The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
The Fault in Our Stars is my favorite movie in the whole wide world. I can recite the movie from beginning to end. I watched my sisters copy of the DVD so many times, it stopped working. I know this movie like I know the back of my hand. But, I have a confession to make.. I have never read the book. *gasp* I know. I'm one of those people. I made it my goal this semester to read TFIOS so I no longer have to be one of those people.
If you have yet to hear about this incredible piece of art, let me give you a brief overview. Hazel Grace Lancaster is forced to attend a support group for cancer patients. (Literally, in the heart of Jesus). At this support group, Hazel meets Augustus Waters. Hazel originally was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, but it spread to her lungs. Hazel uses an oxygen tank 24/7 because of this. Augustus had osteosarcoma. He is now cancer free due to having his leg amputated. The two exchange book recommendations after hanging out one afternoon (outside of support group!). Hazel is to read The Price of Dawn and Augustus is to read An Imperial Affliction. An Imperial Affliction is to Hazel as The Fault in Our Stars is to me. Augustus reads her recommendation and he too falls in love with the book. Augustus decided to use his wish (similar to Make A Wish) to take Hazel and himself to Amsterdam to meet Peter Van Houten, the author of An Imperial Affliction. Turns out, this man is NOT who they thought it would be. He is a mean drunk who refuses to answer any of their questions. While the two were in Amsterdam, Augustus breaks the news to Hazel that his cancer is back and it has spread to just about every part of his body. When they return from their trip, Augustus organizes his own funeral. He asked his best friend, Isaac, and Hazel to give a eulogy at his prefuneral. When Augustus passes (I'm so sorry I spoiled the book for you, but I have to give an honest review!) Van Houten attends the funeral. He finally answers the questions Hazel asked him while in Amsterdam. Before Augustus died, he sent Van Houten his sequel to An Imperial Affliction. At the funeral, Van Houten gives the papers to Hazel. The book AND movie end with a quote from Gus' sequel that says, “You don't get to choose if you get hurt in this world...but you do have some say in who hurts you. I like my choices.”
I can't decide whether I like the movie or book more. Surprisingly, I didn't cry with either one. This story means the world to me. Teenage love is so pure. Throwing scary words like "cancer" and "death" into the mix is terrifying. I couldn't imagine having a diagnosis as such at seventeen. I couldn't imagine losing the love of my life at seventeen either. I recommend this book (and movie) to literally everyone. John Green is an incredible author. TFIOS is based in Indiana, which makes the story feel close to home. If you get a chance, look into this story! You will not be disappointed, I promise.
Hi Kara!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this book! I was like you and watched the movie before reading the book. I think this is one of the VERY RARE cases that the movie is just as good as the book. I can't believe it doesn't make you cry! I cry every.single.time! I agree with what you said about teenage love being so pure. Obviously, teenagers have so much to learn about love, but they love hard and without hesitation.
Becca