LSSL 5385: Book 16

October 23, 2019

The Fault in Our Stars

By John Green

Green, J. (2012). The Fault in Our Stars. NY: Dutton Books.

Hazel Grace Lancaster is a sixteen year old battling thyroid cancer. Her diagnosis has always been terminal and the cancer has spread to tumors on her lungs. Her mother thinks she’s depressed, and after talking with her doctor they think she should attend a cancer support group. Hazel reluctantly goes and during one of her meetings there is a new boy, Augustus Waters. He’s currently in remission from osteosarcoma that took one of his legs, and is there to support his friend Isaac. After the session, the three of them go outside and Hazel is taken aback by Augustus putting a cigarette in his mouth. Gus explains to her that the cigarettes are simply a metaphor, and he never lights them. He keeps death close but doesn’t allow it to harm him.

Gus invites Hazel over to watch a movie and she agrees to go. Since he lost his leg to cancer he’s an atrocious driver. The movie they watch is V for Vendetta and the both talk about their lives with cancer. Hazel brings up her favorite book An Imperial Affliction by Peter Van Houten. She loves the book and often says that Van Houten is her only friend besides her parents, but she dislikes the abrupt ending. Over the years Hazel has written numerous letters to the author and publisher wondering about the main characters ending, but never hears back from them. Gus agrees to read the book if in return Hazel will read a book based on his favorite video game. After he finishes Houten’s book he shares Hazel’s frustrations about the ending.

Augustus manages to get ahold of Houten and shares his email with Hazel. Hazel emails him, he doesn’t shed any light on the ending, but tells her if she’s ever in Amsterdam he’ll meet with her. When Augustus learns of this he uses his wish from the Genie Foundation to take her to Amsterdam. Hazel’s oncologist clears the trip as long as her mother goes along with them. There’s a small snag in their plan when Hazel’s health deteriorates before the trip and she’s rushed to the ICU. Hazel pleads with her mom, and she ends up allowing Hazel to go on the trip.

When they arrive in Amsterdam they are immediately taken in by the beauty that surrounds them. Van Houten’s assistant had set a few things up for them to see, and made a dinner reservation at a fancy hotel for Augustus and Hazel. They get dressed up for their date night and share a romantic dinner. The next day they set off to meet Houten and Hazel is excited to meet her favorite author. It’s not quite what Hazel was expecting when Houten opens the door in his pajamas with a drink in his hand. He proceeds to make a rude remark to her about how it’s a waste to feed the sick. Hazel is upset, curses at him, and leaves with Augustus. His assistant was so horrified by his actions that she quit on the spot and offers to take them to Anne Frank’s house to try and make up for it. When they get back to the hotel Hazel’s mom is still out sightseeing. Gus and Hazel take advantage of the situation and have set for the first time.

The next day Augustus finally tells Hazel that his cancer is back, and that it’s spread to his chest, hips, and liver. A month after their trip Augustus’ health takes a turn for the worse. He knows that his time is limited and asks Hazel to meet him in the church. Augustus had planned a pre funeral for himself where Isaac and Hazel read his eulogy. Eight days after his pre funeral, Augustus dies leaving Hazel consumed with grief.

I’ve always been a fan of John Green and The Fault in Our Stars was his first novel I read years ago. I fell in with the hype around the book, blazed through it, and was on a rollercoaster of emotions as I read it. I decided to reread it to see how I would still feel about Hazel and Gus’s story, and I fell in love with Green’s words all over again. Not only do I enjoy their love story, but the friendship and loyalty they have with Isaac. Green never fails to speak through his characters and give great advice, which is always something that a reader needs to hear! I’m never disappointed with a John Green book, and always have his new books on pre order!

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