The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Brief Summary:

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.

Positive Content:
Hazel's voice is what made this book just so outstanding for me.  If she hadn't had such a funny yet raw, authentic voice, this book would not have been just as great.This book isn't your typical “cancer book”, where the person with cancer goes on to help others or becomes miraculously healed from the disease.  It’s more the story of a pretty average girl who finds out there’s more to life than her cancer.

This book gave you such extraordinary, round characters.  They all had their flaws, but you sympathized with them and fell in love with them.  I’m sure that there are thousands of teenage girls out there that dream of having their own Augustus Waters.

The story didn't follow a typical pattern, also, and the end was completely unexpected.  But, it was excellently written with such a sad, yet beautiful style.  In fact, if it wasn't for its multiple content issues, I would venture to call it “perfect”.

Possible Objectionable Content:

But, of course there are a few content issues.  All of the characters, both teens and adults, throw around bad language casually.  There are multiple crude references about anatomy, and a joke about virginity.  Also, the main characters sleep together in a scene that is off the page, but mentioned not-so-subtly.

Hazel is asked if she believes in God.  She replies that she doesn't, but Augustus replies that he believes in a capital-S “Something” and that there’s more to life.  The book doesn't say which belief is true.

Conclusion:

The Fault in Our Stars is a beautiful story about two teenagers trying to figure their way through their difficult lives.  It made me both laugh and cry, and it’s one of my favorite stories out there. Unfortunately, the content issues are still there, but otherwise, it’s a nearly-flawless story.

Rating: 10/10

Recommended age: 16+
Genre: Contemporary/Romance
Part of a series?: no