The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

[Sheri, Bookworm]

We'll be starting this Monday if anyone wants to join! We are planning on reading 5 chapters a day.

[Rebecka]

I just finished this and it was amazing!

[Leigh, ⚔️ Wonder Woman ⚔️]

Rebecka wrote: "I just finished this and it was amazing!"

You are welcome to make comments as we read it. I can't wait to read it. I have read a lot of good things about it.

[Lys]

Suchhhh a good book. I tried to get my husband and all (2) of my friends to read it, but no one was interested. I look forward to talking about it! Soooo excited!

[Sheri, Bookworm]

I hate that when you read something so great you want everyone to know about it and nobody cares. Your (2) friends don't know what they're missing :)

[Leigh, ⚔️ Wonder Woman ⚔️]

Alyssia wrote: "Suchhhh a good book. I tried to get my husband and all (2) of my friends to read it, but no one was interested. I look forward to talking about it! Soooo excited!"

Well your other two friends are happy to read it! lol

[Lys]

Yay! I am so lucky to have found you guys. True story, I talk about you all the time :D

[Sheri, Bookworm]

You guys are awesome :D I love buddy reading with you!

[Leigh, ⚔️ Wonder Woman ⚔️]

I am so glad I found goodreads! I enjoy the buddy reads and talking to my new found friends!!!

[Camilla]

Hi guys,
If you don't mind, I would like to read this with you :-) It's my first buddy read, so I'm excited to see how it works...

[Sheri, Bookworm]

Sure Camilla, love to have you join us :)

[Leigh, ⚔️ Wonder Woman ⚔️]

Camilla wrote: "Hi guys,
If you don't mind, I would like to read this with you :-) It's my first buddy read, so I'm excited to see how it works..."

Welcome :)

[Camilla]

Thanks! :-)

So, how do you usually arrange this? I can see that the book has about 330 pages and my (Kindle) book has 25 chapters.
I'm happy to go with whatever you all think makes the most sense/is most doable :-)

(Hope you've had good weekends so far :-)

[Sheri, Bookworm]

We were planning on 5 chapters a day. If you can't do that much or get behind, just post as you go but watch out for spoilers!

[Camilla]

Oh, right - sorry, I wasn't looking at the thread properly :-)
Five chapters a day is fine with me - look forward to starting tomorrow!

[Sheri, Bookworm]

Either everyone else is as busy as me this week or you all are waiting for someone else to post first :)

Chapters 1-5 (I'm behind this week so if you're ahead go ahead and post from where you are. I'm hoping to get caught up tonight.)

I really like Hazel. She's a fun narrator. I think the author did a really good job of making her sound like a teenage girl, especially in her interactions with her mom. I like Augustus too. He seems like he will be an interesting character.

I think it's interesting that she still has an 'outside' friend three years after leaving school. I wonder how long that will last.

Thoughts?

[Sheri, Bookworm]

Okay, I guess the only thing that's really bothering me so far is some of the language they use. I have teenagers, and they don't ever use words like 'pretentious.' I understand that Hazel (and Augustus) is a big reader and is probably very smart, but still, I don't think my teens (who are also big readers) would understand a lot of what is being said without looking up a few words.

[Rebecka]

Sheri wrote: "Okay, I guess the only thing that's really bothering me so far is some of the language they use. I have teenagers, and they don't ever use words like 'pretentious.' I understand that Hazel (and A..."

A lot of people have had issues with this, but Hazel is in college so maybe that explains it for her? I liked that they didn't talk teenager-y all the time because they aren't like many regular teens you'll find. I know a few people who went through cancer and some times it would make them take a more pronounced interest in something. Maybe for Hazel it was learning vocab?

Just some thoughts. I know I had to use my dictionary a few times too, but I like having to learn new words :)

[Camilla]

Hi all!
I've been really busy with work and trying to help a friend finish his thesis as well this week, so I haven't been very talkative, but I'm up-to-date on the reading :-)

I really like both Hazel and Augustus as well... I particularly like that Hazel seems to be a good balance between not having completely "become" your illness, defined by your illness, but at the same time, she still does feel sorry for herself sometimes.
I've recently been quite ill (though not with cancer) and no matter how brave you are or how much of a fighter you are, there will always be times when you feel the unfairness of it all... And I really like that Green didn't try to pretend that people are always just strong - and that he manages to take a stab at people/literature that does exactly that in a fun way, is a big plus for me :-)

About the language (Sheri), I do agree with you somewhat... I didn't notice it, so it wasn't something that was disturbing my reading, but I do see what you mean in some cases. I do think, however, that a lot can be said for both Hazel and Augustus being cancer survivors - I imagine that they are "wise beyond their years" and we're told that Hazel at least is technically a college student, which indicated to me that she was perhaps more mature than the average 16 year old...

On a side note, I really love the whole concept of the "mystical" book and author - I've always dreamed of finding/having a book like that, that was somehow that significant and influential in my life :-) Don't get me wrong, I have loads of books that I adore and cherish, but never one that has meant something to me like An Imperial Affliction does to Hazel.
Have any of you had a book like that?

I'm gonna wait with discussing what happens in today's chapters (10-15) as I want to wait until you're all there as well :-)

[Sheri, Bookworm]

Rebecka wrote: "A lot of people have had issues with this, but Hazel is in college so maybe that explains it for her? I liked that they didn't talk teenager-y all the time because they aren't like many regular teens you'll find. I know a few people who went through cancer and some times it would make them take a more pronounced interest in something. Maybe for Hazel it was learning vocab?

Just some thoughts. I know I had to use my dictionary a few times too, but I like having to learn new words :)

Agreed...I don't think it would have the same impact if they were acting like 'regular' teenagers. I like your word teenager-y :)

[Sheri, Bookworm]

Camilla wrote: "On a side note, I really love the whole concept of the "mystical" book and author - I've always dreamed of finding/having a book like that, that was somehow that significant and influential in my life :-) Don't get me wrong, I have loads of books that I adore and cherish, but never one that has meant something to me like An Imperial Affliction does to Hazel.
Have any of you had a book like that?

I haven't found anything that means so much to me. It would be an amazing thing, though. I admit, I Googled "An Imperial Affliction" to see if it was a real book :) I wonder how many other people did the same thing?

I'm hoping to get caught up tonight, which means I have to go work right now so I'll have time to read!

[Sheri, Bookworm]

Okay, I'm officially caught up (through chapter 15) but don't have time to write out my thoughts right now. School work is calling...I will post in the morning :)

[Sheri, Bookworm]

My thoughts through chapter 15 – SPOILERS IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THIS FAR:

I love Hazel and Augustus. I can see where there is not going to be a HEA for them, but I guess you really have to know that going into the book. Still, you have to hope.

The scene with the author was so sad. Hazel had been looking for something and was putting all of her hopes and dreams into that one encounter just to have them blown off. I like, though, that they were able to put humor on it for the retelling rather than just wallowing in misery.

Has anyone else noticed that just about everyone in books uses first and last names (or middle in this case)? I believe this is the third book I've read recently where people do that – of course, the names of the other two books elude me at this time, but I'll remember them eventually :) I don't know anyone in real life who does that. Maybe it's supposed to be endearing?

Looking forward to everyone else's thoughts!

[Rebecka]

Sheri wrote: "Has anyone else noticed that just about everyone in books uses first and last names..."

Ever since I've met my husband I've called him by his first and last name. I don't know why I started, but it's something that stuck. People always laugh when I do it because it seems weird but for some reason it seems right. lol just thought I'd share :)

[Sheri, Bookworm]

Lol! Now I can say I know someone who does it :)

[Leigh, ⚔️ Wonder Woman ⚔️]

I'm back!!! Thank God no damage to our house or to family and friends. Others did not fare as well. Thank y'all for the thoughts and prayers. I am not caught up. I will try to do that today.

I agree with everyone else about Hazel and Augustus. I like their outlook on life and their drive to take charge of what they can.

[Sheri, Bookworm]

Welcome back :) Glad to hear everything was okay!

[Sheri, Bookworm]

I love how the title of the book came into play. A lot of times how a book title was chosen will become evident during the reading of the book, but it doesn't necessarily have a real meaning. After reading that bit of poetry (Shakespeare, wasn't it?), the book title has a whole new depth…sad really.

[Leigh, ⚔️ Wonder Woman ⚔️]

Sheri wrote: "Welcome back :) Glad to hear everything was okay!"

Thank you :)

[Sheri, Bookworm]

Finished last night. Oh my God I bawled. Waiting to hear from you all before posting final thoughts :)

[Camilla]

I finished as well last night... Had a lot of Kleenex lying around as well :)

I have a ton of work to do before the weekend, so I'll "talk" to you all later, but really looking forward to it. :)

[Sheri, Bookworm]

Okay, so I'm not waiting anymore for you guys :) Hope to hear from you all soon!

I really liked this book (obviously). I thought the author did a terrific job getting inside a teenage girl's head…a teenage girl dying of cancer. I really, really liked the characters…all of them. Though, I never quite understood the point of Kaitlyn (sp). Was she there to show that there was still life going on outside of Hazel's little circle? Or was she just filler, because I didn't really see her role as significant.

I liked the mom and dad's relationship with Hazel and that the mom was thinking ahead about her future. I really sort of wish the book would have followed Hazel all the way through…I guess just so we know what happened to her. But, I guess a good book makes you wonder (can anyone say An Imperial Affliction?).

P.S. (view spoiler)[I have to admit, I was half expecting the book to end mid sentence :) (hide spoiler)]

[Sheri, Bookworm]

I know we need to take a few days for everyone to catch up (where are you Alyssia?), but whenever we're ready to start another buddy read, how about one of these:


I think these are all on mine and Alyssia's lists, but I think Shatter Me was the only one on Leigh's list...however, I've heard good about all of them...thoughts?

[Leigh, ⚔️ Wonder Woman ⚔️]

OMG!OMG!OMG!!!! Yes, I cried my eyes out and had to finish the book with blurry vision. I really liked Augustus and Hazel's relationship. How they helped each other in a nontraditional way to deal with their life/death. Hazel's parents were awesome. They supported her through everything. I think at the end she felt less like a grenade. Her parents would go on after death. They would help others who were dealing with the loss or waiting for the loss.

Sherry, I agree I didn't see Kaitlyn's significance other than Hazel was trying to hang on to a life that was not cancer.

I like that it ended with Augustus's eulogy for Hazel. His love for her and thoughts on her character were even better than Peter Van Houten could have written.

[Leigh, ⚔️ Wonder Woman ⚔️]

Sherry, I can get Shatter Me form the library. I see Easy was picked for you and that would be alright with me.

[Camilla]

Hi all, sorry for joining so late, we've been super busy all day :-) And then to come home to the great news that I won :-D Not bad...

Anyway, as I wrote I also really liked the book and the ending.. I read that there had been some bru-ha-ha about early reviews having revealed that Augustus dies and that John Green had been quite upset about it - I understand why as the author you'd be upset that someone leaked a spoiler like that.. But I honestly was not completely surprised at that turn of events - were you? And while I thought the whole story was beautifully told and generally managed to steer clear of any cancer clichés, I felt a bit "let down" somehow because I had seen Augustus' death coming...

That aside, I loved the book! I think Green has managed to create some very genuine characters that act just human enough that you care about them and feel everything with them as they experience it...

I really liked the eulogy part as well (both when they were in the church with Augustus and in the letter), it's such a unique way of "communication" - where you tell try to tell other people AND someone at the same time how you feel about them.. after they're gone. (Hope that made sense... It does in my head :-) And I think it was so real that Augustus would have realised that power of the eulogy and used that to bind them together....

Just to comment on the Kaitlyn character - I actually thought she was a "place-filler" that Green needed to move the action along - and to give Hazel someone less "involved" to respond/react to. Unfortunately, she was one of the only other reasons I couldn't give the book 5 stars... it just seemed to contrived...

Listen to me going on about the (very!) few things I didn't appreciate in the book! :-( I guess it's a lot easier than specifying what was great about a book that was so lovely in its whole "voice"..

I liked that Van Houten didn't magically "solve" all Hazel's questions and that there wasn't any easy fix to make the situation all ok - because there simply isn't! And at the same time, Green managed to show us (and make us feel) that there could be some light and happiness despite the ever-present illness and sadness. I thought he did that perfectly... :-)

OK, enough rambling from me for now...

[Camilla]

P.S. This has been my very first buddy read EVER, I've never even been in a real book club/circle or anything... So, I apologize for maybe not contributing as much as I should have/would have liked to... I hope you want to read something else another time with me ;-)

[Leigh, ⚔️ Wonder Woman ⚔️]

Camilla wrote: "P.S. This has been my very first buddy read EVER, I've never even been in a real book club/circle or anything... So, I apologize for maybe not contributing as much as I should have/would have liked..."

We appreciate any/all comments. We have not announced our next buddy read so check back to see what we pick. Hopefully you can join us.

[Sheri, Bookworm]

Camilla wrote: "P.S. This has been my very first buddy read EVER, I've never even been in a real book club/circle or anything... So, I apologize for maybe not contributing as much as I should have/would have liked..."

Loved having you join us :) Alyssia, Leigh, and I kind of have an ongoing buddy read, and you're welcome to join us.

[Sheri, Bookworm]

I loved the eulogies...that was the saddest part for me.

[Leigh, ⚔️ Wonder Woman ⚔️]

Sheri wrote: "I loved the eulogies...that was the saddest part for me."

For me, too. I had a hard time when Hazel talks about over hearing her mom say when she died her mom would no longer be a mom.

[Leigh, ⚔️ Wonder Woman ⚔️]

Have we decided on what we are reading and when we are starting?

[Camilla]

Sheri wrote: "Camilla wrote: "P.S. This has been my very first buddy read EVER, I've never even been in a real book club/circle or anything... So, I apologize for maybe not contributing as much as I should have/..."

I would really love to join you ladies again :-)

I'm going on holiday on Friday for almost 2 weeks (back on the 19th), so unfortunately I can't the next few weeks, but I'll be sure to check in and see what you're reading when I get back :)

Thanks so much for making me feel welcome!

[Leigh, ⚔️ Wonder Woman ⚔️]

Camilla wrote: "Sheri wrote: "Camilla wrote: "P.S. This has been my very first buddy read EVER, I've never even been in a real book club/circle or anything... So, I apologize for maybe not contributing as much as ..."

Have fun on your holiday :)

[Sheri, Bookworm]

Let's do Shatter Me...start Tuesday? I'm out of town and won't be back until Monday night. I think we lost Alyssia somewhere.

[Leigh, ⚔️ Wonder Woman ⚔️]

Sounds good. Are you going to start a thread? Have fun this weekend :)

[Sheri, Bookworm]

Yep, I can start a thread for it :)

We're in Branson, Missouri this weekend visiting my parents. My dad just retired and they moved here...literally moved into their new house a week ago. We are doing my daughter's senior pictures here.

[Leigh, ⚔️ Wonder Woman ⚔️]

I remember doing senior pictures with my son and daughter. You will have to post one. I can't wait to see how they came out.

[Sheri, Bookworm]

I'll post some later today or tonight. They turned out really good. We went and took them on the campus of College of the Ozarks, which was amazingly beautiful! That's where she's thinking of going next year, which will be nice because then she can save on rent and live with my parents.

[Leigh, ⚔️ Wonder Woman ⚔️]

That is awesome!