The Fault in Our Stars
discussion
Am I the only one who hates this book with burning passion?
Whoa, I left for a day and this thread just became a whole ton of crazy. There are also a lot of fans here seem to be backing up this book and explaining why the book is awesome. All I can say is: you guys, we READ the book. Ayesha even bought the HARDCOVER. We know what we read and we conclude that TFIOS is not A Good Book. If you can't seem to grasp that concept, we don't care. Just as we don't care how much you love it. That's not what this thread is about. The only reason I read it is because everyone said it was great and I actually enjoy the vlogbrothers videos. The fact that it reads like a fanfic of a better novel with a barely there plot is just unfortunate. But it is what it is.
Also, Bruce, we're supposed to love the book because John put a lot of effort in writing it? What kind of sad reasoning is that? Are you saying other writers don't put in as much effort? I guess we can't criticise anything now because all things require some sort of effort.
No, John Green, you don't get A+ for effort.
Ayesha wrote: "I happily bought the hardcover of The Fault in our stars back in December 2012 after seeing the high average GR ratings and raving reviews saying how beautiful, life-changing, thought-provoking and..."I also hated this book. It is not well written. It is okay but did not make me feel anything. It was way too predictable.
It's ALL subjective! I'm reading TFIOS for the second time -- recommended it for book club. And for the second time it got me weeping. I love the narrative voice. I call it the most uplifting sad book I've ever read. ... John Grisham is a popular writer. Cant' stand his books. Then I read Calico Joe -- great read. Went online and found many of his fans trashing it! (Guess 'cause there wasn't a lawyer in sight in the book!) So bottom line: nobody can write 'the definitive review' of any book. It is all subjective. If you doubt me, read "Read For Your Life: Literature as a Life Support System" by Joseph Gold. The most intelligent book on reading that I've ever read, which means some of you -- not all! -- will hate it. Subjective. Subjective. Subjective. TFIOS? Great characters, great narrative voice, great (and moving) plot. And yes, that is an opinion. What else can it be? It moved me, not you? To be expected, no?
It's funny, this is one of those times when the more I think about a book, the more I don't like it. But I love John Green's YouTube channel.
Off-topic, but Ellen, I am so envious of your profile picture!
The question starting this thread is: "Am I the only one who hates this book with burning passion?"Not sure why this question needs to be asked. The Amazon.com reviews have over 50 one-star reviews and over a hundred two star reviews (which is my star review ranking for TFIOS; perhaps my least favorite book, I admit). The main Goodreads page for The Fault In Our Stars shows over 3,000 one-star reviews and over 8,000 two-star reviews, and the main page for this book shows many forums with these very low rankings with comments in support of why the book is "hated with a burning passion." Besides, it's common sense that there is no book out there, no matter how much beloved or from what century, that doesn't have its heartfelt detractors. I didn't care for The Fault In Our Stars. I gave it two stars. But I certainly don't hate the author and I certainly don't hate either of the opposing sides because of their opinions. I guess I just don't know why the question had to be asked when the answer was out there and easily found, including on Goodreads. I do see a lot of hateful language directed personally at people, even from people saying they don't like it when people are wrong or bad for trashing their opinions, but then turn around and do exactly that themselves. There also seems to be no interest in toning it down after all this time this thread has existed, which seems kind of creepy or at least embarrassing and sad and self-revealing in ways the posters don't seem to realize, on both sides. There's no self-reflection of realizing something like - you know, maybe I'm being just as guilty of the things I'm accusing the other side of saying. My opinion - and keep going if that's your thing, I guess. I have no interest in tramping on your free speech(which is an odd thing to think anyone here, or even John Green himself, could even begin to do), even if I think it's all a waste of your free speech at this point. It's good to have opposing views, absolutely, and people have every right to express their opinions. I guess it's simply my opinion that asking an already easily answered question, engaging in a long and hate-filled slam-fest over one book, getting so personal about it to the extent that the debate is less about the book but which side is trying to silence the other (when neither are or can), is a huge, huge waste of time and energy, and a pointless attack upon your own blood pressure. I have some friends who loved the book and want to see the movie, and they're still my good pals and will go with them, if only for the popcorn! But, for God sake, I'm not going to root for the movie's demise. Why would anyone do that when so many hard-working people will be invovled? Another waste of time, I believe. Anyway - do what you want, I'm only expressing my thoughts one time and one time only - then moving on. I mean, my word - it's a fiction book, aren't there better things to concern ourselves with after we've stated our rating and reason for it? I just think moving on makes much more sense than hyperventilating over a fiction book.
Zyair wrote: "Over hyped and wasn't very interesting"couldn't be more accurate
Trace wrote: "The question starting this thread is: "Am I the only one who hates this book with burning passion?"Not sure why this question needs to be asked. The Amazon.com reviews have over 50 one-star revie..."
Because there are about 600 threads gushing over how amazing the book is so, obviously, she wanted someone to talk to who didn't think it was the most amazing thing ever. I'm not sure why that isn't clear to you.
Marxie wrote: "Hi understand why you hate it so much. May I know what kinds of books you like reading instead? I like TFIOS but not going to shove it down to your throat. :) ."You can check my profile.
Marxie wrote: "Ayesha wrote: "I happily bought the hardcover of The Fault in our stars back in December 2012 after seeing the high average GR ratings and raving reviews saying how beautiful, life-changing, though..."
Thank you for being polite and sane, Marxie.
Thank you for being polite and sane, Marxie.
Brooke wrote: "Thank you for being polite and sane, Marxie."Hahaha
I really loved the book. I don't hate the fact that you are being honest. Some people just don't have the same taste in books,
I won't say I totally hated this book,but there were a lot of things I didn't like about it and it was kind of disappointing after reading all these raving reviews.I have a bit of a different perspective.I am a caretaker.I am a parent of three kids who have a genetic life threatening seizure disorder that is progressive.Not Cancer,but we often run in the same circles.Our lives are spent much of the time at doctors,hospitals and clinics getting tests and treatments done.
I bought this book,because of all the hype and I thought it may be relatable.Sometimes it's nice to read things where people understand what our lives our like.I could understand some of the feelings that the characters had.The feeling of being isolated and alone.Feeling like no one wants to be around you,because you're a grenade threatening to ruin their happiness with your sad and tragic circumstances.That is relatable.
(Spoilers)
When my kids first got sick a lot of people we cared about walked out of our lives including family,but the interesting thing is the people we would have thought would have split didn't and were there and showed love compassion and support.It's in those times that you really see peoples true colors.
Right off the bat I was instantly annoyed by the way Hazel referred to the director of the support group who'd had Testicular Cancer.If the director had been a woman with breast Cancer that had,had a Mastectomy and had her breasts removed would that be okay to refer to her that way? I think not.
I understood Hazel was extremely bitter.It's horrible to have Cancer and to feel like you can't breathe is the worst! I have Asthma that has landed me in the hospital before it's terrifying to feel like you can't breathe.You feel like a fish out of water.so I can understand that.
There are lots of times where we are not sunshine and rainbows and cry and scream and get mad,but it also doesn't give you a license to go around and be a jerk to everyone who's circumstances are a bit better than yours.
I didn't like the lack of depth in each character.The things they talked about didn't even seem realistic,but meant to be thought provoking and edgy,like the whole thing about eggs? What?!!!!
I knew nothing about them,except that they had Cancer and she liked this one book was a bit of an isolationist and he liked bloody video games and used to play basketball that he no longer thought worthy.I would have liked to know more about them pre-Cancer and about them as people in general.
What I did know about them seemed really self centered and overly absorbed.Like Hazel was the only one that had a monopoly on pain and suffering.I didn't like the way they belittled other peoples feelings.Like the others in their group who happened to be in remission or people that put condolences of Gus's page.
Or the way she treated her parents and was so put off by Augustus's parents and their little hopeful messages written all over the house.
I can relate to the cliche stuff and how that can be annoying at times,but they meant well and you have to give them some credit for not being all gloom and doom.
It's also annoying how everyone will give you tips of diet and the latest and greatest healing cure.If I had a dollar for every person that told me to take my kids to the Chiropractor to cure their seizures I'd be a rich woman,but you have to remember that people often want to feel like they are being helpful and often don't know what to say and so they really are trying to relate.Maybe that's where them being teenagers comes in.Despite all of their so called high language and trying to be extremely educated if they weren't being so immature they would understand those things.
Like I said I would have liked to know more indepth things about them as characters.I definately felt bad for both of them and all they had gone through.It's a very hard situation,that I know all too well.
Excuse my rambling
I was really hoping to like this book,just because like I said it's nice to have something you can relate to,but this wasn't it.
If I'm going to read a Cancer story I prefer something a bit more hopeful like The Ultimate Gift.
you are the only person who hates this.
Ayesha wrote: "Veronica wrote: "Okay so I read your review and I wanted to response to it more directly, I've read the book a few months ago and I enjoyed it, it had it's problems but on a whole it was enjoyable...."Oh I have no problem with your hatred, I believe that hatred is actually very healthly, I'm just having a dialouge with you. (And I understand being busy I'm about to go back to school) Though as I look at your points and everyone else's, I can see where your coming from. Because beside this book I read Paper towns and he does have the magical pixie girl trophe where this guy is odessesed with this girl. It can be annoying and I see the flaws i n this book.
I won't claim it's a brilliant book or anything, I just felt like for a simple story about two teenagers falling in love and are at death road I felt like it did a good job. Is it preachy? Yes. Is Hazel annoying? yes.
I can't agree that when they spoke it was 'magically insight of life and puking up monologues' because when you are alone a lot, when you're as low as a Hazel gets, you overthink things and you come up with Preachy high up there things. I felt like that was in character with her. Even told the audience from the beginning her only other friend other than her parents was an author that she never met. I'm not that surprised she came up with that.
Augustus was shown as coming up with the lovely dovey smart stuff (big speech and monoloug) to Hazel because he was trying to match her intellect, or thats how I understood it. He's trying really hard to impress her and it comes off as awkward because it is. I'm not implying their love is beautiful and perfect and awesome no, I'm saying for this story it's believable. Because when you first love in fall is feels like forever and you make all these dumb promises you can't keep. Was he attracted to her because she's beautiful, kind of, though he does admit he was first attracted to her because she looked like his dead girlfriend. Her died of,, you guessed it, cancer.
From then he does get too attached too quickly but I keep in mind he's a teen boy, with cancer,who gonna die, that is excuse enough to get too emotional over the first girl, since the death of your girlfriend, you've liked.
Editted: I just finished reading the rest of the thread and saw how things got heated from where I posted, so you don't have to response, I come in peace.
Meg wrote: "If you "hated" this book so much I am not sure why you would choose to post about it in a forum created by and for people who did like it."I can't agree with what you've written Meg, if you hated a book and wanted to express this opinion a forum is the perfect place to do it.
I borrowed this book from my cousin with high hopes that it will be one of the great books on my list. turns out that the book didn't satisfy my standards. I'm not saying that the book is not good, its just too simple that I cannot challenge myself to think profoundly :)
Cecilia wrote: "you are the only person who hates this."
No, she isn't.
No, she isn't.
I personally really liked this book and I'm sorry it didn't meet your expectations. I also think that this is a great example of what a book is. A book is words on a page that are given meaning by the way we interpret, connect, and relate to those words. I could find the best book in the world and I guarantee you that someone will not like it because we are all different, we feel different things, are put in different situations, and grow differently as people.
Couldn't agree more Madelyn :)That's how I feel about Lord if the Flies. Everyone always says that it is an amazing book, and it is a required reading at the local high schools, but when I got a hold of that book and got a quarter of the way through I just couldn't go any further. That is the one book I can say that I actually hate. Maybe not with a burning passion, cus I never finished it, but I do hate it. And it gets on my nerves even today when people tell me I need to try again cus they know I'll love it if I give it a second chance. And I'm like, yeah, no. So what may seem a masterpiece to one, may be someone else's trash. I don't fault Ayesha for hating TFioS, I personally enjoyed it(Though it is NO The Book Thief), and for people to just hate on her for expressing her dislike for the book is just petty.
Nope. I did too. Not only did it fail to live up to it's hype, the characterization was so stupid I literally face palmed six times.
Danielle wrote: "John wrote: "Back in message #5, the messenger used the word "pretentious" and I think that is a good word to describe the characters, like "You need to feel this way about the characters in the bo..."Wow, you don't read what I wrote and call me a name ... did you see how many stars were rated?
Lynne wrote: "John wrote: "Back in message #5, the messenger used the word "pretentious" and I think that is a good word to describe the characters, like "You need to feel this way about the characters in the bo..."I withheld a star, not for his politics. I did note that I disagree with his politics, however, I did not "withhold a star" because of the author's politics.
Cecilia wrote: "you are the only person who hates this."
Madelyn wrote: "I personally really liked this book and I'm sorry it didn't meet your expectations. I also think that this is a great example of what a book is. A book is words on a page that are given meaning by ..."
I couldn't have put it better.
God, I hated this book so much.My review is here.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
glad to see others who feel the same, though.
This was my least favorite book I read last year along with the Divergent series, which I found a little hokey, but I am glad to see others disliked it as much as me. It seemed so many people love it.
Some people are really blind. Wonder who(!)
Ellen wrote: "It's funny, this is one of those times when the more I think about a book, the more I don't like it. But I love John Green's YouTube channel."That is funny - that is how I was too.
And people say Anthem is pretentious. I'm not saying it isn't, but it's got nothing on this in terms of pretentiousness.
Some people are really blind. Wonder who(!)Issac, perhaps?
Ayesha wrote: "I happily bought the hardcover of The Fault in our stars back in December 2012 after seeing the high average GR ratings and raving reviews saying how beautiful, life-changing, thought-provoking and..."I respect your opinion and you have all the right to do so but this book isn't that bad It has the humor the naive feelings and heartbreaking truths.It shows the difficulties that teens with those disease go through and how just little things can make you happy .:D
Why can't people who love it or like it read why people don't and consider the reasons? And then offer up agreements, disagreements, and reasons / examples in support, without making the language personal? Contrary to what someone else had posted, there isn't a pro-FIOS thread on Goodreads without many posts by people who didn't like it. That's the point of literary discussion. To express, to listen and consider, maybe learn something that was missed in our own reading. To have a thread about books without reasonable debate would seem to be the less reasonable thing, especially on a thread on Goodreads asking if there is anyone out there who didn't like the book. Otherwise it becomes a page where people agree to not like a book together, or who can hate it more. And, you know, the free speech thing. Anyway, these are my thoughts about why. (It does seem many people liking the book have understood the antis' points at times and have expressed altered opinions.)
I think JG was making a story about life. It didn't have to be some fantastic love story between Hazel and Gus - it was about teenage love, but more than that: friendship.
The amount of silly squabbling on this thread is shameful. This is about a book, people! It is not the end of the world if someone disagrees with you! The prevailing attitude on this thread is really off putting for those who seriously want to discuss this book. There is no need to resort to petty name calling and invalidating other people's opinions.I have a small piece of unsolicited advice for the OP, if you don't want pro-TFIOS people to comment on this thread, you should say so in the title. Maybe something like, "For people who hated this book ONLY." The way it is worded now makes it seem like you are asking for the opinions of everyone, those who hated it and those who didn't. I'm sure you will still get those few who have to butt in, but I think most people would respect your request. Btw, I personally think it would be nice to have a thread where we can freely complain about this novel without backlash from John Green's following.
I didn't hate this book, but I strongly disliked it and still don't see why it's so hyped up and why everyone loves it. How I feel about this book is a lot like how I felt after reading Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children...
@Lorenzo - It's hard to ignore this irony you've presented - You accuse me of getting incensed and expecting people to all like what I like (which has no basis in what I've expressed) - yet at the same time, you defend if not advocate that this thread stands for the purpose of being only intended for people of like minds. That is, only for those people who agree that the book sucks. The rest can go elsewhere.Who, then, is potentially showing a closed mind? Do you also think the people who hate TFIOS and have posted far more than I have are also obsessive, close-minded, taking it personally, and not reading other books? Do you think some of the people here not only hate the book, but also obsess their disgust more so over the book's incredible critical and public success?
Lorenzo - you gave the book 3 stars. Good. I respect that. Others have given it two stars and one star. I have always felt that a one-star book must fail in all aspects, including grammar and editing, otherwise if you one-star TFIOS, how do you star a grammatical mess? Others disagree with my opinion, which is all it was. Fine. I don't mind if others think this book sucks, that's their opinion. Fine. There is nothing there for me or anyone to say that they're wrong in having that opinion or that it in anyway reflects on them as a person.
If a thread is going to be titled something like - Is there anyone else out there who didn't like this book? - on a literary web site open to the public such as Goodreads, you are inherently going to get people who did like the book interested in why people didn't like the book. Based on what I'm reading from you and some others, maybe this thread should have been titled or begun with the heading - This thread is only for people who don't like or hate TFIOS; everyone else keep away.
By the way - one reason why I enjoyed TFIOS was because of the dialogue based on my experiences working in a juvenile hospital ward. On this thread I've read people who have experienced cancer and other life-threatening diseases themselves or through loved ones who did not think the dialogue was accurate or reflective of real life. Their words were heartfelt and of course in need of respect. I do NOT disagree with them or think they're wrong. Of course they're not wrong. What it has caused me to realize is, at a minimum, people deal with life-threatening diseases and conditions in different ways and attitudes and emotions. I should have been more aware of this. I was made more aware of this by some of these heartfelt posts in this thread. And, again ironically to your post, I never would have had my ideas or perceptions challenged if all I read were threads or posts that agree with my experiences. Similarly, I've read here where anti-TFIOS people get why people who are pro-TFIOS like the book even if the person's own opinions do not change.
Yeah, I've been having trouble getting through Ransom Riggs book as well. Been reading it since October and I'm only half way through. And it's sequel comes out tomorrow...
i think that its impossible hating a book. no hate for you, just.. easy there. its a good book.
Charlotte wrote: "Maybe I'm just a terrible person.."Just because you disliked a best selling book doesn't make you a terrible person.
I agree with everything you wrote but I don't even find anything wrong in dissecting, analysing and then rating and criticising any book.
@Ayesha - I love cats!Anyway - Imagine the wish of FIOS-haters is granted. Imagine the wonder and depth! Imagine how enlightening and, as you can see, how enthrallingestier!
I hate TFIOS!
Me too!
Belongs in a field of cow pies!
Poor cow pies - ha ha!
I agree! Dialogue sucks.
I hate it more than you - the dialogue is suckiest!
I hate it most and the dialogue is suckiestier!!!
FREEDOM OF SPEECH!!! Let me say I HATE this book!
Hey - no 2-star-people allowed!
Right - you 2-star people - Get Your Own Thread!
Hey - I liked TFIOS - can I tell you why?
No - go away.
I hate TFIOS
I agree!
Our book club is discussing the book tonight. I loved it -- the most uplifting downer I have ever read. It will be interesting to see if there is a consensus or a range of opinions. Or if I will stand alone in my love for the book!
I found it shallow, but I assumed that was probably due to the plot-driven (and not character-driven) nature of most YA literature.
@Bruce your last comment gave me cancer.I've said it before, I did enjoy the book myself, but you're just being tacky. I like hearing why people dislike books I love/enjoy. It makes me see things that I was oblivious to because I was so wrapped up in my joy of what I was reading. I see their points, but they don't change my feelings. Really, you're sounding like a 3year old who just got told that they're drawing of a rainbow looked ugly.
Sara wrote: "Can't say I hated it with a burning passion, but it definitely didn't live up to all the hype. It was just ok to me."was it okay?
okay.
*sobs uncontrollably*
*dies a little bit more inside*
Sorry I had to do that, but honestly I love this book with a burning passion. I wish I could force everyone to share the same emotions that I went through so then you guys might understand a little bit more, however I do not possess those abilities. It was not only a book that left me thinking, but also one that made me laugh and cry and physically feel the pain of but Augustus and Hazel. However, I am not simple minded, and I realize that everyone has their own opinions.
I you did like this book, might I recommend some more books for you?
-The Mortal Instruments (Cassandra Clare)
-Graceling (Kristen Cashore)
-Legend (Marie Lu)
Bruce is nothing but a big fat jerk!
No matter what I think of the book, I think it's really impressive that you stand by your opinion although so many people try to talk you into liking a book you definitely don't like. (Hate is a strong word, so I can see why people write you overlong comments about this.)
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I'm sorry that this is happening, Aly.
And Bruce, I was the one who called the author shitty and nutcase because I got offended by his tweets. It's not wrong to criticise a book or an author's tweets that offended so many readers. I don't understand why you have to be so rude just because I'm criticising your favourite book and author. I never attacked anyone for loving this book and I would appreciate if you would stop attacking those who hated it.