A Fault in Our Stars Review

Goodreads

Okay it's been a few weeks of crazy but I am finally going to review A Fault in Our Stars, by John Green.  If you didn't know, I was extremely excited to read this book.  My friends recommended the book to me and after reading the first chapter on Amazon I had to order it. (As a side note I love when you can read the first few chapters of books online.  There really is no other way to know if you like the writing style).  Because I have clearly not entered the decade of reading from a Kindle, I had to wait a few days to get my hands on it but once I started I couldn't put it down.

Before I get into all the reasons I think you should read this book here is the blurb from Goodreads to tempt you.

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.  

I know what you're thinking.  Is this really just another YA book about sick kids battling cancer?  What a cry fest, and you are partly right.  I broke down at the end of this book.  In fact, I had to stop a few times and tell myself what was happening wasn't real and everything in life was going to be okay. To describe this book as just a cry fest, though, is not doing it justice.  

First of all, in his character, Hazel, John Green has crafted an amazing voice.  She is cynical, yes I'm sure any kid dying of cancer cannot help but be a little cynical at one point or another, but she is also interesting to read.  She's funny, insightful, and wise in a way that very few 16 year olds are.  However, Hazel was also just a likable character, in my opinion.  

Then there is Augustus Waters.  What can I say about him other than that he is the perfect human being.  He is funny, charismatic, and a delight to read about.  The best part about his character is that he has flaws, like anyone else, but you learn about them slowly and he fleshes out by the end of the book.  I felt like I knew him so well.  

So despite despite this book focusing on a dying girl it was a fun read.  Even during the saddest parts of the book John Green inserts little bits of humor so you are laughing and crying at the same time.  I went through so many emotions while reading and at one point I was so close to throwing this book across the room (if you've read it you probably know which part I mean).  Overall, this book was a great way to break of the piles of work that are slowly taking over my life.