1. The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars

 by John Green

 ***** (awesome-sauce) 

Overview: The book follows a girl named Hazel, who has cancer, and her relationship with a boy, Augustus Waters.  The  book is not cancer book.  Cancer does play a very large role in it (after all, Hazel and Augustus both have it) but it is not a 'cancer book.' It focuses more on being a teenager and relationships, and the world around them. 

Note: Everything and anything that John Green or his brother Hank touches turns to gold.  If you have no idea who I am talking about then you need to go here: http://www.youtube.com/user/vlogbrothers?feature=watch and fix that.  Then read any of the 5 books (Looking for Alaska, An Abundance of Katherines, Paper Towns, Will Grayson Will Grayson and of course The Fault in Our Stars) that John Green has written. 

The Good:  This is a book that I can see being used as a 'classic' in future classrooms.  The fact that I finished the book in less than a month, speaks to it's awesomeness.  (I have been known to take over a year to finish some books.)   You go from laughing at the antic of teenagers, to crying at the bleakness of the situation, to pondering the workings of the world, all within a 5 page span.   The book is filled musings of whys, and hows that made me re-think some of my world views and options.  The main character, Hazel is depressing, yet inspirational.  She has terminal cancer, and is the first to admit that it sucks.  She's not out to change the world or find a cure, in fact she doesn't leave her house much at all.   She still inspiring just the same showing you don't have to touch millions of lives to change the world, you just have to touch one.   

Also, the quoteableness of this book is outstanding.  There are so many one liners, and phrases that make your thoughts come to a screeching halt, just so you can focus on the 4 or 5 words on the page.  My favorite quote and the inspiration for my blog name: "Sometimes the universe just wants to be notice," is in my option the new 'stop and smell the roses.'  The universe is vast and wonderful.  If you choose to ignore it, it will find a way to make you notice

The Bad:   Now, there is nothing really . . . 'bad' in this book but I feel like everything has to have a good and a bad in it.  It helps to prevent bias, though I will be the first to admit that I am totally bias with this book.   Augustus. . .well. . . he's really the only 'bad' thing I could thing of, and he's not bad at all.  As my bestfriend's boy friend said it perfectly, "I love Gus but if I met him in real life, I think I might punch him in the face."   Augustus is a great character and exactly what Hazel needs in her life.  He caring and sweet but incredibly pretentious and could get annoying.  

The Ugly:   It is going to make you sob.  I don't care if you never cry, you will bawl like a baby.  It's a tear jerker so I wouldn't suggest reading it in the office or on the subway, (although the might be a good way to get two seats to yourself during rush hour. . . hmm. . . note to self).

The Finale:  Overall I think this book is a must read.  It will make you think about things and challenge your views and options. The Fault in Our Stars surpassed all expectations that I had, and believe me I had a lot.  

Until next time,

Doormie