(book review)

John Green, an American author of books for teens, released his most famous book in 2012 under the original title ‘The Fault in our Stars’.

I think the plot is not original. Hazel, a female patient with cancer, meets Augustus, a guy who, after fighting cancer, has no signs of it, but the consequences of the disease cannot be hidden. Augustus had to amputate part of his leg. Hazel became quiet, reserved and homely; she does not go to school and practically does not communicate with her friends. She puts up with her illness and knows that she will gradually die.

On the contrary, the guy has energy, communication and a desire to live. Of course, love, adventure and something tragic happens. I thought that the author would put pressure on pity, and the book would show mental pain, in other words, I was sure that I would cry a lot while reading a sniveling tearjerker. But this did not happen at all. The author showed that people with cancer were primarily people, in this case, adolescents. With emotions, fears, and joys. They do not need our pity; they need love and support. “My thoughts are stars I cannot fathom in constellations…”

This book describes in detail events, views on each other, chest pains and headaches. John Green selects all words very carefully to convey the deepest feelings of the heroes, to portray trustfully all their thoughts and pains. The facts of the disease are spelled out in a very believable way, which makes the book realistic. Various quotes have been added to the book. The story is complemented by several unexpected emotional and drama bombs, which make the majority of the female community cry. What is most thought-provoking, this story turns the cons into its pros. It is neither bad nor good. It is vital and valid.

Particularly, I would like to highlight the topic of parents. The book perfectly shows the emotions and actions of those close to the patients. What sacrifices parents make for their children, how frightening and painful it is for them to realize that you may come home from work in the evening, and the child is no longer there. These are incredibly strong people. The ending surprised me a lot; I did not expect it at all. And yet this is a book about love and teenagers, so I can’t recommend it to those who seek purple prose in literature. But this story took a firm place in my heart. I am sure that the book is good and if I ever had to reread it, I would do it with great pleasure.

As a result, I can give this book a rating of 9/10.