January 11th, 2012 ∙ Penguin Australia
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 313
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.
Review: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.
Hazel’s a spectacular protagonist. Even though I can't relate with her situation, I can relate with her as a person. In fact, I lost count of how many times I nodded my head in agreement with the things she said. With his gorgeous blue eyes, charm and quirky personality, Augustus Waters is heavenly. He and Hazel made a lovely couple; watching their relationship evolve was beautiful to read about.
This is not a good book to read at night. Not because it’s scary or creepy but because when you put it down for the night and attempt to go to bed it will keep you wide awake and have you tossing and turning. Well, at least that’s what happened with me. This isn’t just a book you can just switch off. Once you start reading The Fault in Our Stars, you become a part of it, there’s no going back.
My only complaint is you that some of the language was a bit over the top and felt unnatural; to be honest, I had some trouble comprehending some of the speech that was used. I understand that Hazel and Gus are intelligent and wise for their years but it felt disbelieving that a 16 and 17 year old were using this kind of language.
In reviews I've read, everyone says they sobbed their eyes out and whilst it was heartbreaking to read and I did shed a few tears I didn’t cry nearly as much as I originally thought I would.
Deep, meaningful and gorgeously written, this was my first experience reading John Green but I guarantee you it won’t be my last.
5/5
Hmmm.... this might be my re-attempt at reading John Green. The first book I tried wasn't for me. The writing was great. It just wasn't the type of book I enjoy. Maybe I'll like this one better, I dunno. Glad to hear you enjoyed it so much, though! :)
ReplyDeleteGive him another go. Currently reading a book which I haven't had a good experience with the author before. For some reason, we just didn't click - until now. Long story short, I'M IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK. I hope you give TFIOS a chance. You never know, you might juse love it!
DeleteI was one of those who cried way too much from this book:P I do agree that the language felt a little unnatural, but other than that I absolutely loved the whole story:)
ReplyDeleteApart from the language, I loved the story, too! ♥
DeleteOh, I'm so glad you loved it, Becca! Interesting it's not quite as much of a tear jerker as you expected, but I'm just so happy you loved it! I'm planning on reading it soon :)
ReplyDeleteYay, I hope you love it! It IS interesting. Especially since not opposed to crying in books, I actually enjoy a good (bookish) cry every now and then. WEIRD.
DeleteI like the bookish cry, too. It's a sure sign of a DAMN good book for me, when it moves me enough to cry :)
DeleteI really need to read a John Green book, every review of his books I read talks about how amazing of a writer he is, I am looking forward to reading a male author considering most YA authors are female. Great review, can't wait to read this book, I have been avoiding it only because everyone says it's such an emotional read and I am a super sensitive person so I have to be in the mood to be able to handle the emotions lol.
ReplyDeleteKristin @ Young Adult Book Haven
I SO get that. I was worried about picking this up because I thought for sure it would destory me. Whilst it didn't, I know what you mean. You must prepare yourself for emotional books.
DeleteI've been meaning to read this since it's release. Thanks for renewing my desire to do so! Great review!
ReplyDeleteHappy to! :)
DeleteGlad to hear you loved this! I did too. This book really played with my emotions . . . it really did. Anyway great review!
ReplyDeleteI might not have bawled my eyes like I thought I would but TFIOS definitely played with my emotions. What a rollercoaster! Thanks, Erin :)
DeleteGlad to hear that you didn't cried as much! :) I can't wait to read this book. It just sounds super good & sad. Great review. :)
ReplyDeleteTFIOS is GOOD and sad and one emotional ride. I hope you love it!
DeleteBECCA! You nailed it when you said, "Once you start reading A Fault in Our Stars, you become a part of it, there’s no going back."
ReplyDeleteThis was my first John Green and I'm glad I finally caved in to see what an amazing writer he is. This was SO EFFINGGOOD. And heartbreaking. But funny and smart and thoughtful too. Although I do agree with you about the language; at times it did feel a little too 'adult' for teens, even if they are intelligent. It didn't detract from my love of this book though. FANTASTIC REVIEW, blueberry cupcake <3
Awww, thanks, Brodie! ♥
DeleteFantastic comment, vegan chocolate munchie cupcake!
YES! I am SO glad you enjoyed this one! :) It's one of my favorites and I just LOVE Hazel and Augustus' romance. I cried so much while reading this one as well, but it was just so, SO worth it! Wonderful review! :D
ReplyDelete~Keertana
Ivy Book Bindings
Thanks, Keertana! I'm so glad this book made it on favourites list, it sure is amazing :D
DeleteI made the mistake of reading this at night. Not only was I a blubbering mess by the end, I then couldn't sleep because I just kept thinking about it! John Green is a genius. Awesome review and it was lovely meeting you the other night, will definitely have to do it again soon :)
ReplyDeleteI totally get what you mean! Whilst I didn't read it into the night (it seems I have restraint), TFIOS had me tossing and turning, it kept me awake for hours.
DeleteThanks! I hope we meet again soon, too! When bookish friends unite, anything is possible. ♥
BECCA! THE FAULT IN OUR STARS! JOHN GREEN! *dies* John Green is one brilliant author. When I first read Looking for Alaska, I was absolutely speechless. The Fault in Our Stars is definitely my favourite out of all the John Green books I've read. It's so well-written, Gus and Hazel are AMAZING characters and I cried so much while reading this book!
ReplyDeleteAwesome review, Becca! ♥ So glad you enjoyed it!
That makes me so excited, I've got Looking for Alaska on my shelf! Gus and Hazel are amazing, they made such a gorgeous couple. In fact, I was just replaying certains scenes in my head. Awwww! SO GOOD. ♥
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