The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Reviewed by Arthi J.
Grade 10

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green is a young adult novel about a young teenage girl named Hazel Grace Lancaster, who has been diagnosed with lung cancer for as long as she can remember. By now, she has lost all hope and has come to terms with what her life will be like with her diagnosis. At first, she is reluctant to attend a local cancer support group recommended to her by her parents, but she soon realizes after meeting a boy named Augustus Waters (diagnosed with osteosarcoma), that maybe it isn’t the worst thing.

Augustus is charming and witty, however Hazel can’t help but to push him away like everyone else in her life. Augustus is not like everyone else, however, and he keeps coming back. He is drawn to her in a way that Hazel doesn’t understand. As Hazel and Augustus embark on an emotional roller coaster of romance, sadness, and humor, including a trip to Amsterdam in search of Peter Van Houten, the author of An Imperial Affliction (Hazel’s favorite book), Hazel starts to realize that her life is more than just terminal . . . it is about to be completely rewritten.

This is one of the best books I have ever read and not at all just, as Hazel would put it, a “cancer book.” Behind Augustus and Hazel’s stories, lies many themes and morals that are up for the reader's interpretation. I really appreciate how John Green builds this heart-warming story out of the darkness and despair that comes with the topic of cancer. I can also honestly and proudly say that I cried during the ending of this novel (which is saying much because it takes a lot for me to cry).

I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone who is looking for a sweet, humorous, and, sadly, tragic love story to read. I thought that this was a beautifully, well-written novel and that the characters and plot were both unique beyond measure. So, get out your tissues and embark on this crazy, emotional roller coaster, and I hope you enjoy this novel as much as I did.