Title: The Fault In Our StarsAuthor: John Green
Publication: January 10th 2012, Dutton Books
Format: Paperback, 313 pages
Source: Own Copy from NBS
Buy it on: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository | Kobo | iBooks | Nat'l Book Store/Fully Booked (PH)
Synopsis:
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.
Misfit Review:
I have read TFIOS before I got a printed copy. I kind of felt bad for reviewing it at all, so on January, I grabbed it from the shelves and marveled at its beauty. But never did I go to the point of reading it once I got it. I was, in short, scared for my life. I did not want to go through that experience again. But one fine day, out of the blue, I grabbed John Hazustus ( I call my copy JOHN HAZUSTUS.. I must be a real masochist) and headed to school, only the find out that after a year, the same effects spewed and I was on a roller coaster that did go up but definitely crashed me down... In a good way.. I may definitely be a masochist.
I love Hazel. She's a spunky girl in her own way but definitely thrown off the edge of what she believes about her own death. She wants to experience things before her death but could really never bring herself to. Thus, her way of staying away from people. But one ray of light decides to push its way to her in the form of Augustus Waters, who is a total form of joy and charisma. Reading the book, I could not help but fall for these two and mainly towards Augustus Waters.
I've never encountered a character so vibrant yet sensitive such as Augustus Waters. I could never fully describe his character in my head without having to smile at the thought of him. He's caring and downright funny and also a wonderful friend. His relationship with Hazel is mild, nothing like those Romeo and Juliet themed kinds like "I WILL CATCH THE STARS FOR YOU AND FIGHT YOUR FATHER TO GET YOUR HAND IN MARRIAGE.." That sort. I can never stand that sometimes. Their relationship is sweet, funny and built upon an abundance of courage that no Romeo and Juliet story could ever pull off.
There are so many facets to the story. Just fun and laughter, love and a hurt that to be honest could not mentally explain. I will explain it later through emotional outbursts. But you could definitely feel the fun and joy in their conversations, about books and even the small things in life. It's nothing too difficult to eat up because there's too many sugar coats. It's just a young girl and a young boy making a friendship with each other. They just had that touch of cancer. Then they found love.
A love built upon friendship is something that is truly wonderful and also a factor of understanding that Augustus Waters and Hazel Grace Lancaster didn't just blindly fall in love with each other. For some people, it felt rushed and shallow that a relationship can just happen. Yes, there was a connection and an attraction to begin with but Hazel didn't want to be a baggage to Gus. Hazel is someone whom I commend for being mature enough. And even at the time that Gus reveals his problem, Hazel stayed calm and collected in a way. I don't think I would've survived the idea of having one of the people I love go through a difficult trial in their lives.
The story went through different ups and downs. Isaac, Amsterdam, Peter Van Houten (jerk) and Gus being a dome for cancer. Within these trials, I went through different emotions and thoughts like, "WHY?" or "THAT IS AMAZING!", "JERK! I WANNA PUNCH HIM" or "I cannot take this anymore.. Dad carry me to my room." It's not a book that will question difficult things in life but would make you appreciate the smallest of gestures, the shortest of times spent together and that people go through different uncertainties in life and would find solace on things that could break them. People are definitely fragile but they are also brave. I don't know how many times I've cried as I sat in my room, reading the eulogies they made for Gus and the eulogy that Gus made for Hazel. It was difficult to breathe.
John Green's writing is simple and heartwarming. No frills, no special effects. Metaphors yes... And quotations that will haunt us forever. There were times when I thought that there was something lacking within the story but you realize you are not reading a story of people that goes through miraculous "I am saved" situations but rather a slap from reality. John Green just decided to wrap love around it.
A story shouldn't be extremely special to be appreciated. One story can be the same as others and an original idea would take forever to actually be discovered. There are lots of stories like The Fault in Our Stars and that is something that we may wish is not the truth but as long as it holds a special place in your heart, then it is not far from being unique. It holds a very huge piece of my heart. And I love it.
About The Author:I have read TFIOS before I got a printed copy. I kind of felt bad for reviewing it at all, so on January, I grabbed it from the shelves and marveled at its beauty. But never did I go to the point of reading it once I got it. I was, in short, scared for my life. I did not want to go through that experience again. But one fine day, out of the blue, I grabbed John Hazustus ( I call my copy JOHN HAZUSTUS.. I must be a real masochist) and headed to school, only the find out that after a year, the same effects spewed and I was on a roller coaster that did go up but definitely crashed me down... In a good way.. I may definitely be a masochist.
But in fact, depression is not a side effect of cancer. Depression is the side effect of dying. (Cancer is also a side effect of dying. Almost everything is, really.
I love Hazel. She's a spunky girl in her own way but definitely thrown off the edge of what she believes about her own death. She wants to experience things before her death but could really never bring herself to. Thus, her way of staying away from people. But one ray of light decides to push its way to her in the form of Augustus Waters, who is a total form of joy and charisma. Reading the book, I could not help but fall for these two and mainly towards Augustus Waters.
"Oh, I'm grand." Augustus Waters smiled with a corner of his mouth. "I'm a roller coaster that only goes up, my friend.
I've never encountered a character so vibrant yet sensitive such as Augustus Waters. I could never fully describe his character in my head without having to smile at the thought of him. He's caring and downright funny and also a wonderful friend. His relationship with Hazel is mild, nothing like those Romeo and Juliet themed kinds like "I WILL CATCH THE STARS FOR YOU AND FIGHT YOUR FATHER TO GET YOUR HAND IN MARRIAGE.." That sort. I can never stand that sometimes. Their relationship is sweet, funny and built upon an abundance of courage that no Romeo and Juliet story could ever pull off.
There are so many facets to the story. Just fun and laughter, love and a hurt that to be honest could not mentally explain. I will explain it later through emotional outbursts. But you could definitely feel the fun and joy in their conversations, about books and even the small things in life. It's nothing too difficult to eat up because there's too many sugar coats. It's just a young girl and a young boy making a friendship with each other. They just had that touch of cancer. Then they found love.
"Okay, he said after forever. Maybe okay will be our always."
"Okay," I said.
A love built upon friendship is something that is truly wonderful and also a factor of understanding that Augustus Waters and Hazel Grace Lancaster didn't just blindly fall in love with each other. For some people, it felt rushed and shallow that a relationship can just happen. Yes, there was a connection and an attraction to begin with but Hazel didn't want to be a baggage to Gus. Hazel is someone whom I commend for being mature enough. And even at the time that Gus reveals his problem, Hazel stayed calm and collected in a way. I don't think I would've survived the idea of having one of the people I love go through a difficult trial in their lives.
The story went through different ups and downs. Isaac, Amsterdam, Peter Van Houten (jerk) and Gus being a dome for cancer. Within these trials, I went through different emotions and thoughts like, "WHY?" or "THAT IS AMAZING!", "JERK! I WANNA PUNCH HIM" or "I cannot take this anymore.. Dad carry me to my room." It's not a book that will question difficult things in life but would make you appreciate the smallest of gestures, the shortest of times spent together and that people go through different uncertainties in life and would find solace on things that could break them. People are definitely fragile but they are also brave. I don't know how many times I've cried as I sat in my room, reading the eulogies they made for Gus and the eulogy that Gus made for Hazel. It was difficult to breathe.
"But Gus, my love, I cannot tell you how thankful I am for our little infinity. I wouldn't trade it for the world. You gave me a forever within a numbered of day, and I am grateful."
John Green's writing is simple and heartwarming. No frills, no special effects. Metaphors yes... And quotations that will haunt us forever. There were times when I thought that there was something lacking within the story but you realize you are not reading a story of people that goes through miraculous "I am saved" situations but rather a slap from reality. John Green just decided to wrap love around it.
My thoughts are stars I can't fathom into constellations.
A story shouldn't be extremely special to be appreciated. One story can be the same as others and an original idea would take forever to actually be discovered. There are lots of stories like The Fault in Our Stars and that is something that we may wish is not the truth but as long as it holds a special place in your heart, then it is not far from being unique. It holds a very huge piece of my heart. And I love it.
I know that my love for John Green novels may seem bias to anyone, but that's just how I love my books and how stories easily touch my heart. It's a wonderful novel for me. Leave comments below and tell me what you think of the book. All opinions are well taken! :) Check out my movie review for it too!
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