Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Blog 129 - The Fault in Our Stars




Author: John Green
Format: Hardcover Special Edition
Pages: 313
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication Date: January 14, 2013
ISBN-13: 9780525426417

About the Book
Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

Insightful, bold, irreverent, and raw, The Fault in Our Stars is award-winning-author John Green's most ambitious and heartbreaking work yet, brilliantly exploring the funny, thrilling, and tragic business of being alive and in love.

My Review
Things I liked: Characters: I did like the main character, Hazel Grace, and the way that she went through living her life even though she had a pretty big obstacle (having to carry a portable oxygen tank with her to breathe and the cancer) in her life. Augustus Waters was another character that I enjoyed. I was intrigued to read about his character and the way that he would hold a cigarette in his mouth but never actually light it, as a metaphor as he says. Plot: I do like that there was a plot throughout the story and I even liked side plots with other minor characters. Overall impression: I did enjoy this read, all the emotions were there in the right places, and I will admit, there were some places throughout the novel where I shed a few tears.

Things that I didn’t like: Characters: I didn’t really enjoy Peter Van Houten and the way that he treated Hazel and Augustus when they visited him in Amsterdam. I know that he has his reasons and everything, but I just don’t think he should have taken it out on them. I will say that he is definitely an atypical author in his behaviors. I know every author is different but from my experience meeting authors they all seem nice, and Van Houten seemed quite the opposite. Plot: Although the plot was good for this novel, it seemed a little predictable at times. For me it felt a little mundane also, I mean I know that the characters don’t really get to do exotic things but I was hoping for a little more than what was given.

Overall: I was satisfied with this read, and I did enjoy reading it, though I don’t know that the book lived up to the hype around it. I would rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.  

Until next time, Happy Reading!!