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The Fault in Our Stars

John Green

Discussion: The Fault in Our Stars

Discussion leader: Marisol (RGV Book Junkies)

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The Fault in Our Stars

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By Marisol · 1 post · 2 views

last updated Mar 10, 2013 11:01AM

What Members Thought

Apr 04, 2012 Marisol rated it it was amazing

I absolutely love this book! It made me laugh out loud, squeal, and cry. John Green is starting to become one of my favorite authors. This book is beautifully written with characters that you will fall in love with. It is definitely a must-read! Pick it up and read it today!

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In order for me to give a 5-star rating to a book, it must become one of my favorites and be a book that I can read multiple times without getting bored. John Green has accompli I absolutely love this book! It made me laugh out loud, squeal, and cry. John Green is starting to become one of my favorite authors. This book is beautifully written with characters that you will fall in love with. It is definitely a must-read! Pick it up and read it today!

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In order for me to give a 5-star rating to a book, it must become one of my favorites and be a book that I can read multiple times without getting bored. John Green has accomplished that in his recently released book, The Fault in Our Stars.

After reading most, if not all, of his books, John Green is starting to become one of my favorite authors. He has such a remarkable ability to capture the voice of a teenager. In his book, The Fault in Our Stars, he portrays Hazel Lancaster and Augustus Waters as believable and loveable characters. Even though they have cancer, their personalities are not compromised by the disease. In fact, they at times make fun of their situation, thus adding humor to the book.

Even though this book is about cancer and death, it is not the morose book one expects, but rather the complete opposite. It is a book that uplifts your spirits and makes you reconsider your own existence. There were many times throughout the book where I had to take a short breather to collect my emotions and thoughts. Tears of extreme laughter and tears of sadness came down my face as I read this book. Not once did I regret reading this incredible love story.

All in all, please read this book because it will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride and you will never be the same again. It will become a book that you must have in your permanent library!

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Plot Summary:

This epic love story details the lives of two seventeen year olds who battle physical and emotional hardships. After meeting at a Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters establish a relationship full of love. Together, they travel to Amsterdam to seek answers from the author of Hazel’s favorite book, An Imperial Affliction. During this trip, Augustus reveals some news that drastically changes their lives.

Critical Analysis:

Besides it being my all-time favorite book, The Fault in Our Stars is a life-changing and moving story. Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters are loveable, relatable, and unforgettable characters whose emotional journey touches readers’ hearts. The witty dialogue with humorous tidbits between Hazel and Augustus is believable and accurately captures the adolescent voice. The strong characterization of Hazel and Augustus breaks the frail and helpless stereotypes others have toward individuals with illnesses or disabilities. They do not allow their illness nor disability define them but rather they try to live life to the fullest so as to leave their marks in the world. Although never experiencing a severe ailment like Hazel and Augustus face, young adult readers can still identify themselves with them and live vicariously through them as they grow further in love with each other. Their story makes readers reevaluate their lives and encourages them to take advantage of their full existence. In regards to the plot, the events are plausible and realistic. Readers can see themselves using their wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation for a trip as well as egging the car of a former girlfriend. Moreover, the plot is engaging because it is original and has several unexpected twists. Although the climax startles readers, the conclusion of the story leaves them with hope. As for the setting, the story is set in the present with modern day references such as, the show America’s Next Top Model and the movie 300. Although the description of the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam is accurately described, the story transcends the setting with its overarching themes.

In regards to the themes, the story is centered on the following themes: love, mortality, coming of age, cancer, family, and existence. The majority of the themes resonate with adolescent readers as they too face physical and emotional ordeals in their own lives all while trying to find their identity and place in the world. As for the style, the story is written in first person narrative and from Hazel’s point of view, which is appropriate as it allows readers to better understand Hazel and her emotions toward Augustus, her family, and life. In addition to this, John Green leaves his distinct stamp in this book by incorporating clever remarks in character dialogue, which is quite similar to his previous publications such as, Looking for Alaska, An Abundance of Katherines, and Paper Towns. However, the difference between The Fault in Our Stars and John Green’s other books is that this is the only one written from a female perspective. Nevertheless, the gender quotient is balanced as there are other male and female protagonists in the story as well. As for the culture, there are no distinct cultural markers but rather the focus of the story is on real people facing real problems. All in all, I highly recommend this literary masterpiece because it takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster ride full of laughter and tears and leaves a lasting mark on their hearts. ...more

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Apr 09, 2012 Snoko rated it really liked it

This book gave me so much emotions.

First of all, when I was reading the beginning, it was hard for me to connect to the main character, Hazel. I'm not sure what it was that didn't click for me to get into it at first. I really like the character Augustus (Gus), who is the guy that was also fighting cancer, and whom Hazel fell in love to.

**Spoilers**
Of course this book had mostly had to do with cancer, and this book that got Hazel and Gus closer. I was so sad when Gus had died. I did not expect ...more

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