Review of The Fault in Our Stars
At long last, I've read The Fault in Our Stars by John Green- otherwise known as the one that makes girls cry. I didn't read it years ago when the movie came out, because I didn't want to cry. I saw the movie first. Because of that, some of this review will be comparisons between the two.
I like that Gus tells Hazel that he loves her on a plane rather than in a restaurant. It makes the mundane ride seem more special (and he mentions oblivion). I like that the book explains Caroline Mathers' relationship with Gus so that the reader assumes it won't be the same with Hazel (because for an author to do that twice with a character is unoriginal).
The worst part for me is when Peter Van Houten refuses to tell Hazel and Gus what happens to the characters in their favorite book. This frustrates me because characters, even though they are fictional, do matter to readers. Some would say that is the whole point of writing. Van Houten, as an author, needs to understand this.
I appreciate that the sex scene was not explicit.
Green twists the typical cancer story by comparing who Gus "should" be after the incident with his G-tube and who he actually is. Instead of making him idealistic, Green does not give Gus any more moments where his positivity shines through.
I appreciate that Green gives Peter Van Houten a second chance through his conversation with Hazel.
There's more hope at the end of this book than I remembered. The reader trusts that Hazel's life will continue, even though Green doesn't say that. It was hard for me to read parts of this book, particularly Gus' side effects. Green's imagery is vivid.
What's the moral? Much of realistic fiction may have a lesson. I think that Green is saying, "Live as best you can, even if it seems meaningless."
I like that Gus tells Hazel that he loves her on a plane rather than in a restaurant. It makes the mundane ride seem more special (and he mentions oblivion). I like that the book explains Caroline Mathers' relationship with Gus so that the reader assumes it won't be the same with Hazel (because for an author to do that twice with a character is unoriginal).
The worst part for me is when Peter Van Houten refuses to tell Hazel and Gus what happens to the characters in their favorite book. This frustrates me because characters, even though they are fictional, do matter to readers. Some would say that is the whole point of writing. Van Houten, as an author, needs to understand this.
I appreciate that the sex scene was not explicit.
Green twists the typical cancer story by comparing who Gus "should" be after the incident with his G-tube and who he actually is. Instead of making him idealistic, Green does not give Gus any more moments where his positivity shines through.
I appreciate that Green gives Peter Van Houten a second chance through his conversation with Hazel.
There's more hope at the end of this book than I remembered. The reader trusts that Hazel's life will continue, even though Green doesn't say that. It was hard for me to read parts of this book, particularly Gus' side effects. Green's imagery is vivid.
What's the moral? Much of realistic fiction may have a lesson. I think that Green is saying, "Live as best you can, even if it seems meaningless."
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