The Fault in Our Stars

At first glance, The Fault in Our Stars may seem like any other cliché story in the massive genre of young adult romance and love. However, it isn’t just that. Through the main protagonists and the events that slowly unfold around them, we are told a beautiful yet tragic story that has perfect blends of every element a romance story can have. Interested? Now, let’s dive into the life of Hazel Grace Lancaster.

Hazel Grace Lancaster, 16 year-old, has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer – one that affects the lungs. At first, she was reluctant to join the cancer support group upon her mother’s orders, but later changes her mind and realizes this might be a good idea after all. Through this cancer support group, Hazel and us, the readers, are introduced to a vast majority of cancer patients. This is also when the life of hazel starts to pick up, as she then meets the charming and witty 17 year-old boy Augustus Waters, whose rare form of bone cancer has lost him his right leg. However, he has been given an “all clear”.

Afterwards, the story starts picking up pace and continues to expand on the sudden bond between Hazel and Augustus. They eventually agree to read each other’s favorite novels – With Augustus sharing The Prince of Dawn while Hazel recommends An Imperial Affliction, a story about a cancer-stricken girl that highly parallels Hazel’s situation. After finding out that the novel ends too abruptly without a proper conclusion, Augustus soon tracks down author Peter Van Houten via email, who resides in Amsterdam. Augustus and Hazel starts asking questions which An Imperial Affliction did not answer. Van Houten eventually replies, explaining he can only answer the questions in person. From this point on, the story truly unfolds as Augustus surprises Hazel with tickets to Amsterdam.

However, things didn’t go according to expectations. Upon meeting Peter Van Houten, they discover that he is a drunk, even going as far as to insult Hazel’s cancer. This causes a quarrel, with Augustus and Hazel eventually fleeing from his house. The story reaches its climax here, as the relationship between Augustus and Hazel soars upwards, they have a fancy dinner where they drink champagne and “taste the stars”. Later that night, they confirm their feelings for each other. That’s when Augustus suddenly gives the heartbreaking news…..his cancer is returning. As his health slowly declines, they return home, preparing the inevitable.

So, not the cliché young adult romance story, right? With the phenomenal blending of humor, good settings, and great character development done by author John Green, readers will sure grow attached to the various emotions present throughout. We may feel the heartbreak of Hazel upon learning of Augustus’ death, or we might get angered with the initial rude attitude of Peter Van Houten. Overall, this is a very elegantly plotted story. Since the very beginning, we are given insight and new perspective into the world of cancer, which, the general person may not have much knowledge about. This on its own is already a very powerful element of the story – any story, even. As we embark on a massive roller coaster ride of emotions with Hazel and Augustus, we also meet up with the scenery of Amsterdam, as well as the famous Anne Frank House. The story is filled with well executed dialogues and emotions and you’ll be sure to feel as their world slowly falls apart with Augustus’ worsening condition. After reading this book, I’m suddenly realizing the many different aspects of life. People around us may be suffering, people around us may be fighting with things we’re unaware of, and that, death is inevitable. So, we must take the right attitude toward life. What’s important isn’t how much time you have left, but how well you make use of said time. So, make sure to cherish all the great things life can bring about. I really recommend this book, as it gives a whole new perspective into what could be just a random love story, but does the complete opposite by surprising people with the amount of motivation and meaning they can get from the story.