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. - Goodreads.com
So I haven’t allowed myself to read any reviews about this book. I really wanted it to be my own experiences both before and after reading The Fault in Our Stars (TFioS).

I stated before that I pre-ordered this book back when we all eagerly awaited its printing. I remember being so excited when it came out and then something happened and I wanted to savour it so much that I didn’t actually read it. Cue life and work and being a busy adult and suddenly I realised I still haven’t read a book I so eagerly anticipated.

So last night I sat down to start the book and only put it down once I had finished. TFioS is an emotional roller coaster. There were pages where I was both laughing hysterically and crying uncontrollably . I have always been a huge fan of John Green. I love that he writes thee-dimensional characters who are intelligent. He doesn’t belittle or put down a book about teenagers. He doesn’t simplify it. He leaves the reader thinking, which is one of the biggest rewards any book can present to its reader. TFioS did just that. It didn’t fall short.

The topics in this book weren’t all uplifting and miraculous and, despite what many have told me, the ending was not what made this book sad or tragic. This story was a sad story because whilst it is a work of fiction, it also reflected the battle so many face on a day to day basis. Teenagers and children shouldn’t be made to face such situations, and yet TFioS pointed out that in the real world this is how things happen. And while there were so many heart breaking moments within this text, the book also provided a warm message of hope, and strength. It allowed the reader to see the amazing abilities of a support network and how even the smallest of relationships or the tiniest if actions can mean the world to someone.

I loved the characters in this book, Hazel and Gus, our two leads, were brilliant. I felt real chemistry between the two. They both possessed an intellectual mind and wicked sense of humour which suited them perfectly. I think I found it so fitting that they would disagree over deeper topics and debate back and fourth, It showed a realness to them. Any arguments that these two characters didn’t behave like ‘normal teenagers’ are accurate, only because they weren’t normal teenagers. The were teenagers who had to face some harrowing challenges. They were fighters who at times were unaware of their own strengths. At times yes they were bratty teenagers, and when those moments presented themselves the were rewards for the two who had to grow up so quickly and face the harsh reality of life at it;s bleakest. The character if Isaac was in the very same position at Hazel and Gus. He fought just as hard as the two and demonstrated similar qualities.

The supporting character, especially Isaac, left just as big of an impact on me as the leads. From the parents of Hazel, Gus and Isaac, to the aloof author and the network of friends the teens had amongst them, it was easy to see how this world revolved around so much unknown disrepair and yet the focused on the positive and never allowed these situations to truly stop break them.

I have to give this book a 4.5 out of 5. I want to re-read it over and over again. I love the fact that this book brought on so many emotions, thoughts an ideas. It was a powerful read. I recommend it to all, young and old. I will say have a box of tissues ready and some chocolate.


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