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ashylibrarian 's review for:
The Fault in Our Stars
by John Green
4.5/5 (physical)
This. Book. Was. Great.
The Fault in Our Stars is the first John Green that I have read, and the hype did not disappoint. I am usually turned off to books or authors that are super hyped because I feel that my hyped-expectations never reach the real expectations. This book, however, met and even exceeded my expectations. I also wanted to preface by saying that I had seen the movie multiple times before reading this book, so I kind of knew what to expect going into it, but *shocker*, I still have to say that the book is better than the movie - though I think the movie is pretty good!
Green's writing and storytelling are so natural, raw, and real, and his characters are extremely developed and dynamic. This really helped me understand the emotions and decisions made throughout the book because I have not experienced the same traumas as the characters.
I had an instant appreciation for Hazel because her character was real and honest. The first page starts off with Hazel's internal dialogue telling the reader (rather grumpily) about her mental health and what her parents and doctor recommend she do. The narration feels casual and not glorified, something I really appreciate Green for throughout this novel. Many of the characters struggle with extreme difficulties, like illness, mourning, and heartbreak, and instead of giving these situations an idolized tone, Green presents them in what feels like a raw, real, traumatic manner.
The relationships throughout the book are deeply complex and developed, and they really made the dialogue exciting and attention-grabbing. Firstly, I absolutely adore the relationships between Hazel and Agustus! From the moment they meet, it is clear that there is a connection in the acceptance of their current situations. Both characters develop and grow so much throughout the story, and they truly compliment each other so nicely. I've already briefly spilled my feelings about Hazel, but let me tell you how I feel about Gus (**insert dramatic heart-eyes here**). Gus is so understanding and supportive and amazing, and I truly fell in love with his character. He really seems like THE ideal friend to have. And, of course, the relationship between Hazel, Isaac, and Agustus makes a humorous, fun trio that faces hardship but also lives life to the fullest.
I was especially drawn in by the connection and interest of Hazel (and later Gus) to An Imperial Affliction and Peter Van Houten. I feel that it really struck the inner book lover in me by the way she was so passionate and invested in Van Houten's story. But I can't, of course, look past how much of a jerk Van Houten is initially. Even though I knew it was coming (because I have seen the movie), I was still taken aback by how rude and crude he was to Hazel and Gus when they first met him. I started to warm up to him later in the book, but I was still initially shocked and, thus, put off by his character a wee bit.
The only reason I did not give this book a full 5/5 stars was because some of the plot points felt a little bit...strange(?). The points that stand out to me are actually both about Van Houten. The first was the fact that Hazel did not even think that Van Houten could have experience with or relations to someone with cancer. She kept exclaiming that the book was very accurate and she understood the ending so well, but she never once alluded to knowing, or even thinking, that Van Houten could have a connection to cancer...This just did not feel 100% authentic. The second was at the end of the book when Hazel was attending Gus's funeral and Van Houten just shows up unannounced and seemingly unwanted. I just felt like there should have been more reaction from Hazel or her parents, especially since Hazel's mother knew what he said and how he behaved in Amsterdam.
Either way, this book is amazing and by far one of my highest rated novels! I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a cute, raw, realistic read. I can't wait to dive into more John Green books!
This. Book. Was. Great.
The Fault in Our Stars is the first John Green that I have read, and the hype did not disappoint. I am usually turned off to books or authors that are super hyped because I feel that my hyped-expectations never reach the real expectations. This book, however, met and even exceeded my expectations. I also wanted to preface by saying that I had seen the movie multiple times before reading this book, so I kind of knew what to expect going into it, but *shocker*, I still have to say that the book is better than the movie - though I think the movie is pretty good!
Green's writing and storytelling are so natural, raw, and real, and his characters are extremely developed and dynamic. This really helped me understand the emotions and decisions made throughout the book because I have not experienced the same traumas as the characters.
I had an instant appreciation for Hazel because her character was real and honest. The first page starts off with Hazel's internal dialogue telling the reader (rather grumpily) about her mental health and what her parents and doctor recommend she do. The narration feels casual and not glorified, something I really appreciate Green for throughout this novel. Many of the characters struggle with extreme difficulties, like illness, mourning, and heartbreak, and instead of giving these situations an idolized tone, Green presents them in what feels like a raw, real, traumatic manner.
The relationships throughout the book are deeply complex and developed, and they really made the dialogue exciting and attention-grabbing. Firstly, I absolutely adore the relationships between Hazel and Agustus! From the moment they meet, it is clear that there is a connection in the acceptance of their current situations. Both characters develop and grow so much throughout the story, and they truly compliment each other so nicely. I've already briefly spilled my feelings about Hazel, but let me tell you how I feel about Gus (**insert dramatic heart-eyes here**). Gus is so understanding and supportive and amazing, and I truly fell in love with his character. He really seems like THE ideal friend to have. And, of course, the relationship between Hazel, Isaac, and Agustus makes a humorous, fun trio that faces hardship but also lives life to the fullest.
I was especially drawn in by the connection and interest of Hazel (and later Gus) to An Imperial Affliction and Peter Van Houten. I feel that it really struck the inner book lover in me by the way she was so passionate and invested in Van Houten's story. But I can't, of course, look past how much of a jerk Van Houten is initially. Even though I knew it was coming (because I have seen the movie), I was still taken aback by how rude and crude he was to Hazel and Gus when they first met him. I started to warm up to him later in the book, but I was still initially shocked and, thus, put off by his character a wee bit.
The only reason I did not give this book a full 5/5 stars was because some of the plot points felt a little bit...strange(?). The points that stand out to me are actually both about Van Houten. The first was the fact that Hazel did not even think that Van Houten could have experience with or relations to someone with cancer. She kept exclaiming that the book was very accurate and she understood the ending so well, but she never once alluded to knowing, or even thinking, that Van Houten could have a connection to cancer...This just did not feel 100% authentic. The second was at the end of the book when Hazel was attending Gus's funeral and Van Houten just shows up unannounced and seemingly unwanted. I just felt like there should have been more reaction from Hazel or her parents, especially since Hazel's mother knew what he said and how he behaved in Amsterdam.
Either way, this book is amazing and by far one of my highest rated novels! I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a cute, raw, realistic read. I can't wait to dive into more John Green books!