The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

The fourth book written by John Green and published by January 2012. This young-adult novel tells the story of a young 16-year old girl, with thyroid cancer, and her journey through teenager's life.

Characters

• Hazel Grace Lancaster - a 16-year old girl diagnosed with Stage 4 thyroid cancer. Augustus Waters' girlfriend.
• Augustus Waters - described as a tall, smart, attractive young guy. Similar to Hazel, he is diagnosed too with cancer.
• Isaac - a friend to both Hazel and Augustus. At the start of the story he was describe to have been diagnosed wiht eye cancer and for him to be NEC, he's eyes were removed permanently making him completely blind.
• Peter Van Houton - an American writer of Hazel's favorite book -- An Imperial Affliction

Synopsis

Hazel Grace, diagnosed with cancer, was force to attend a Support Group where she met Augustus Waters, a young guy with "one leg". The two get along together, went on dates, and even shared secrets and hobbies most specifically Hazel's favorite book entitled An Imperial Affliction. AIA is a book written by Peter Van Houton telling a story about a young girl diagnosed with rare blood cancer. Apparently, the book ended unusually when the main character died leaving readers, including Hazel and Augustus puzzled about the ending. Their questions about the book brought them to Amsterdam where that made their relationship even deeper. On their last day on their trip, Augustus tells Hazel that he's cancer has returned and he's getting worse as day passes.

Returning to their hometown, the couple faces the worst truth about life and the pain of living that soon enough one of them has to go on first with facing death.

What I Can Say

Many people get hyped after reading this especially after it was turned into a movie during the summer of 2014. People were so dazzle with how the love story of two people ended up so tragic and leaving everyone with teary eyes.

But being a person who doesn't really appreciate romantic scenes, I see more of the story showing how life gives you joys and tears both on unexpected moment.. both on unexpected timing. I love how Green tackles the truth about cancer, that even though it was somehow fictional, he somehow shows the good side of the world on how others see people with said disease.

Technically, it gives me an impression that even though you're at your weakest point, life has still its own way of showing you the beauty it has to give.

Quoted from the Book

"That's the thing about pain, it demands to be felt."
— Augustus Waters

"My thoughts are stars I cannot fathom into constellations."
— Augustus Waters

"Some infinities are bigger than other infinities."
— Hazel Grace Lancaster

"The marks humans leave are too often scars."
— Augustus Waters

"Maybe 'okay' will be our 'always'"
— Augustus Waters

"Some tourists think Amsterdam is a city of sin, but in truth it is a city of freedom. And in freedom, most people find sin."
— Augustus Waters

Rating

4.5 out of 5