The Fault in Our Stars - BOOK REVIEW!

Hey! Thanks for having a look at my blog! Today, I'm going to be reviewing one of my favourite books - The Fault in Our Stars. Spoilers will be included in this review, however they will be marked, so if you haven't read the book yet, make sure to skip those sections!

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green was published in 2012. It follows the story of 16 year old Hazel Grace Lancaster as she battles a cancer diagnosis, along with Augustus Waters, or Gus as he is also known, who she meets at a support group. Together, they go on a journey in which they discover who they are and where they belong in the world.

I love this book so much, and have recommended it to all my friends. One of my friends read it, and then it became their favourite book as well! I have given it a 5/5 on my Goodreads account. It is also the first and (so far) only book I have begun to annotate! This book is so relatable for teenagers and adults around the world as it explores themes such as love, loss and leaving a legacy.

SPOILER ALERT!!!

The book begins with Hazel describing her cancer, and then going to a Support Group, where she meets Augustus Waters, who is in remission from osteosarcoma. A drug called Phalanxifor is helping Hazel, however her diagnosis was terminal. One thing that has helped her through her diagnosis is a book called An Imperial Affliction, which was written by Peter van Houten, who moved to Amsterdam from the United States. After finally getting a message through to him, Hazel and Gus are invited to meet him in Amsterdam, however it is risky due to her declining health and oxygen machine that would have to be taken on the plane. Eventually, it is decided that they can go, but when they reach van Houten's house, he turns out to be a grumpy alchoholic that doesn't want to talk to anyone, let alone Americans. Hazel and Gus are determined not to let him ruin their trip, and they go out with van Houten's assistant, Lidewij Vliegenhart, to the Anne Frank House before returning to their accommodation. Here is where we reach one of the saddest moments in the book - Gus's diagnosis. He tells Hazel that he has had a recurrence of cancer, and may not have long to live due to the amount of cancer cells that have been detected. When they get back from Amsterdam, Gus goes into hospital, and is then confined to a wheelchair. One night, Hazel gets a call from Gus telling her to prepare a eulogy, which she then goes on to a church to deliver as a pre-funeral for Gus, along with their friend Isaac from Support Group. 8 days later, Gus passes away. This is a time of immense grief for Hazel especially. The book ends with a letter that Hazel receives from Gus.

SPOILERS OVER

This is one of my favourite books ever and I'm so excited for more people to read it!

Let me know in the comments if you've read this book and your thoughts on it!

- Ashley :)

PS. Who's listened to 1989 (Taylor's Version)?!!!