The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

[[deleted user]]

Is it bad that I cried? because I was reading it in class and even my teacher looked at me funny. I love this book. Never will i part with it.

[Bre]

So wonderful!! I loved it!!

[Alicia]

This book helps you realize what it is like for all individuals who contemplate what death will be like, with or without cancer, because we are all faced with the same fate. The book is well written and I found myself laughing, crying, and realizing that each of our lives can make impact on someone else.

[Emily]

Jenn wrote: "Emily wrote: "am i evil for not crying while reading this book?"
if you are then i must be as well lol because so far i dont see why people cry all the way threw"

glad i'm not the only one! i was kind of feeling like an outsider here ;)

[Replicant Rachel]

i think if somebody tells me i'm evil for not crying over this book, i will tell them they're evil for telling me i'm evil
now if i read this book when i was 16,17 maybe i would have cried, maybe

[Savannah]

This is one that caught me just by reading the synopsis. Then I see vlog reviews where people are literally in tears after reading this. Makes me just want to read it even more. It's recieved so much notice

[Nicole]

I read this book right after it came out, and have read it numerous times since then. It is absolutely phenomenal. Everything about it is superb. This book made me love John Green as an author. Every time I read it I find myself connecting to a different part of the story. I definitely cried a lot while reading. When I recommend it to others, I always tell them not to read it in public because they will probably be a hot mess when it's over.

[Haley]

Patricia wrote: "The Fault In Our Stars is easily my favourite book. I read it thrice in one month because I just did not want the story to end. At the moment, I'm attempting ti write a TFiOS epilogue because I wan..."

I agree about the ending. This was one of those books where the ending is absolutely PERFECT, down to the letter. I love having that last little piece of Gus, and Hazel's final answer to the last thing he'll ever say. Amazing.

I just think the people—like me!—who cried when reading this book maybe just had it hit a little closer to home. I have had so many people in my life, including a close friend who was only eighteen at the time, be affected by cancer that this book was just incredible in how real and hopeful it was portrayed.

[Bianca]

I love this book with all my heart even though I hate how it ends- I get that it wasn't meant to be this wonderful fairy tale or anything, it was meant to be a realistic representation of Teenage Love and Cancer.

I've reread it about 7 times and each time I fall more and more in love with it.

[May]

I loved the book. It is the only book by John Green I've read so far, but I'm looking forward to reading more of his books. But I really liked this book. I don't think I need to say that I cried a lot reading it and it really moved me.

[Olive]

John Greene is a sharp and honest writer. It hurts sometimes, but it makes for a truly wonderful story

[Olive]

yeah :) ive also read an abundance of katherines and will grayson will grayson

[Cora]

Just finished it yesterday. Great read!!

[Ash]

An amazing read. Not sure how I feel on the upcoming film. But I would definitely check it out.

[Magnolieeah]

This book, perfect.
I reeeaally hope this won't be made into a movie, because though I would LOVE to see a GOOD film made, frankly I don't know if this kind of story can accurately be captured through film. I don't want to see some cut-rate film that just takes away from the creative integrity of this novel and ruins the story altogether. If there HAS to be a film adaptation, at least let it be a good one..
From what I see on the Internet, APPARENTLY TFiOS already has a director in place, Josh Boone, along with producers Wyck Godfrey and Marty Bowen, producers of the Twilight Saga....
Let's hope for the best on this one...
Hopefully this wonderfully heart wrenching novel and the story of Hazel and Augustus can remain untouched, and if not, be beautifully portrayed in a way that enhances the story a step further.

[Lucas]

I bought this book from the library which I now totally regret, I will for sure re-read this...I absolutely adored this book! It had the perfect mixture of heart-brake and happiness. After finishing this I am going to buy my own copy. The story wasn't too complex and it was easy to follow. I do wish it was a bit longer however....At first I really hated how [John Green] portrayed Peter Van Houten, I was expecting this smart, witty, friendly character which-he just wasn't. But towards the end of the novel I actually liked his character a lot more- I had a better understanding of him which is another reason I loved the book, unlike other novels it gave you a back-story of the characters so you could understand them a lot more. Also at times it seemed as though Hazel & Augustus were not 16 year olds and more like adults but that is all I have to say which was negative about the novel. Everything else about it was perfect. It was page-turning, emotional and magnificent!

[Shaad]

Just finished this yesterday! This was such an amazing read! I usually only read adult fantasy but you I had heard too many rave reviewson youtube/goodreads so i decided to picked and I Do not regret it! I just loved the book it was full of heartbreak but there was enough humor! I also felt like the characters Augustus and Hazel were older 16 years old!

[Dominique]

Loved loved this book. I don't cry when I read a book but this one made me cry a lot.

[Jen]

This book was one that sucked me in immediately. Green had me engrossed and invested in the characters from page one. I could relate to Hazel, despite being a non-cancer kid. I initially started to read this while on break at work--at the bookstore--and had a hard time forcing myself to get back on the floor at times because it was so good. So, it only makes sense that I had to stay up until 2am to finish it at the famous scene in Amsterdam that totally uprooted where I thought Green was going to take me. ( I refuse to ruin it for anyone who might be posting/scrolling through posts who have yet to finish). I cannot believe how many tears I shed at that point--right up and to the pre-funeral and seeing the wish come together at last. (I should be safe in mentioning these details). Thank god Green knows how to implement dramatic relief!

[Jen]

L.S wrote: "I bought this book from the library which I now totally regret, I will for sure re-read this...I absolutely adored this book! It had the perfect mixture of heart-brake and happiness. After finishin..."

In regards to Van Houten--did you seem to find his reactions to Hazel and Augustus' plight a bit paradoxical? I have a difficult time trying to reconcile that a man who has gone through what he has, as he clearly demonstrated in AIA, could be so cruel--which is an understatement for his attitude towards HG & AW--to them both when his novel effected them so deeply. Of all things, I would have expected him to have been at least somewhat appreciative and/or to have found some sense of sufficient meaning in his work when Lidewij invited them to meet him. I have a hard time coming to terms with his character. He doesn't make sense. Why treat two kids who connect with a written work meant to reflect past events in your own life so miserably? I feel like Van Houten is trapped in a Misery Party and he just needs to make others feel miserable so he isn't miserable alone. Thoughts?

[Vanessa]

I completely fell in love with Agustus. What I loved is that the way this book was written wasn't the typical predictable sob story, it was real and heartfelt. Hazel made me laugh and cry at the same time. I really enjoyed her sarcasm.

[Andrea]

This has just been chosen @HuffPost as the first book selection of the year

[Jen]

twelvejan wrote: "I do agree with you with regards to Peter. I suppose death could affect you in multiple ways, and with Peter, he obviously chooses to be mad at the whole world,..."

You totally hit the proverbial nail on the head there. I was waiting for that magical time in Amsterdam, too. I was furious with Peter with his actions. I hadn't really considered that his reaction might be because here are two kids who were in love with a book that represents a significant death in his life and that one of the two is dressed to represent said lost person. I maybe will be able to cut him some slack.

Yet at the same time, twelvejan, I still can't necessarily make sense of his reaction in his correspondences with the both of them. It had occurred to me while reading the book that it was possible that Lidewij might have replied to Augustus' letter on behalf of Peter and then managed to convince Peter to continue correspondences back. It makes sense if you play it out. Think about it and let me know your thoughts about my theory. I'm curious as to if anyone else has considered this as a possibility. (What I wouldn't give to sit with Green in an outdoor cafe and discuss his work!)

[Michael]

Found this picture,I think Google+ book readers.


It is how I felt at the end of this book.
A book that became a close friend and had wonderful surprises. It is in the past now and no mater how much I loved it. I can never get the first time feeling back. But will always have the memories.

On the book it self. Spoiler free. What I enjoyed most was the authors word play. Moving from common speech that I have heard myself saying. To soliloquy that I would love to express on the fly, but would take years of thought and the ability to travel back in time to deliver at the perfect time.

[Kelsey Lehane Lehane]

I have got it on kindle just about to read it! stoked it's book of the month!

[Terry ~ Huntress of Erudition]

I'm responding to Dominique's post from 2 weeks ago:
A lot of grown ups don't behave the same as they do in adult literature, either.

[Terry ~ Huntress of Erudition]

I am responding to Gina's post from 1 week ago:
Ok, I guess I have to read this book - your review made me cry while on the bus to work! Have to remember to bring extra tissues...

[Martina]

I loved it. Gus and Hazel are a lovely and sad couple
. I cried like a little baby when (SPOILER) Gus died.

[Nia]

I loved this book, it is one of my favorite books, I literally want to ball up and cry.

[Cousette]

Thanking you guys for sharing this book-i would never have heard about it otherwise. I feel fundamentally different after reading it- It was truly a gift.

[Nia]

I loved it! It was bittersweet. Thats it! That how I felt about that book! Bittersweet!

[Jen]

twelvejan wrote: As I was reading it previously, I was still curious as to why he decided to ink his first response to Gus when it was later noted that he has 18 years worth of unopened fan mails in a trash bag. Perhaps Lidewig had coerced him into replying? Or maybe, if Gus had included that fact, it was a Cancer Perk? Or maybe, that being the first letter he ever read, it might have resonated with him?"

Ah, I like where you took this! You, I think, pulled out what I was trying to get at. I noticed my theory was getting a bit far-fetched, and I feel it was because I couldn't sort it out all in my head. But if Lidewij did believe him to be a genius, then it would seem certainly plausible that she coerced him into responding. I also thought that it was odd that he chose to write back considering there was 18 years worth of mail sitting in his apartment. Again, though it is odd, it would still make sense following your theory that Lidewij coerced him into responding.

I also liked the quote you shared. I loved that this is the quote that yielded us such a brilliant title. It is a bit ironic that Peter said "Were she better or you sicker, then the stars would not be so terribly crossed..." and then, a bit further into the story it is revealed that Gus has enough cancer in his body to--I believe he put it--light up a Christmas tree. And the thing is, now that Gus is sicker, he is to sick. The whole situation bites. It is bad enough that Hazel is already facing a terminal cancer, but Gus...he had an 80% chance of surviving his cancer. It's what makes this story so emotionally devastating.

As a side note, I read an article posted at work today from the Huffington Post about books that will change your life. I think this might just fit the bill...

[Cousette]

To Message 148-Peter had mail which he refused to read but given the time difference he could do so via the internet. The correspondence also didn't go directly to him but to his assistant. She must have impressed upon him the need for a response since they shared more than one common ground.

[Jen]

Cousette--I understand where you are coming from. I definitely feel that the fact that Augustus sent his first correspondence to Van Houten's assistant made a considerable difference in the matter. I do find it extremely intriguing though that there wasn't a single letter he had read from the 18 years worth accumulated in those bags. There must have been other people who read AIA who also could have shared common ground, as you so nicely referred to it. What made Gus so special? Was there more common ground in his story? Was it that he sent it to Lidewij? Or was it simply what Green needed to have his plot flow through?

[M]

I must say, that at this point this book is one of my favorites just because it was so realistic. Granted, I could have done without the death, but it was well written. I have not read many other John Green books, but I look forward to reading more from him. In this book, John Green perfectly captured the innocence, or loss of, in both characters, as well as curiosity and personality. He also taught that just because someone has a terminal illness, does not mean we have to treat them differently, they are still people, and would like to be treated as such.

[Megs]

I absolutely loved this book! Speaking as a childhood cancer survivor, John Green did a wonderful job portraying many of the feelings that I had and still have. So I could really relate. I will definitely read this book again!

[Megs]

M wrote: "... I have not read many other John Green books..."

Read his other books, they're well worth it! I love, love, love


and is really good as well.

[Andrea]

I downloaded it for the Huffpost dicussion that starts 3/27. This is by far one of the best books I have read in a long time. I am 56 years old. I have no idea why YA books get pigeonholed. Some of the BEST fiction out there gets ignored because someone stuck YA on it.

And I am also a cancer survivor....20+ years

[Amber]

I just read this in a couple of days. I loved the story and how it was touching and real. I enjoyed that the characters lived in Indianapolis because I am from Indiana. There are some great quotes in this book that I am sure I will find myself thinking on again again! This will definitely be a book I recommend. It definitely made cry, but I didn't feel like it was sad just for the sake of being sad. Some books are most definitely that.

[Victoria]

loved this book i devoured it within a few hours,

[J.K.]

Hazel and Augustus- we love you PRESENT TENSE

[J.K.]

Andrea wrote: "I downloaded it for the Huffpost dicussion that starts 3/27. This is by far one of the best books I have read in a long time. I am 56 years old. I have no idea why YA books get pigeonholed. Some of..."

I agree! Both Joanne (my YA coauthor) and I are adult fiction writers as well and huge fans of YA. We love writing and reading both genres and both are great examples of literature worth reading for all ages :)

[J.K.]

Meghan wrote: "I absolutely loved this book! Speaking as a childhood cancer survivor, John Green did a wonderful job portraying many of the feelings that I had and still have. So I could really relate. I will ..."

Meghan- so glad to hear you are better. I did not have cancer as you did, but the book felt so raw and honest to me. Nothing was sugar coated and I totally got why Augustus wanted to be present at his own funeral with his real friends. This book means so much to me. I can only imagine what it means to you. John Green- I think an angel just gave you his wings...

[J.K.]

Amber wrote: "I just read this in a couple of days. I loved the story and how it was touching and real. I enjoyed that the characters lived in Indianapolis because I am from Indiana. There are some great quotes..."

I agree- there were so many amazing quotes. I loved it when Issac said at Augustus' "funeral" that if someone said they'd found a way to give him back his eyesight he'd refuse because he wouldn't want to see a world without Augustus Waters in it. This made me cry. I also loved how Hazel whispered into Augusstus' casket "I love you present tense" Yep. Cried then too...

[J.K.]

M wrote: "I must say, that at this point this book is one of my favorites just because it was so realistic. Granted, I could have done without the death, but it was well written. I have not read many other J..." Looking for Alaska is beautifully written and so deeply philosophical that it blew my mind. In a vlog John Green said, "Stop condescending to teenagers" and I applaud him for that as a fellow YA writer. Teenagers, if anything, are more intellectually curious about life and their place in it than adult readers...

[Megs]

Andrea wrote: "...And I am also a cancer survivor....20+ years
"

Congrats. It will be 20 years this September for me.

[Jenn]

idk i think i am one of the few who didnt like this book. idk was just too depressing for my liking.

[[deleted user]]

SPOLIERS-
i finished this a few weeks ago and must admit i was a bit skeptical going into it as everyone loved it and i didnt want to jump on the band wagon. But immediately after starting the book i grew attached to it,this book gave me so many mixed emotions,i didnt know whether to laugh or cry. What i loved about this book was the fact that it wasnt just any old love story,this one had depth. Hazel herself made me want to be her best friend,she was so cool yet so nice,if i met her some where,i think i'd jump at the chance of being her friend, Isaac left me giggling most times,when he egged his exes car, i was crying with laughter,bless him. Augustus,dear old Gus, well all i can really say,is that i want him, i really loved Gus and he was probably my favorite person in this book, i loved the way he way was with Hazel, i loved the sound of him, i just loved him, regardless to say, i couldnt get over the fact he died, i was a mess myself.
i can't wait to re-read this book, and trust me, i will. Well done yet again John Green for writing yet another heart capturing book.

[Casey]

This book made me laugh & made me cry. I loved Agustus & thought the characters were so easy to love. Put it on my favorites list :D

[Saya]

Let me begin with thanking everyone for choosing this book as one of the reads of March. I am thankful to everyone who chose this book. I do not think I would ever get around to reading this book if it weren't for this book club.
Cancer- one of the things that's around me-but I choose not to dig into it I want to surround myself with positive things. My grandma had cancer, my grandpa too, and I am incredibly scared of it. Don't get me wrong, I often make donations, I even cut my hair and donated to a foundation but I do not know all the sad details. This book gave me an insight to cancer.
As I flipped through the book I wondered what I would be like if I had cancer. I wondered how my mom would cope with it. I wondered whether my brother would be tired of having a sick person around.
Whenever we hear of someone who has cancer or had cancer, we can't help but get the look of pity. Little do we realize out pitiful sight is rather making them feel even more helpless. Our heart goes out to them but we cripple them a slight more. We treat them as "different" because they are , well, going to die soon.
I am glad I read this book. Hazel was a genuine girl. I loved her.
Augustus, well, I failed to relate to his character. I really do not know how a 17 year old boy could talk like him. He was too artificial you know.
Other complain I had with this book was the development of "love" between the two. I couldn't connect to it. I didn't understand how they fell head over heels in love with each other over 2 or 3 dates. So much so, that Augustus took her on a trip to Amsterdam.
But, that's just me. I loved the ending. Although, it was sad but it made me sad.