Author: John Green
Published: January 10th 2011
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Read synopsis: Goodreads
Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
This book brought so many smiles in my face and warmed my heart in so many ways. A very poignant and compelling read that would reach deep down inside you. This is a story told with great humor, intelligence and honesty. I cannot fathom how much this book has struck me but I am certain this book has changed something within me after reading it.
I've seen this book in a lot of blogs as one of their most anticipated books for this year. So I read the blurb and...I got scared. I mean, I saw right there that it's something that would be really emotional and I just so know the feelings it would left me after reading it. And they pretty much bother me, not because it was bad but whenever I read stories like this I tend to get so attached to the characters that even when it was just something fictional I feel the lost, like I was the one in there and I can't seem to let them go too. So yeah, most of the time I really avoid emotional books. They really crash my heart and makes my eyes a freaking waterfalls.
But thank you, to those wonderful reviews I've read that convinced me to give this a try because I wouldn't be able find out how this book is so different from most heavily dramatic emotional books I've seen. This book is just so downright beautiful and utterly honest. This book made me see a lot of things in a whole different way, made me realize how lucky I am and taught me so many great life lessons.
I'm sure I wouldn't be able to give this book justice in this review. But just let me tell you what I really loved about this book. Hazel, Augustus and their life lessons. I've read the first two chapters and I already fell in love with them. Despite the seriousness of the situation this two were absolutely adorable and funny. They were witty, intelligent and strong. And they are honest, they are both cancer victims, so they already know what choices they have, what either way they would go and what might gonna happen next. So there wasn't really those fake, hopeful speeches or dialogues that might have also deceived. They just say what's real and what's not, what's to expect and what's not to hope for. It was harsh and terrible but it was also the truth and the reality.
I can't helped but be awed at those things they say and how they think. Especially Augustus, how good his heart was and how uniquely he saw things. I may say that the way they talk things was a little unbelievable, with all the use of metaphors, and the talk about universe, existence, oblivion, heroism and nobility - you wouldn't think a teenager could talk like this even in the brink of death but never mind that because what you need is just to see what he was pointing out, see the meaning of what he was saying and think of it, absorbed it and realize things through it. I applaud John Green for creating such outstanding characters, though quite unbelievable but still absolutely entertaining, adorable and really awe-inspiring.
I spent most of the time laughing, thinking, swooning and chocking back tears. The story was filled with great humor, harsh truths but beautiful life lessons. There were moments like I was already crying then I would suddenly smile or grin because of the witty remarks of the characters. The development between Hazel and Augustus's relationship was something I really loved too, how they grew to really loved each other was so lovely and heart lifting.
The last few chapters was very moving and beautiful. The ending was perfect. I can't explain how much I was touched by that. It made me cry not because it was sad but because it was so unbelievably heartwarming. And whenever I remember the ending I can't help but think of Augustus, of how great this guys is, how sweet and caring, how honest and intelligent. I'd never met such character as him. He's definitely one of the greatest character I'd ever read. Hazel's the main character here and I really loved her narration but Augustus was really a great highlight in here.
I really have a lot of things I wanna say but they are all jumbled in my head now and I don't know how I will but them up together orderly. But god, the only thing that keeps coming on my head really clear that this book is downright-flat-out-absolutely beautiful and heart warming read! I loved this book and I would love you all to read this! :))
I have been putting off reading this book for similar reasons, I thought it would make me sad! After this review though, I may just be brave and move it up a couple spots on the TBR pile! :D
ReplyDeleteAAAAAAAAAH! OK, now I'm dying to read this... but I'm still just as scared about ending the book a tiny bit heartbroken... LOVED your review! You can see how much you loved the book spilling out, and I LOVE it :D
ReplyDeleteI adored some of the secondary characters as well, such as Isaac and Hazel's parents, and even the walk-on character of the waiter at the fancy Dutch restaurant. Drinking champagne will forever be all the sweeter because of him!
ReplyDeleteI've read quite a few excellent books about living and dying this past year, but none have made me think and feel as much about both as "The Fault in Our Stars."
I just love this book. I have read it 3 times already since January, which is much, even for me. It still makes me cry, and I don't really care about that :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'm a Dutch girl, so all the things about the Netherlands were so easy to relate to for me, because they were 100% true, which is amazing :D
xo Mar