Before reading The Fault In Our Stars by John Green, you'll need two things:1. A large chunk of time, because once you start reading, you will want to keep reading.
2. A box of Kleenex, because, well, it's sad.
This is a story about kids with cancer. Hazel is 16 and losing her fight with thyroid cancer, although a new experimental drug has bought her a little more time. Augustus, around the same age, is a cancer survivor, having lost his leg because of a tumor, but nothing more.
They meet in a cancer support group, feel a strong connection, and somehow fall in love, in spite of knowing they can have no real future together.
I really like the way Mr. Green develops his characters in this book. Even though they are teenagers, their actions are often far from the typical teenage portrayal. They are respectful of others and have strong relationships with their parents. Their conversations are witty and intelligent. I quickly became attached to Hazel and Augustus and (kind of a spoiler ahead, but not really) was rather devastated when about half way through the book I realized where the plot was headed.
This book is a witty, sad, honest, and insightful portrayal of how cancer affects people. It will make you laugh. It will make you think. It will make you cry. Even though the target audience is young people, I think can be enjoyed by all ages.
Not to be missed. 5 stars.
Sounds sad! But sometimes I really like sad books....and then, after, I go read Anne of Green Gables or something : )
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