The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Bibliography:
Green, John. 2012. The Fault in Our Stars. New York: Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated. ISBN 978-0525478812

Plot Summary:

This book is the story of sixteen year old Hazel Lancaster who has terminal cancer.  At a support group for teens living with cancer, Hazel meets Augustus Waters who is in the recovery stage of cancer.  The two quickly fall in love, go on an adventure in Amsterdam through Make a Wish, and return to find out that Augustus' cancer has returned.  Hazel stays by Augustus' side through the last few weeks of his life and in the the end, decides she doesn't regret loving him at all and it helps her come to terms with the fact that her own life would be ending as well. 

Critical Analysis:

There are many unique and lovable characters in this book.  Hazel and Augustus are both very witty and funny.  The supporting characters in this book are also great.  Augustus' best friend, Isaac, makes his loss of eye sight seem funny even though it's so sad and the heartache he feels from his first love are touching.  Peter van Houten, the tragic and cold hearted author, is also an interesting supporting character because of his villainous behavior but the reader will find themselves rooting for him anyways.  

The plot is very strong in this book.  The idea of teens who have cancer falling in love is very plausible so it is easy to imagine this happening but there was unexpected twist.  In the beginning, Hazel was the one we expect to die while Augustus seems so healthy.  It was surprising when Augustus was the one who died.  

The setting of the book is good because it takes place in a country we recognize, America, but also goes to a place many of us have always wanted to visit, Amsterdam.  John Green describes Amsterdam how we would all imagine it.  He even included a scene in the famous Anne Frank attic. 

Death and love are obviously strong themes in the book and one cannot turn a page without being reminded of either one.  This book has both male and female protagonists and readers will find themselves falling in love with them both.  

Review Excerpts:

• New York Times: "a blend of melancholy, sweet, philosophical and funny"
• NPR-  "[Green's] voice is so compulsively readable that it defies categorization,"

Connections:

**Read the first chapter along with John Green by following this youtube link: http://youtu.be/F_vFvbfn9Fs

**Take a virtual tour of the Anne Frank attic at this website: http://www.annefrank.org/en/Subsites/Home/