I finished this book about a month ago but just haven’t had time to write my thoughts on it. So here we go.

Goodreads synopsis:

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.

I love YA books. I realize that I am almost thirty and should give up the notion of reading young adult fiction. But I run my own life, and I will read what I want. I get wrapped in the drama these books provide. Reading should be what you want not what mainstream says it should be. If you want fun, go for fun. If you want serious, have at it. I won’t judge you. I still read Harry Potter, and I am about to get all up in some Curious George and Clifford the Big Red Dog action here, so you can take your judgy-pants somewhere else. Reading is reading, and I am a self-acclaimed YA fan.

With that said, I really enjoyed this book, which seems to be on everyone’s hit list this summer.

Some may say that the topic of cancer has been overdone (Have you seen the Lifetime channel?).To a certain extent, I can agree that it is a topic that is very prominent in the entertainment industry. There are two new shows revolving around cancer that I can think of right now. So what makes this book stand out with this topic?

What I found to be so refreshing about this book was the dialogue. John Green did a really good job of depicting the agony and sarcasm of teenagers, and didn’t sugar coat those feelings. On the other hand, He didn’t seem to over-sensationalize their experiences and tried to make Hazel and her friends as honest as possible. It was very matter of factly, and not so these poor people. Granted, I have not gone seen cancer first hand in someone so young, so I am not sure that it is that way, but it wasn’t your typical YA dialogue of “woe is me, I am in love, and have a life altering issue” feel. It made you look at how you view things and other people. Are we pittiers? And let’s be honest, there were parts that were just funny with how it was written (Literal Heart of Jesus…just the best)

This book does have the topic of cancer, and there are plot twists pertaining to living a life with a disease. However, I think what makes this stand out is that it is much more than just a couple of kids with cancer. It is about living life to the fullest and with no regrets. It is about loving with your whole heart even if that love may be lost. It’s about taking chances and risks and being there for others.

It’s about taking life seriously but not taking it seriously.

This was a great quick read that makes you feel something. I could go on and on about the book, but I would just keep rambling and going in circles with my accolades.

Just know that it is good. It’s funny. It has love. It has death. It has some teenage pranks. It’s a story worth reading. I highly recommend it.

I have not seen the movie yet, but I have heard that it is just as good. (Surprisingly, people are saying good things about Shailene’s performance, which is good. Her start in Secret Life did not give me much hope…)

Have you read Fault in Our Stars? Are you a YA fan?