or Gus), both cancer sufferers, who fall in love. But to tell that story is to sell the novel short, because it tells us so much more about our lives, why we live and how we should live.

Dedicated to Esther Earl, a teenage cancer sufferer who Green met as a chaplain in a children’s hospital, Green says: “She was an otherwise normal girl who was funny and smart and I wanted to capture those qualities in Hazel Lancaster.”

I GET these kids, painted so poignantly by Green, ordinary teenagers stuck in their pain of dying, and their even more excruciating pain of living! “You don’t get to choose if you get hurt in this world, old man, but you do have some say in who hurts you,” Gus pens (p.313).

This novel almost feels to me like a still life – as though Hazel and Augustus are teenagers caught glaring into the spotlight as we examine their lives, their humane and vulnerable beauty exposed, questioning the platitudes thrown at them by adults, catching the nuances of meaning in each moment, the blackest humour in everyday existence, all beautifully rendered in Green’s prose like a piece of art.

It’s love that triumphs in the end – ‘better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all’. Even though we know from the beginning that due to ‘the fault in their stars’, their love will not last, that the painful reality is that ‘some infinities are bigger than other infinities’, we are caught up in their fight to make meaning of their lives. Esther herself reminds us: “…don’t forget to be awesome — love, Esther.” And they are truly awesome, as is Green’s writing! Highly recommended. Mrs O.

BORROW ALL OF JOHN GREEN’S NOVELS FROM OUR LIBRARY – F GRE

Student Reviews

When you have cancer, everything causes depression. This is what Hazel Grace Lancaster believed before she met the future love of her life, Augustus Waters.

Hazel has been diagnosed with lung cancer and was expected to make an appearance at a support group, however she is unsure whether to attend. She soon realises that it was a good idea to attend as she meets an inspiring young man. The teenagers, both being cancer sufferers, begin to spend a lot of time together. They travel to Amsterdam in order to meet a famous author, Peter Van Houten. Hazel and Augustus’ relationship begins to flourish and their emotions are running high.

Hazel and Augustus share a close bond together due to their similarities in life. They both face many challenges throughout the story, which will affect them both physically and emotionally.

This captivating story, written by the famous John Green, became outstandingly popular when it was published in early January 2012. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the novel as it was a very moving yet beautiful story. Whilst reading ‘The Fault In Our Stars‘, it was very difficult to put the book down because there were constantly twists and turns included.

As a teenager, I found the story to be very relatable and interesting. John Green has educated readers about diseases and created awareness. He has included descriptive language to engage the readers and keep them entertained.

I would positively recommend The Fault In Our stars to readers of all ages who are looking a novel in the romance category. This book was an emotional story and definitely brought a tear to the eye. I would undoubtedly rate The Fault In Our Stars 5 out of 5 stars.

Lindsay F, Year 9

……

For Hazel, every day was a countdown to that moment when she won’t have to suffer the pain of cancer and just let go. However when the teenage romance starts, she begins to know the enjoyment of life. Augustus, another sufferer from cancer, meets the girl of his life, which somehow reflects the images of his ex.

It all began at the support group, when they caught each other’s eye and then progressed through to giving each other their beloved books. ‘An Imperial Affliction’ was given to Augustus and this book led them to commence an unforgettable journey. During their journey to Amsterdam they find the author of ‘An Imperial Affliction’, and face unbelievable truths and heartbreaking realities. Soon, more unreal difficulties are faced in Hazel’s life. How will these two teenagers go through these problems?

Another creation by John Green, this book has enthralled readers throughout the world. ‘ The Fault In Our Stars’ has been placed on the New York Times’ Bestseller list and has turned into a spectacular movie. This book definitely shows the style of the author’s writing and humour; also the plot of the story truly engaged me and I never let the book out of my hand.

I would definitely recommend this book to teenage girls, who are ready to know the reality of romance and who are expecting to laugh and cry.

Grace P, Year 9