The Fault in Our Stars

I had heard rave review after rave review on this book, and being a John Green fan via YouTube, I figured this was a book I should check out. I bought it back in February, but put off reading it for a while. Everyone had told me I would bawl my eyes out, keep the tissues close, and I really didn't feel like being brokenhearted. 

When I finally did start reading this book, I read it rather quickly, in like four days. It held my attention, but is also a pretty quick read. And I honestly did not cry during this book. It is heartbreaking. But it was a bit predictable, so in a way I prepared myself for what was coming.

I've really had a hard time putting into words my feeling about this book. And maybe if I manage to come up with the proper words I will update my review. So for now, I will just address the complaints I have heard from people.

I really enjoyed this book and know it will be one I will read over and over again. It's simple. And to me, really realistic and relatable. That was the biggest complaint I had heard from people, that it was unrealistic, that Hazel and Gus are nothing like real teenagers. But Hazel (minus cancer) is exactly how I was when I was a teenager. I didn't quite recite poetry like she does, but she reminded me so much of myself at that age, it is almost weird. And even Gus, (again, minus the cancer) reminded me a lot of my own high school boyfriend. So like I said, they seemed really realistic and relatable, at least to me. 

I was really impressed with John Green's ability to write from the point of view of a female teenager. I kept feeling surprised that it was actually written by a guy. Some people said it was just a copy of all his other works, but this is the first JG book I have read, and it didn't remind me of his YouTube videos, and I watch him all the time.

The only things I didn't really like about this book were...

One, the whole smoking metaphor. I understand it. I get the point Augustus is trying to make, but this book is geared towards teens and I just picture a bunch of teens trying to get their hands on a pack of cigarettes to be just like Augustus Waters. I know, he is quirky and what not, but I didn't really feel like that was necessary. You don't need to buy a pack of cigarettes to be cool or make a point, okay kids??

And two, - slight SPOILER here -I wasn't crazy about the Peter Van Houten character. Obviously you are not supposed to like him. And it all makes more sense once you learn his back story. But I just felt like he was unnecessary fluff in the story. Like, the cancer isn't enough crap these characters have to deal with? Hazel really needs more disappointment in her life? Am I the only one who felt this way? But, the world isn't a wish granting factory I guess, right?

But regardless, a really good quick read that I will recommend to anyone. I picture this translating really well into a movie, given they didn't change the story to much.