Book Review - The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars

by John Green

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.

Warning: Make sure you have tissues when you read this. There's only ever one book in my life that has made me cry (On the Edge, by Richard Hammond if you're wondering), this doubled my list to two.

I don't know why I even chose to read this, it's not a book I'd normally opt for. I much prefer fantasy books with magic and worlds far away from ours, but this one caught my attention and I'm glad it did. 

The story is focused on Hazel, a teenage girl diagnosed with a terminal illness hoping experimental drugs will lengthen the time she has left. Terrified of the thought of being a Grenade to her family and her friends, she is such an inspiration remaining strong throughout everything and putting the feelings and future of others before her own. She shows that to fight through difficult times, you need a positive attitude.

After meeting Gus at a support group she didn't want to go to, her life takes a surprising turn and she falls in love the way you fall asleep; slowly then all at once. At first I wasn't sure I liked Gus but I, like Hazel, very quickly fell in love. 

This book is so well written you can't help but connect with the characters and want them to enjoy their lives the way they should be able to. Although I kind of predicted the storyline in some aspects, the story still put me through an emotional roller coaster. Raising questions about the impact I'm making on this world, who will remember me once I've gone and how I'll be remembered. It definitely makes you think twice about everything. 

Cancer is something we can't get away from, and you're very lucky if you don't know someone who hasn't been affected by the illness. What the book addresses though is how people react to those unfortunate to be suffering from the disease, and what it is actually like for the families who are left behind. That's something you probably can't understand unless you've been in that position yourself, but this book gives a really good insight.

This book is a great summer read, I'd recommended to anyone who likes a story you can connect with. And if you don't like reading, then the film is out on the 19th June so you can still experience the story.