I get it — I get why people love this book and hate this book, and I get that I’m not this book’s target audience. I picked it up because it’s a beloved YA story that I believe some of my students can relate to and enjoy. I wanted to read it so that I could recommend it to the right kids.

For some pieces of dialogue (ie Gus), I was visibly cringing. It’s sooooo teen-based language in a sense that they are /different/ and /cool/ and I have taught these kids before. They’re funny to listen to, and they’re still growing up, but to see it written in quotation marks? Ayyy second hand embarrassment. 

The development of family dynamics and the tangling of friendships was beautifully done, however. Absolutely loved Hazel’s parents and felt my heart ache for them.

The Fault in Our Stars is written well and the plot flows easily. I’ve picked up a second-hand copy and it will make an appearance in my classroom for my students to enjoy.