The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green


The Fault in Our Stars by John Green is about Hazel Grace Lancaster, a now sixteen-year-old girl who was diagnosed with stage four thyroid cancer at the age of thirteen. Hazel expected to die until a miraculous medical treatment shrunk the tumors in her lungs. She has been taken out of school and does not socialize or interact with others her age much. Due to depression, Hazel joins a support group for children with cancer, where she meets and falls in love with a seventeen-year-old boy named Augustus Waters. The two of them seem to have interest in one another and grow together in their similiar life journeys.

This book would definitely have to be one of the most wonderful yet extremely touching and emotional books I have ever read. The story of Hazel, particularly upon meeting Augustus, is very stirring and moving for the reader. I give this book a 10/10 rating and recommend it to all who would like to read an intense and loving story of young adults and their journeys in difficult times in life.


Reviewed by Emily K., grade 12.
Montrose Library

Comments

Anonymous said…
It's a wonderful story and I think every teenager has to read this. I think all 13+ people will understand the meaning of this story. I was obsessed with this book. I took it everywhere I went. It's based on real life, so many of us can relate to it. The story is a feel-good story about what love can do and that you should never stop fighting the thing that makes you weak. In this case, these two teenagers never gave up on life and each other. This story teaches many lessons about love, life, and being happy. Please go read this book!

Reviewed by Iren, grade 9.
Central Library
Teen Speak said…
This book is written in Hazel's point of view, a teenage girl who is fighting cancer. Aside from watching The America's got next Top Model, she stays home the whole time except going to community college to take classes. Her mom thinks she is depressed, so she sends her to support group in hopes that she will make friends and become more social. Hazel reluctantly goes and notices this one good-looking guy staring at her the whole time during their group session. She talks to him and realizes his name is Augustus Waters, who also had cancer. They talk a lot and grow to like each other. Hazel's favorite book is "An Imperial Affliction" written by Van Houten. They decide to go to Amsterdam to meet him and get his feedback on the ending of the book. ( I won't go futher than this, because then I'll spoil it)

This book literally made me cry for the whole day. The ending was sort of expected and all but while I was reading it, I wanted it to not happen. It made me realize what true love really is.The characters were very realistic and the plot was very memorable. John Green really expressed Hazel's emotions and feelings well. Also, John Green's wordings were so brilliant and poetic; Every sentence in the book should be memorized. I would definitely recommend it to every teenager that likes romantic novels. You won't regret or forget reading this book because it is just that amazing.

Hannah, grade 7
Montrose-Crescenta Branch
Teen Speak said…
The Fault In Our Stars is definitely one of the most amazing books I've ever read. It was grabbing right from the beginning, and the main character is so likeable. The book is filled with humor to make readers laugh aloud; the author is somehow able to make light of such a dark situation. Hazel and Augustus's story is so incredibly moving and inspiring. I would recommend this book to anyone seeking a beautiful story about star-crossed lovers in a world determined to tear them apart.

Reviewed by Rebecca S., Central Library
Teen Speak said…
The Fault In Our Stars by John Green is about a girl named Hazel Grace Lancaster who has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Thyroid cancer since she was 13. When her parents force her to attend a support group for children living with cancer, she makes a few new friends, one of them being the new member named Augustus Waters. After bonding over books and spending more time with each other, they begin to have feelings for each other and go on several emotional adventures together. In The Fault In Our Stars you get to feel what it’s like to have to go through the mind of a patient and see how you feel emotionally, physically, and mentally.

I read The Fault In Our Stars because I heard it was by a really good author and that it was an addicting book. When I started reading it, I finished it in a day and was so disappointed in finishing it so quickly! I loved the turn of events and how the characters are just so perfect for each other and compliment each other very well. The way they speak is so unique that it made me want to talk and think like them too! The only bad part about this book was I wanted there to be more explanation to the ending, I felt like I was left hanging. It almost felt like I needed closure because of how attached I got to it. I would still definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a teen love story or just wants to get emotional.

Reviewed by Nayri T., grade 10 Casa Verdugo Library
Teen Speak said…
The book, The Fault in Our Stars, is about a two cancer patients meeting each other at a support group. The girl, Hazel has lung problems and she carries an oxygen tank around with her. Augustus had lost his leg due to his cancer, but he was in remission. Hazel and Augustus get to know each other and soon fall in love. They go to dozens of places together and at the end one of them dies.

Opinion: I really loved this book.I personally do not enjoy sad books especially when they're novels but this made me want to read more books by this author. Hazel's and Augustus's chemistry is so real and unique.The ending had me in tears, because it showed that real life is rarely a "happily ever after."

Reviewed by: Elen S., grade 9
Glendale Central Library
Teen Speak said…
This story is about a girl,Hazel Grace, with lung cancer that goes to group counseling for people that had or have cancer. One day at group counseling, Augustus Waters meets Hazel and they click. Augustus and Hazel understand each other and are mutual friends with Isaac, a boy with eye cancer. Augustus had his right leg removed because of his cancer but he was in remission. Hazel and Augustus love for a book called "An Imperial Affliction" drives them to email the author,Peter van Houten,so Hazel will meet him before she dies. Augustus and Hazel go to Amsterdam and see Peter who had no idea what was going on because the trip was arranged by his assistant. Augustus's and Hazel's love deepens. Suddenly, Augustus's cancer comes back and takes his life eventually. Hazel is heartbroken but learns to live without him.

The book,The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green is absolutely amazing. I recommend this book to literally everyone because it had a little bit of everything. Unlike others, The Fault in Our Stars doesn't really have a happy ending but that just makes the book even better. The fact that Augustus dies,which is totally unexpected considering Hazel's the one with cancer at the time, makes me realize that anything can happen.

Reviewed by Elen S., grade 9 Glendale Central Library
Teen Speak said…
The Fault In Our Stars is in the point of view of Hazel Grace Lancaster, a sixteen year-old girl who was diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at the age of thirteen. Thankfully, the tumor stopped growing, but Hazel was left with a pair of weak lungs, resulting in her needing an oxygen tank at all times. She was pulled out of school and is left friendless and depressed, so her parents enroll her in a support group. Hazel finds it quite dull, until a new face shows at the group: a boy by the name of Augustus Waters. Hazel and Augustus hit it off right away and grow close, leaning on each other for support and eventually discovering feelings for each other.

The Fault In Our Stars is definitely one of the most amazing books I've ever read. It was grabbing right from the beginning, and the main character is so likeable. The book is filled with humor to make readers laugh aloud; the author is somehow able to make light of such a dark situation. Hazel and Augustus's story is so incredibly moving and inspiring. I would recommend this book to anyone seeking a beautiful story about star-crossed lovers in a world determined to tear them apart.

Reviewed by Rebecca S., grade 9
Glendale Central Library
Teen Speak said…
The story of The Fault In Our Stars, by the extremely talented John Green, revolves around a group of teenage cancer patients. The main character, Hazel Grace suffers from lung cancer and she knows she only has a few more years to live. At a cancer group meeting she instantly falls in love with a charming boy named Augustus Waters who is, for the time being, cancer free. They find themselves constantly thinking about each other and eventually even traveling to Amsterdam where, together, they meet Hazels her favorite author. Through out the story the reader feels as though the characters are battling the struggle of time and love. The Fault In Our Stars is extremely touching and shows the true meaning of love.

Let me begin by saying that all though John Green defiantly has a way with words I would strongly caution anyone who is overly emotional or sensitive, for, the characters and plot are based on such touchy, personal, and emotionally challenging topics. John Green tends to stir up mixed emotions and feelings of uncertainty about whats fair and right in the world. On the other hand, I believe people read to try to escape and feel. This book is so amazingly powerful I was left sobbing and questioning why things are the way that they are and why some people, who have done nothing wrong, have to suffer and live miserably. Also, John Green has the ability to make the reader feel close to the characters and by the end of the novel you feel as if you personally know them. This book is phenomenal to say the least, if you're looking for a powerful-perception changing-book about love, death, struggle, and faith this is without a doubt the book for you.

Reviewed by Elizabeth, grade 10
Glendale Central Library
Teen Speak said…
This book is a touching story of two teens whose unconditional love leaves many readers in tears. Hazel Grace Lancaster is a typical teenage girl who is fighting thyroid cancer and reluctantly joins a support group. There she meets Augustus Waters - a charming boy who becomes the light in her life. He helps her discover who she really is and brings out the best in her. Together they live the ultimate life of cancer patients and share their dreams. They use the symbolic word "Okay" as a promise to always love one another. Quotes such as "some infinities are bigger than other infinities" as well as “It's a metaphor, see: You put the killing thing right between your teeth, but you don't give it the power to do its killing” were parts of this beautiful adventure.

There is a reason that "The Fault in Our Stars" is one of the most commonly read books among teenagers. The author did an exceptional job of creating an incredibly realistic relationship between two people who are "trying to be remembered in this world" by achieving something special. It is definitely NOT a cheesy plot, and has unpredictable twists that will keep you interested. I can best describe it as an inspiring and funny novel that is not easily forgotten. So to those who enjoy romantic comedies - this is the book for you.

Reviewed by Collett, Grade 9
Montrose Library
Teen Speak said…
hazel grace Lancaster is a terminal cancer patient who never thought anything good could ever come from her weekly cancer support group meetings. That was until she unexpectedly met Augustus Waters at one of her weekly meetings. they quickly become friends and soon enough more than just friends. they have an instant connection over one of hazels all time favorites, An Imperial Infliction. Together the two teens go on an unexpected journey full of fun, love and heartbreak as well.

I highly recommend this book to women of all ages, young and old. It can be relatable to all, whether or not you are an actual cancer survivor. I personally liked the combination of the elements of comedy, tragedy, and romance. John Green does a really good job at helping the readers understand the relationship between all the characters. it is amazing to see the knowledge that is incorporated in this book along with the great plot. Its definitely a must read. Not only do I recommend The Fault In Our Stars but many other John Green books.

Reviewed by MN, Grade 9
Glendale Central Library
Teen Speak said…
This book, The Fault in or Stars, is about a girl named Hazel Grace Lancaster. She has cancer, and attends a support group to help her get through her depression as a cancer patient. Hazel goes to her support group one day, and bumps into a boy named Agustus Waters. As the day goes by in support group, Agustus and Hazel become friends. They go to each others houses and become really close friends. They soon realize that they have some of the same interest as each other too! They both loved book called An Imperial Affliction. As a cancer patient, Gus and Hazel get one "dying wish." Hazel already used hers to go on a trip to Disneyland, so Agustus was the only one with a wish left. Since Gus and Hazel loved the book so much, they really wanted to meet the author to ask him some questions about the book. Gus, being the sweetest man on the face if this planet, offered to use his dying for him and Hazel to meet the author of the book in Amsterdam. There could be many complications that could happen on the way to Amsterdam. Hazel could have a lot of trouble breathing in the plane, and they can't do anything about it. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity, so they decided to go. Will everything go smoothly in Amsterdam? You will have to read the book to find out what happens at the end of this romantic, yet hilarious book.

I love everything and anything about this book. From the second i started reading the book, I knew that it would be one of my favorite books that i have ever read. I went through so many emotions as I read this book. One second I was laughing my head off, but the next second I was crying my eyes out. John Green did an amazing job writing his book, and not making it too sad and mopey like any other book about cancer. I loved the fact that it was more of a love story than a sad cancer story. Words can't describe how amazing this book was to me. I feel like a person who loves a really fantastic and beautiful love story would love to read this book. The love story isn't like any other love story that I have ever read. It is so much different than the typical love story. It has a lot of funny moments in it that really tie the romance parts of the book in. This book made me feel really sad, but happy at the same time. After I finished the book, I really wanted to have a man like Gus in my life to be there for me through thick and thin. Hazel was a really lucky girl and I would die to have a boyfriend like Gus at one point of my life. I hope this will help someone in reading this amazing book my John Green.

Reviewed by Anonymous, Grade 9
Glendale Central Library
Teen Speak said…
This novel is about a sixteen year old girl named Hazel Grace Lancaster who has cancer and must carry a portable oxygen tank around with her in order to survive. One day she attends a support group on her mother's behalf and catches the eye of a teenage boy who is staring at her smiling. The boy's name is Augustus Waters. They soon become good friends and always hang out a lot. They talk about their experiences with cancer. Hazel has a thyroid cancer that has spread to her lungs. And Augustus had osteosarcoma, but is now cancer-free after having one of his legs' amputated. They soon fall in love and never want to leave each other's side. Augustus always makes sure that Hazel is happy, but when a tragic event occurs, no one is sure that anything will be the same as it was before..

I really enjoyed this book because of the heart-warming love story of these two sweet teenagers. I admired how charming and loving Augustus was to Hazel. I just couldn't stop reading. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy love stories and don't mind a twist at the end. However, i think that many others will enjoy the book as well. It is such a beautiful story. I read this book due to a recommendation from a friend.

Reviewed by Emily, Grade 9
Glendale Central Library
Teen Speak said…
Hazel Grace Lancaster's mother decided she was depressed because of her cancer, her mother forces her to go to a youth support group. She never wants to go but finally follows her mothers orders and meets Augustus Waters who is an Osteosarcoma survivor. He instantly falls in love with her and constantly pursues her but she's not interested in a relationship with him but keeps him as a friend. Hazel found comfort in a book is obsessed with the ending the author wrote. The book left her so unnerved that she needed to find answers. Augustus offers Hazel to uses his wish from the Make a Wish Foundation for them to go to Amsterdam and meet the author. Join them on there magical journey, love and illness.

I have never read a book so amazing in my life! So many people recommended it to me, so I gave it a try. I love how there's this beautiful connection between the characters. The way they fell in love brought tears to my eyes. I recommend this book to anyone, especially people with a soft heart. My head was in the book everyday and it was hard to put down. This book changed how I think about the way people fall in love. BE PREPARED TO CRY!

Reviewed by Julia S., Grae 9
Montrose Library
Teen Speak said…
This book is a contemporary romance book.Its about a seventeen year old girl named Hazel Lancaster who has thyroid cancer ,which affects her lungs deeply. She is very sick and ill,and some what depress so she ends up going to support group and there she meets Augustus Waters who is there with his friend Issac to support him in his ill case,which is his impaired vision(almost blind).Augustus was once a cancer patient and now he is cancer free:with one leg only. There Hazel and Gus meet each other and find each quite extraordinary so they start to become friends .During the time they become obsessed with the book Hazel loves and inspires.They end up relating to the book but are clueless about some things and they want answers.So they end up going to Amsterdam to meet the Author;Peter Van Houten.They were looking forward to the meet and finally get there answers.The meet was a disaster for them because Peter wasn't aboard with this book talk and he was acting so unprofessional about it.They left in disappointment that there hero let them down ,but they are glad they are there because they are together and enjoying the trip.While they are there they fall in love with each other and actually see themselves more than friends and its good because Hazel didn't wan to fall for him .She was afraid that she was going to die and leave him devastated ,she was prepared to do it .They return back home happy and a few things go wrong which leaves one of them in pain, leaving there mark in the world ...in there hearts of everyone but also to a special someone .

The Fault in our Stars by John Green was an incredible book .At first I thought I was not going to like it... but remember never judge a book by it's cover. I like the book because it was one of those real life situations. It was contemporary romance book with a mixture of other emotions, such as happiness and sadness. I also like how Gus starts falling for Hazel even if she is different.. but in reality she is not that different even if she is sick.Gus can relate to her because he knows how it feels,so to me it was like a "meant to be" kind of thing.He changed her life and his as well .I think teenage girls would like this book and guys as well but its a very touching story and real life situation so young adults or adult will be able to relate and understand it a bit more.It made feel kind of different..such as seeing their perspective of the world.I got to actually feel the way they feel ,from there sick conditions...leaving to appreciate the way I am. I think you should really read it .If you like a combination of certain feelings and thoughts then you should totally rad this book. Hopefully you can relate to them and actually fall into the book as you are reading

Reviewed by Andy, Grade 9
Glendale Central Library
Teen Speak said…
Hazel, a cancer patient who is close to death, attends a gathering of cancer patients where she meets Augustus, another cancer patient. They become friends and read each other's favorite novels. Hazel's novel ends quickly, so they resolve to find the other, who is in hiding, and figure out the ending. when they meet the author, he turns out to be a drunk. Then, Augustus's cancer comes back, and Hazel and Augustus agree to make their last days exciting.

This was a deep novel exploring cancer, and while it is still another teen novel centered around illness and tough times of desperation, it is a a very well executed one. It manages to change around and apply a new method to the category. The characters all of their faults and strengths, giving them depth. One aspect that the book should have improved upon is Hazel's family. I would have liked to see them explored. Overall, this is a fine book to read.

Reviewed by Anonymous, Grade 9
Grandview Library
Teen Speak said…
In the book The Fault in Our Stars by John Green is about a sixteen year old girl named Hazel Grace Lancaster who has cancer. Hazel goes to a support group in which she meets this seventeen year old boy named Augustus Waters who is there because osteosarcoma caused him to loose his leg. Hazel falls in love with Augustus. She does not want Augustus to hurt and suffer when she dies. In a scan it appears that Augustus cancer had returned. It was much worse. Augustus ends up in ICU in which he spent his last days.

My opinion on this book was that it was very sad and heart touching. It will make anyone who reads this book shed tears. I liked that the author made the reader get into the book and feel the sorrow. I loved everything about this book overall. I know my sister would really enjoy reading this book. This book made me feel sad but it also had happy sides to it.

Reviewed by Jacqueline, Grade 9
Glendale Central Library
Teen Speak said…
In the book The Fault in Our Stars by John Green is about a sixteen year old girl named Hazel Grace Lancaster who has cancer. Hazel goes to a support group in which she meets this seventeen year old boy named Augustus Waters who is there because osteosarcoma caused him to loose his leg. Hazel falls in love with Augustus. She does not want Augustus to hurt and suffer when she dies. In a scan it appears that Augustus cancer had returned. It was much worse. Augustus ends up in ICU in which he spent his last days.

My opinion on this book was that it was very sad and heart touching. It will make anyone who reads this book shed tears. I liked that the author made the reader get into the book and feel the sorrow. I loved everything about this book overall. I know my sister would really enjoy reading this book. This book made me feel sad but it also had happy sides to it.

Reviewed by Jacqueline, Grade 9
Glendale Central Library
Teen Speak said…
"The Fault In Our Stars" Is a heartwarming story about a 16 year old woman named Hazel Grace Lancaster who falls in love with a similarly effected cancer patient, Gus Waters. They met at a cancer support group and not long after started falling deeper and deeper in love as they shared their passions for novels. It was't until Gus Waters surprised Hazel Grace with an invitation to travel to meet her favorite author, Peter Van Houten, That they really started to indulge in the adventures of their brief lives. A story Of how a lot of love, and a short amount of time, can leave someone in such bliss one minute, and gut wrenching heartache the next.

My Opinion Of this book can be described best in one word... complete. There isn't one thing I did not love about this book! I describe it as complete because it is a complete summary of what life is like in a nutshell. You have your individual conflict, until you find someone to share it with. Then your conjoined conflict accents the love to create a bittersweet symphony of what many of us experience in our day to day lives. No matter what you are going on in your life, "The Fault In Our Stars" is a book I can guarantee almost everyone can relate to and feel on a deeper level than most books.

Reviewed by Anonymous, Grade 12
Glendale Central Library
Teen Speak said…
The Fault in Our Stars is a novel about Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters. Hazel is a lung cancer patient. Augustus is a cancer free patient, but lost his lower limb through cancer. They first meet at a support group Hazel was forced to go too by her mom. Augustus was at the support group supporting his friend Issac who will be losing his eye sight in order to be cancer free. Hazel and Augustus make eye contact throughout the meeting. Hazel then encounters Augustus when the meeting is over catching him smoking a fake cigarette. This is where it all begins. Hazel complains that some people have trouble breathing and Augustus over here is just wasting his own life by Smoking. Augustus finally says its fake and its only for show. They talk through email and text and are closer then ever. They tell each other there favorite books Hazels being An Imperial Affliction and how it would be so great to visit/ meet the author in Amsterdam, but has already used up her make a wish foundation. Although Augustus hasn't used his wish, surprises Hazel on a trip to Amsterdam to meet the author of Imperial Affliction. Until all goes wrong for Hazel and she has another issue with her lungs and the trip has been postponed. With all the argument with her doctors and parents Hazel finally gets to go too Amsterdam with Augustus. As they meet the author of Hazels favorite book he turns out to be a selfish jerk, who insults Augustus and Hazel. They leave and as they leave Peter the author of Imperial afflictions manager says that she was very sorry for his rudeness and asks if they would like to visit The Anne Frank House. They do and Hazel with her weak lungs and Augustus's pros ethic leg conquer the many staircases and share a kiss. After a wonderful trip before they leave Augustus tells Hazel whats really up. Augustus is cancer has returned and it has spread all over his body. They go home, Hazel and Augustus are still in love and the rest is for you too read!

The Fault In Our Stars is one of my favorite books. It makes you laugh, cry, as well as let you be thankful for all the blessings you have been given. It also lets you know that we can't always get what we want let alone be given to us. Yes, many say that this book is cheesy, but its a good kind of cheesy. I think i would recommend this book to readers who love cheesy books and are into reading romantic fantasies!!

Reviewed by SB, Grade 12
Glendale Central Library
Teen Speak said…
Hazel, a cancer patient who is close to death, attends a gathering of cancer patients where she meets Augustus, another cancer patient. They become friends and read each other's favorite novels. Hazel's novel ends quickly, so they resolve to find the other, who is in hiding, and figure out the ending. when they meet the author, he turns out to be a drunk. Then, Augustus's cancer comes back, and Hazel and Augustus agree to make their last days exciting.

This was a deep novel exploring cancer, and while it is still another teen novel centered around illness and tough times of desperation, it is a a very well executed one. It manages to change around and apply a new method to the category. The characters all of their faults and strengths, giving them depth. One aspect that the book should have improved upon is Hazel's family. I would have liked to see them explored. Overall, this is a fine book to read.

Reviewed by Anonymous, Grade 9
Grandview Library
Teen Speak said…
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green is about a seventeen-year old Hazel Grace Lancaster who is diagnosed by cancer. Luckily, the doctors have found a treatment for her called Phalanxifor that kills the uncontrolled growing cells. Since Hazel spents most of her time at home, her mom always wanted for her to go outside and be social. Therefore, Mrs.Lancaster made her go to Cancer Kid Support Group where Hazel caught this gorgeous boy named Augustus Waters and that's when her story changed forever.

After I finished reading The Fault In Our Stars, I had a different perspective on life. As of today, I truly appreciate being healthy and having a supportive family. The book was filled with comedy, tragedy, courage, and a bit of drama. I really like how Hazel and Gus stuck together through hard times and never game up trying. They'd always have this little cute conversations and never fail on making each other smile. I would recommend this book to teenagers and adults who loves reading bold and irreverent books. My rate is 9/10.

Reviewed by Maria, Grade 9
Glendale Central Library
Teen Speak said…
The book I read is The Fault In Our Stars. The author John Green. The main character is Hazel Grace Lancaster. She is battling Stage 4 Thyroid cancer and her mom is forcing her to a support group. And as much as Hazel dislikes going she meets Augustus on the first day. But soon after she realizes they become more then just friends they become a couple. Augustus also had cancer so they both had each others back. But after going to Amsterdam together many things change and soon they change for the worst.

My opinion on this book is that it is an amazing romantic drama. I personally loved this book and believe it is great if you like sad and heartbreaking romance. The most important part is the ending but because I don't want to give it away so I won't say but the endings brings the whole book together but is also very very very upsetting. I would recommend this book if your like romance but I would recommend it if you don't like sad romance. Overall it is a great book.

Reviewed by Anonymous, Grade 8
Grandview Library
Teen Speak said…
The Fault in Our Stars is the sixth novel by the author John Green which has received a great critical and commercial success and has been even adapted as a film. The story is narrated by Hazel Grace Lancaster who is a sixteen year old cancer patient. Similarly, Hazel meets another cancer patient, Augustus Waters, during a gathering in a cancer support group and thus they fall in love with each other. As they both discover their love of books it draws them even closer and they enjoy each other’s company for the little time they have left.

I expected a lot more from this book since it was written by the well known John Green, but alas I was left with nothing but disappointment. Knowing the magnitude of the popularity it received, I still believe that this is just one of those cheesy books that are slyly written in order for it to become a marketing superstar among the teenagers. With grave dissatisfaction I must admit that I did not like any part of this book and indeed it was a complete waste of my time.

Reviewed by Anonymous, Grade 12
Glendale Central Library
Teen Speak said…
Hazel Grace Lancaster is a female who is unfortunately fighting her battle of stage four cancer but she is still a person who can live her life the way she wants it to be...just not extremely adventurous. She attends Support Group which is basically when other individuals are suffering through severe, lifelong conditions and talk about how they are feeling in their progress which also gives opportunities for these adolescents to make new friends such as Augustus "Gus" Waters and Isaac. Hazel and Gus become very close friends and they eventually develop an intimate relationship because of the interests and passions they have in common such as the book "An Imperial Affliction". Having to like this book so much, Hazel really wants to travel all the way to Amsterdam since the author of the book is Dutch but the problem is her parents and doctors disapprove of that idea because of her battle against cancer and of course the travel is too far to endure. Will Hazel ever get to go on that trip to the Netherlands despite her condition or will she be sulking about missing such an opportunity just for an illness like this?

This is one of the most sad and emotional stories I've ever read in a typical novel. I had friends who recommended me to read this and watch the movie once I was done reading it. I didn't believe the novel would be sad whenever my friends would tell me about this book because I thought they were just bluffing, but it was true. I almost cried during one of the scenes. The author gave a very basic plot but intriguing at the same time which helps readers pay more attention to the literature contained in it. Although, I thought there were a bit too many characters in the book which made it kind of confusing on who is the main character of the story and who is just a minor character. The cover of the copy I got was blue and little bit of black with a touch of yellow to it and the book cover suited pretty well to the whole plot in my opinion. If "An Imperial Affliction" were only a real book, then I would read it but sadly both the novel and the author are fictitious details added. This novel is something that anyone reads, they should get the general idea or gist on what is happening. I am hoping that I will get to see the movie adaptation of this book if it's accessible to me as much as possible!

Reviewed by Hannah R., Grade 9
Downtown Central Library
Teen Speak said…
Hazel Lancaster is a white teen girl in Illinois (how uncommon!) with a rare type of lung cancer. She knows she probably isn't going to live. While at a church cancer support group, she meets Augustus Waters. He had his leg amputated due to cancer, but he is now otherwise healthy. The two hit it off, typical cheesy teen romance style. At first, Hazel is scared because she is very sick and does not want to make Augustus suffer along with her. Also, Augustus is dreamy, so she is very confused. They want to go somewhere together, so Augustus uses his Make-a-Wish grant to take Hazel and her mother to Amsterdam. Hazel still has many health problems and has to use a portable oxygen tank, but of course Augustus is still totally enamored with her. While in Amsterdam, Hazel finds out the cancer has returned to Augustus, all over his body. He quickly starts deteriorating, and their friend with eye cancer, Isaac, works with Hazel to keep him happy through his battle with cancer.

This is just a teen romance novel, but with cancer. It is definitely appealing to a teen audience because of its sweet, lovey themes mixed with personal issues. Many teen girls fall in love with Augustus Waters, another contributor to the popularity of John Green's most famous piece. I think by now everyone knows what happens at the end. Yes, it is deeply sad and heart-wrenching, but it is one of the reasons the book is so popular. If you love the book, the movie is a must. It correctly personifies the characters while staying true to the plot. The Fault in Our Stars is a typically sappy John Green novel, so if you love John Green this is a good read for you.

Reviewed by Anonymous, Grade 9
Montrose Library
Teen Speak said…
Hazel Grace is a cancer patient who’s accepted her fate and has given up on love and hope. Things change when her mother makes her go to a support group for cancer patients. There, she meets a boy named Augustus Waters. Augustus brings a whole other perspective in her life; he brings back her joy and laughter. Hazel starts taking risks and enjoying her life even with all the obstacles. She stops spending her days in her house watching TV; instead, she begins to explore the world as much as she can. Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters change each other for the better.

I started reading the book after I saw how much everyone loved the movie of the book. As soon as I picked it up I could not stop reading it. I loved the original and unique romance of the story and how real the situation was. This was an emotional and sort of a heartbreaking book. I would recommend this book to people who can handle a realistic story, and like it when characters go through major character development. Also, I think people who like to read Romance genres would enjoy this book. It puts a twist on typical romances and shows how two people can go through the hardest obstacles and find each other through their pain.

Reviewed by AK, Grade 9
Montrose Library
Melissa said…
The fault in our stars is a book about a young girl named Hazel who is diagnosed with lung cancer. She meets this wonderful young man named Augustus who attends the same support group that she attends. Augustus is cancer-free but has his leg amputated, she begins to make friends with Augustus and they go on a loves journey together. After many dates and many outings, their love grows immaculately. And the author teaches us to appreciate what we have before it’s taken away.

In my opinion, I love this book. As a sappy story lover, I have always enjoyed crying to a good novel. John Green is a magnificent writer and author. His writing can be felt through words, I feel I am in his novel and I am the character when I read his books. I enjoy that his writing feels so realistic. I would definitely recommend this book to any of my friends who are interested in reading one of John Green‘s novels. I feel that the book not only tells a good story but it also teaches life lessons. It’s definitely a book I would pick up again and read for the fourth or fifth time

Reviewed by SS, Grade 12
Montrose Library
Melissa said…
In this book, we meet Hazel- the main character who has thyroid cancer. She is struggling and her parents send her to a support group. There, she meets a boy named Isaac who introduces her to his friend Augustus. Hazel and Augustus flirt with each other, and fall in love. Hazel has a favorite book, in which the ending is a cliffhanger. She shows this book to Augustus who is also stumped by the ending, and together they travel to visit the author to try to unravel the mystery ending.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was very thrilling and engaging and I couldn't put it down. The characters come to life through John Green's book. I love how there are twists in the ending. There is also some unexpected humor throughout the book. The book really makes the characters come to life, and is a very exciting read. The book has a sad ending, but has good closure. I wish the book focused more on the other character's point of views and not only on Hazel's. Overall, this book is a great read with a thrilling and unexpected plot.

Reviewed by JM, Grade 11
Montrose Library
Melissa said…
The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green, is a story about a girl named Hazel Grace who is diagnosed with a type of lung cancer that requires her to carry a huge capsule for oxygen. She falls in love with, Augustus (Gus) Waters, a boy she met at her support group. As they grow closer, Gus starts to grow weaker with his returning cancer. The book demonstrates the feeling of loss, humor, and romance as Gus and Hazel grow closer together and eventually lose each other.

The Fault in Our Stars is the most wonderful romance I have read. The book truly paints a picture of a wholesome relationship and how that love was transformed into grief. The humor is dark and fit for teenage minds. You will be laughing, crying, and romanticizing the bond between Hazel and Augustus. By the end of the book, you will be grieving the loss yourself and will feel like going into the book itself. The book also has a lot of references to outside literature which is something I enjoyed. It also shows a touch of reality most bost books fail to show.

Reviewed by Juniper, Grade 9
Glendale Central Library
Melissa said…
The book "The Fault In Our Stars" tells the story of Hazel, a character that has everything but lost hope on living and cannot recall a single memory before the day she was diagnosed with cancer. Going to a meeting about repetitive discussions about her illness, she bumps into a cancer survivor, Augustus Waters. Since then, they hung out non-stop and unexpectedly blossomed together romantically. As Hazel fights this deadly disease, Augustus gives her the courage and resilience she needs. They cope with affection and cancer together

I was immediately engaged after reading the first chapter. Page by page, this book somehow continues to draw me deeper and deeper into the charming story of Augustus Waters and Hazel Grace Lancaster. Anyone who truly values love and has the strength to battle through it despite the pain should read "The Fault in Our Stars", which I think is a wonderful masterpiece. As Augustus Waters said "I'll fight it. I'll fight it for you. Don't you worry about me, Hazel Grace. I'm okay." This book helped me realize that illness affects everyone—not only the victims—but especially individuals who care about them.

Reviewed by Alex C., Grade 10
Montrose Library

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