Thursday 31 May 2012

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green - Book Review

An emotional roller coaster that has changed my perspective on life.


Summary Courtesy of Amazon : 

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.


I asked to borrow this book of my brother's other half (and friend :)) Louise when I saw her talking about it on Facebook. Just days later I was presented with a signed hardback copy of this book with a smile. I didn't know anything about it, I am not even sure I read the back of the book fully before I started it but this book gripped me and made me think about life in a way I never have before.

Yes I knew the books protagonist, Hazel, had terminal cancer but this book is more than cancer, more than an illness but something I can really relate to - a book. The Imperial Affliction. The book that finished halfway through a

I knew that a book on this topic would include a lot of emotions, but it wasn't the ones I expected. I fell in love with Hazel and Gus and their travels to find out answers about this book. I laughed, and I cried... a lot! But when it finished, in a twist I didn't even think of, I was not sad. It made me stop and think. I was happy that the characters could now be happy.

It is one of those books that I cannot talk about fully in a review, because I want you all to beg, borrow and purchase this book yourselves and experience it. John Green, I am now convinced, is a fantastic writer and you don't read his words off a page, you experience them.

I finished this book in record time, even though at one point as I sobbed in my puzzled boyfriend's arms that it was too sad to finish. But I am so glad I read this book. As I have seen in other reviews even writing about this book is sad, I am tearing up thinking about different sections. But I still urge you to read this book to find out why.

Ironically just a day after I finished this book I travelled to Amsterdam, and lets just say I couldn't travel to Anne Frank's house for fear of bursting into tears on the top floor!

This is not normally a book I would read, I like fantasy, demons, vampires and werewolves. But I enjoyed it just as much because the style was so effortless and the narrative to emotion packed. Because of this I will score it among some of my favourite books as being:

9/10 (lost 1 mark because I am still crying!)

I want to know, in the comments below what you thought of this book. Please tell me other people cried! What should be my next read from John Green?

Thank you all for reading,

Love Rie x


6 comments:

  1. It sounds like a book I'd really enjoy reading. As of yet I've not cried reading a book but it sounds this may be a challenger!

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    1. I fear it may touch some nerves but is well worth the read Mr Crossley!

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  2. I went looking for this book today because you and some others have made it sound like a must read, couldn't find it around here but there only small book shops, will venture further afield soon because I really want to see what all the fuss is about!
    And I'm the same as Sam on the not crying front, but maybe this will change that :P.

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    1. Lisa - it is well worth the read and get your tissues ready. Can't wait to discuss the scenes once you have finished it. If you click on the link under the book cover it will take you to Amazon where you can get it for just £6.50. I wish I had a copy to lend everyone now tho!!

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  3. I've heard such gd things about this book, I hope they have it in my bookshop xx

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    1. I saw it in my local Waterstones the other day, but Amazon also stock it with free delivery if all else fails. I hope you enjoy it
      !

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