“Despite the tumour-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.”
What is the book about?
Hazel has known her whole live that, despite all the drugs and the small miracle that has bought her a few more years; she will never survive her cancer. She has mainly spent her time so far either at school or at home and doesn’t have much of a social life, but what’s the point if she is just going to die anyway. Hazel is sure that she will never find the incredible true love that is always described in movies and books, but when she meets a gorgeous, smart, funny Augustus Waters at Cancer Kid Support Group her whole world is completely turned around. Maybe there is a chance for her to have a happily ever after, even if it is just happily after.
What were your initial thoughts on the book?
The Fault in Our Stars was always a book that I had vaguely heard about but was never that interested in reading it, but that was only because I had never actually looked at what it was about. A little while ago I had a look at a list of some popular books for teenagers and The Fault in Our Stars was on that list. I immediately started looking at the book online and was sure that I would like it. Unfortunately, a few months before reading the book I read a spoiler which really annoyed me but did not discourage me from trying the book. Once I picked up the book (after it being on my shelf for several weeks) I read the blurb, which reminded me why I wanted to read the book in the first place, and started to read. As soon as I began to read, I automatically wondered why I had ever left The Fault in Our Stars on the shelf for that long and started to really doubt my choices on when to read books. Even though the start wasn’t exactly the most exiting few chapters, I still absolutely loved every word and before I knew it I was almost nearing the end of the book.
Who was your favourite character and why?
My favourite character was definitely Augustus because of how sweet and funny he was. I loved how he saw the world and all his metaphorical thoughts. There were many times where I found what Augustus was saying extremely puzzling and that was one of the things that I really like about him. He always spoke in a way that made whatever he was saying, even if it were something simple, sound like it was the most amazing and complicated thing in the world. He was also incredibly good-looking which certainly made him one of the top characters in the book. I also really liked Augustus because even though he knew what was coming, he stayed positive and didn’t make the people around him feel miserable. I also liked how he helped Hazel and showed her that even she was capable of having her own little infinity and even though she might not live as long as other people she could still be happy. He made her feel special just like every girl wishes that someone would make her happy and he showed her how to make the most of every second because one day that will be the last second you have left.
What was your favourite part of the book and why?
I found it very difficult to choose a favourite part and in the end I have ended up with two: the meal at Oranjee or Augustus and Hazel’s first kiss. I loved Augustus and Hazel’s date at Oranjee (a restaurant) because I think it is when Hazel realises that she really does love Augustus and that she needs to stop keeping herself away from him. I like that they get a chance to know each other more and have a really special moment just the 2 of them. I also chose Augustus and Hazel’s first kiss as my other favourite part because, although I think that Hazel begins to loosen up around Augustus at Oranjee, this is really when she accepts the fact that they love each other and that, even though she feels that getting close to each other will only cause them more pain, it’s better to have a few really good moments than live a life full of regret. I also like this moment because I was getting rather frustrated at Hazel because I could see that she and Augustus were perfect for each other but she was keeping her distance not wanting to start something that would eventually lead to one of them getting hurt. Both of these moment show how Augustus helped Hazel see that she was capable of having happiness and that it was worth having an amazing time even if it would mean that eventually someone would be hurt because, in practically everything in life, someone gets hurt.
What was your overall impression of the book?
Overall, The Fault in Our Stars was an absolutely extraordinary book and I loved it. One of the things that I loved about the book was how many new words I learnt. Although it was annoying to have to keep a dictionary handy, it was also really nice to learn some new words and how to put them properly into context. Another thing that I loved about the book was how much it made me smile, and sometimes even laugh. There were so many funny moments in the book and I loved reading them because I got a chance to really be with the characters. The Fault in Our Stars also made me cry but, even though it was sad, I also really like those parts because I knew that it was a good book and that it had been worth reading it. If a book makes you feel something then it is a good book (unless all you are feeling is absolute boredom and hatred for the book). The best about The Fault in Our Stars, in my opinion, was that you open a random page in the book and you can find the most beautiful things like “It would be a privilege to have my heart broken by you”, or “That's the thing about pain, it demands to be felt.” Its quotes as beautiful as these that made the book one of the most incredible ones I have read because of how they make you think about everything and really make you feel something. I undeniably loved every single second of reading The Fault in Our Stars and I wouldn’t trade the memory of this book for anything (well, except maybe more books).
Would you recommend this book?
I 100% recommend this book for readers over 14 who enjoy romance with a pinch of drama. If you have not yet read it and are not sure what to read next I think that The Fault in Our Stars would be a wonderful choice and I think that it will completely change the way you look at life.
Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)
A beautiful but tragic love story that will make you cry.
Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego
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