The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

I read this book back in 2015, but for some reason I never wrote a blog post on it. So, I decided to read it again since my son was reading it for school. John Green's teenage characters are always so creative and intelligent and quirky. Hazel and Augustus are no exceptions to this. They are talented with their communication skills. They are thoughtful and honest and funny. I actually chuckled out loud a few times while reading. I also teared up a few times.

Hazel and Augustus (Gus) meet in a teenage cancer group that is held at a church every Wednesday. Augustus had previously had one of his leg's amputated due to cancer and Hazel carries oxygen with her at all times so that she can breathe. Gus is in remission and Hazel's cancer is terminal, so she knows she will die young. Their best friend is Isaac, who has lost one eye to cancer and finds out that he is also losing his other eye, which will leave him blind. These three friends love each other and support each other through some terrible things that no one should ever have to go through, especially children.

Hazel is enamored of a book called, "An Imperial Affliction". She has read it many, many times. She gives a copy to Gus to read as well. Her parents read it too. I think this is their way of trying to connect with Hazel, since she keeps people at arm's distance because she is worried about how her pending death will affect them all. The book ends mid-sentence, so there is no conclusion about any of the characters. Hazel likens this to what will happen to herself (she will die mid-sentence, so to speak) and she will never know what happens to the people she loves. But Hazel is also obsessed with finding out what happens to the characters in the book. She has written the author, Peter Van Houten, a few times. Peter Van Houten has become a recluse however, living in Amsterdam. After Gus reads the book, he manages to make contact with Peter. They eventually meet him, but are deeply disappointed (and disgusted) by him.

Like I said earlier, this book is funny and it's sad. But mainly, these teenagers demonstrate incredible courage as they fight cancer and loss.

Wendy's Rating: *****