Despite The Fault In Our Stars being a YA novel, I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful — yet tragic — piece. From the first chapter, Hazel became a memorable character. She didn’t speak or think like the usual female heroines you see in most young adult novels, which was refreshing for me. She was determined in her seclusion, her situation and her future, and she didn’t care tuppence about what others thought of her — that is, until Augustus entered her life. He was her funny bone. He breathed fresh air into her atmosphere and renewed her outlook on life. They both gave each other just another reason to live. But, of course, once you began to fall in love with the characters, you knew something bad was lurking around the corner. I won’t say what, however, because I don’t want to spoil anything for those who haven’t read it yet. The characters were enticing, and each relationship between the characters only strengthened the story. I must say, though, I was not a fan of Peter Van Houten. I found him annoying and every scene he was in only dragged the story down just a bit. I’m not entirely sure what John Green’s reason was to include him, except perhaps to show Hazel and Augustus (and us too) that not everyone could live up to their expectations; disappointment will sometimes occur in life and they must rise with each challenge they meet. Still, he could have made Van Houten a little more bearable for the readers. On the whole, though, The Fault In Our Stars was a fantastic introduction to John Green’s work, and I can’t wait to read more of his stories! To view more of my book reviews, visit: http://booksteame.com/

I bought this book as a recommendation from a friend who has similar literature interests as I do. I AM SO GLAD I READ IT. Wow. Seriously I couldn't put it down, which caused me to read it within 24 hours. The characters in this novel are teenagers, and yet are so relateable to readers of all ages; and the topic of cancer is so relevant today which makes it increasingly applicable. If you want a good (and easy) read, pick up a copy of this novel - you WILL NOT regret it. Guaranteed.

I really enjoyed this book. It had wonderful pithy dialogue reminiscent of all movies starring Michael Serra. The novel is written for a young adult audience, but it is really relatable at any age, and highly recommended. The story is tragic, but there is no pity written into these characters. Hazel Grace and Augustus are beautifully written, joyous human beings suffering under cruel circumstances, and rising above them with a rarely seen sentiment, love and compassion.

Hazel Grace is an enlightened 16 year old girl, and the narrator of her seemingly inglorious story of her battle with pain and social apathy. "Sickness really does eat up one's passion for life." "That's the thing about pain, it demands to be felt." However, 17 year old Augustus is quickly introduced to the plot and suddenly Hazel has an equal to challenge her mind. It was not long before I had to pry the book out of my hands, find a note book, and start writing out quotes that I'm sure I will be using for years to come. Suffice it to say, "I fell in love with this book the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once." To read more of my review on this book see my blog: CharlieBooks.blogspot.ca

The most memorable novels are those that put life into perspective and indirectly teach without preaching. This novel did exactly that. Through the witty, light hearted characters and thought provoking dialogue, John Green created a love story so refreshing and so deep, it will remain as unforgotten as an old tale. It was an emotional rollercoaster that completely absorbed me; all while reminding me the essence of life and love.

There is a danger of listening to and reading the rave reviews of other people about a book. "The Fault In Our Stars" fell victim to such danger. John Green gives a voice to his leading lady, and adeptly captures the emotions and thoughts of Hazel, and her star-crossed connection with Augustus. The brilliant parts of the novel I absolutely adored were the tender moments between our two leads, and the camaraderie amongst them and their good friend Isaac, who, actually, is my favourite character. Hazel, whom I don’t quite mind, is even-headed, and possesses quite the maturity and awareness of how she is in relation to the people around her. She is constantly pushing for her parents to lead a life of their own, in full-knowing of what would become of her. At one point, she corrects her mother of her situation: when, not if. This, in a way, stands true for us all. On the other hand, Augustus can be quite a dislikeable male lead. As charming and good-looking as he is, he is at times self-indulgent, even if he tries to downplay his attractiveness. The things he say come across as pretentious and illicit some minor eye-rolls. Green had made Augustus too much of a smart alec for his own good. By doing this, though, Green has provided readers, at least those who has a lesser opinion of Augustus, a good balance to the many sides of being a teenager, especially one fighting cancer. Both Hazel and Augustus, and Isaac too, are not only 'woe-is-me' teens that the readers have to take pity on because of their affliction, but they can be dislikable, they can be cheeky and make use of their "cancer perks" to their advantage. And when they do mope and lament, they are coming from a justifiable place, and are understandably sympathetic. There are some events that happen along the way that take readers out of a box that one might come to naturally restrict their minds to due to cancer being a huge part of the plot. It came as a nice surprise because it expanded the borders and changed the way I thought the story would progress. In fact, many a times, I would think I had the plot and the ending figured out, only to have Green prove to me that what I assumed were blatant plot devices, were in fact not as predictable and clichéd. "The Fault In Our Stars" is definitely a read I would recommend because of its realism in a time when YA is overwhelmed by dystopian and fantasy teen novels. It's a given, tears are to be expected. Perhaps it might touch you more and you might quickly identify with it, but it was overhyped it my books.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have never read a book as quickly as I did with this one because I just simply couldn't put it down. It is amazingly beautiful and moving and would recommend this to anyone!

This book is absolutely breath taking. It left me completely speechless. I cried numerous times, out of sadness and joy. This book is so moving and so beautiful words cannot even describe how wonderful it is. I truly believe that everyone should read this book because it gives one such a new perspective of life, living, and death. It is a truly remarkable book. It contains the most beautifully simple, yet complex relationship between a boy and a girl and their battles against illness. This book is AMAZING. John Green is an absolute genius. A true wizard with words. The best combination of 26 letters I have ever read in my whole life. Beautiful.

The Good Stuff Damn you Green, you kept me up till 1:30 am and my eyes were still bloodshot in the morning from crying Realistic teens and I know its very hard to believe for a YA book but the parents are not a**holes -- I know so very rare Brilliant dark humour thrown in exactly where it is needed If you don't love these characters there is something seriously wrong with you Tough read as a Mom - cannot even imagine watching my child die Hazel is tough and funny and caring and well quite frankly someone to admire Hopeful - I know that sounds weird, but there is just something hopeful and reaffirming about the whole story Never saccharine or unrealistic Hate writing reviews for books I loved because I feel like I cannot express the right words to convey their brilliance Will be buying the rest of Green's books with my next paycheck Even the secondary characters are well developed Could not put it down - even-though I knew someone might not make it and it deals with kids suffering and have hard time reading that sort of story Everything just flows perfectly The Not So Good Stuff Did I mention how red my eyes were when I woke up the next day Favorite Quotes/Passages " I hated hurting him. Most of the time I could forget about it, but the inexorable truth is this. They might be glad to have me around, but I was the alpha and omega of my parent's suffering." "That's why I like you. Do you realize how rare it is to come across a hot girl who creates an adjectival version of the word pedophile? You are so busy being you that you have no idea how utterly unprecedented you are?" "Our city has a rich history, even though many tourists are only wanting to see the Red Light District" He paused. "Some tourists think Amsterdam is a city of sin, but in truth it is a city of freedom. And in freedom, most people find sin." Who Should/Shouldn't Read This one is pretty much for everyone. There is a sex scene but it is tasteful - just an FYI in terms of audience Tough read for parents especially those whose children have had/have cancer 5 Dewey's I received a copy of this at the Children's Breakfast at BEA 2012

This is such a great book, definitly one of my all-time favourites. Their love story was not the typical love story. Its much deeper. This book scares me because it shows the reality of cancer and love. But it is so touching and deep, and is a story about REAL people with a REAL life and REAL problems. I cried, and i laughed. But, overall, I completly enjoyed every word of every sentance on every page. Its so FREAKING amazing!!