The Fault in Our Stars Review pt. 2

General: I will admit that I was a bit iffy upon reading this book. I tend to not read books that have been hyped up in fear that they won't meet my expectations. Let me just say that TFiOS met my expectations. It fell a few notes short of surpassing them.

I'm not a crier when it comes to books. But, I skimmed a few pages and found out what happened in the end. Even with my knowing, I was still moved to the point of tears and goosebumps. This is one book I would definitely recommend. The characters don't let their illness define them. They, instead, defy it with their courage, knowledge, and keeping the light in their lives. John Green has earned himself a new fan. I can't wait to read his other works.

Characters: I loved the bond that Hazel shared with Augustus. You could feel the genuine love between them. It wasn't like the typical puppy love that most teenagers have. This was the real deal kind of love. The one where you hope and pray that everything goes right when you know that it's star-crossed. The relationship between them was right off the bat amazing. Their interactions with one another was real. The only thing that got to me was the way they spoke, so highly intellectual. Then, I thought about it. The reason they speak with such intellect and knowledge is because they aren't normal. Their lives have caused them to mature in a way that has shaped them into a new form. They've had to grow up way too fast to understand what is going on with and around them. 

Story: As Hazel had said about An Imperial Affliction, this is not "another cancer story". I mean technically, it is. But, if we're getting past the technicalities, it isn't. What makes it different than all the other books about an illness or disease is the way they overcome it. Yes, if you've read TFiOS, you know that I don't mean it literally. It's the way they overcome cancer by defying it. Sure, these kids know they have this illness that can potentially end their lives sooner than most. But, they take it with such courage and bravery. They continue living their lives as normal kids, not once succumbing to the whole "poor me" thing. Even when it seems like death may be knocking at their door, they greet Him and are ready to go. It takes a certain kind of courage, that most people will never have, to do that.