Yes, I finally got on the ball and read John Green’s 2012 young adult blockbuster “The Fault in Our Stars.” I’m probably one of the last in blogger-land to have done so, and it came at a good time when I needed a quick, easy read after some of the denseness of the last novel I read and another dense one for my book club to follow.
And yes, I’m in the majority when I say I really liked “The Fault in Our Stars” and it’s a wonderful, stunning read. Even though it’s sad about two high school kids who have cancer who meet at a support group and fall in love, it’s also very beautiful and moving without being overly sentimental. Author John Green captures the teenagers and their dialogue seemingly to perfection. And the characters, Hazel and Augustus, express plenty of sardonic wit and intelligence to keep the story from falling into a depressing or cheesy hole. Green brings these characters to life and I really felt they were real people by the end who I knew and would miss.
“The Fault in Our Stars” is a book about living and dying and questioning whether one has meaning. It makes you feel what it’s like to be in a cancer kids’ shoes but it also gives them dignity and humanness too. I also liked the book’s side plot of Hazel’s quest to try to contact the author of her favorite book to find out what happened to its characters after an ambiguous ending. The quest takes Hazel and Augustus on a whirlwind adventure to Amsterdam where their connection blossoms.
I rarely read young adult novels but this one was really worth it, even though a tissue or two was required. It’s hard to really say too much about the story, other than to just rush out get the book and read it, which you must if you haven’t already. It’s made me want to read all of John Green’s other novels, too. I’m a convert now to his talent.
And I’m already thinking of the movie adaptation of “The Fault in Our Stars,” which comes out June 6. I’ve seen the trailer and I’m a bit worried it won’t be able to capture the right tone without being cheesy or fake-ish like the book does. Uh-oh. Will it live up to the book? Will the actors meet the expectations for the characters? The odds are against it, but I’ll likely see it anyways. It’s quite amazing that Shailene Woodley will play the lead roles for both upcoming movies “Divergent” and “Fault in Our Stars.” Wow she’s on a roll. I thought she was quite good in the 2011 movie “The Descendants,” so we will see if she can rise to these roles as well.
What about you — what did you think of this novel and do you plan to see the movie?
I read a few YA novels each year and this was one of the highlights of ones I read last year. In fact, it was the highlight of the year for me as I think it was my favorite book read last year. I had tried a John Green book previously, but didn’t like it. This one, though, I absolutely loved, even though I cried through the last 60 or so pages. As for the movie, I definitely plan to see it, especially after seeing the trailers look very good.
Yeah I can see why it was your favorite last year. It’s done very well. I still hope to try a few of his other books sometime. Thanks Bryan
I adored the book and am worried about the movie too – how can it capture the feeling of that lovely book?
I dont think they can Kathy. But I’ll go anyways.
As you know, I enjoyed the book as well. I liked it more than his first novel “Looking for Alaska”. I didn’t love this book as much as some others though, even though I think it is quite good. I’ll see the film eventually. John Green has been very positive with his views about the movie adaptations so that helps. I don’t know if the two leads are capable of it yet, but it looks decent from the trailer. I tend to err on low expectations for any adaptations.
Yeah I know what you mean Athena. My expectations are lower for the movie of this book. I’d like to check out Green’s other books sometime.
No, you aren’t the last in blog land to read this book…I have yet to read it. Why am I hesitating? Well, I don’t often read YA books…and the cancer aspect is something that will require the right frame of mind. But after reading your thoughts, I may just have to give this one a try.
Here’s
MY WEEKLY SUNDAY/MONDAY UPDATES
Yeah Laurel, I dont read YA books much either. But I made an exception for this one and I’m glad I did.
I’ve heard of this book before but haven’t read it yet – sounds like you really enjoyed it. So nice when I read a book I fall in love with. I will make sure to read it before seeing the movie.
Yeah I think you’ll like it Erin. You have time before the movie.
No, I’M the last one to read The Fault in Our Stars! I’m glad you read it and enjoyed it! I am going to put that at the top of my TBR list right now! I have been meaning to read this for a long time and want to read it before the movie!
Thanks for sharing and reminding me!
Have a great week!
You’ll polish it off quickly and then will be ready for the movie!
I still haven’t read this one, so you aren’t the last! But I mean to. So many books….
You’ll eventually get to it. It’s a quick read which is nice.
I agree. The movie worries me a little. The tone was just so perfect in the book and the parents lent just the right amount of support without being overly sappy or annoying.
Totally Ti. I dont see the movie being as good.
I loved Woodley in The Descendants, too – I am really hoping she can pull this off. I see her as Hazel much more than I see her as Tris in Divergent.
Yeah Carrie I need to read Divergent pronto before the movie comes out. It seems you didnt like the 3rd one in the series but liked the first two okay. We’ll see if Woodley can pull it off.
I love John Green as a person, but I can’t seem to fall in love with his books the same as others. His characters have the Dawson’s Creek syndrome I hate which means they talk like pretentious Jonathan Franzen wannabes. And I just can’t get past that. The Fault in Our Stars is a sweet story though, and I know why so many kids and adults have embraced it. I’ll see the movie eventually, as well.
Yeah you might have a point Brooke. I guess Green seemed to refrain from overly sappy-ness in this one and he’s respectful of teens having brains which I found nice. But I take your point.
I’m so glad you enjoyed TFIOS. It is such a wonderful book. I actually just got another copy from Audible so that I can listen to it soon rather than re-read it (although I imagine I will do that as well in future years). As for the movie, I’m definitely not going to see it in the theaters. I might see it when it comes out in Redbox, but even then I won’t be in any rush. All of these adaptations lately have me feeling wary and more than a bit exhausted because they so often fail to capture the magic of the books.
I agree Michelle. Most often adaptations can’t compare to the books and this one will be very hard to I think.
This was my first book by John Green and I adored it. I am excited for the movie and hope they do the book justice.
Thanks Sheila. Yeah me too. I will look to read his other books.
I loved this one! The story was wonderful, but it was particularly great because of the Indy setting, my hometown!
That’s great Melissa — to have a local author like John Green in your hometown. Wow. He does Indy proud I’m sure.