Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters both have cancer. They meet in support group in the Literal Heart of Jesus Christ.
The story that ensues is probably one of the best you'll ever read. Ever.
(I know that's not really a recap - but seriously, how else can you recap a book like this one?)
Review:
John Green has managed to write a book about kids dying with cancer that still caused me to laugh out loud enough times that my husband started shooting weird looks at me across the room. But I couldn't feel offended by the weird looks because (a) some of those lines were seriously hilarious and (b) Hazel and Gus's love made me so very nostalgic for the days that we spent falling love. And so very thankful for all of the days we have left to stay that way.
If you have already read The Fault in Our Stars, you will understand why I strongly considered ending this review with the third sentence of the Recap. If you have not yet read The Fault in Our Stars, you have no doubt heard mountains and mountains of hype about it. And you're thinking, "There is no way this book could ever live up to my expectations." Guess what. You are right. It will surpass them.
Yes, people will die in this book. And they will break your own heart a little bit, even though you see it coming. But Hazel and Gus and Isaac and Hazel's parents and even Peter Van Houton will also make you so very thankful for this world we live in and the people we get to share it with. And not because this book is full of "Encouragements" - because it's not (only Gus's house is). These characters will remind you with sarcasm and sincerity and weird literary allusions that "You are going to live a good and long life filled with great and terrible moments that you cannot even imagine yet!" Thank you. Amen.
Recommendation:
Just read it. All of you. And then pass it on.
Quotable Quotes:
"You can't know, sweetie, because you've never had a baby become a brilliant young reader with a side interest in horrible television shows, but the joy you bring us is so much greater than the sadness we feel about your illness." - Hazel's Dad
"You are so busy being you that you have no idea how utterly unprecedented you are." - Augustus
"For a moment he said nothing. 'You do know how to shut me up, Hazel Grace.'
'It's my privilege and my responsibility,' I answered." - Hazel and Gus
"Oh, I wouldn't mind Hazel Grace. It would be a privilege to have my heart broken by you." - Augustus
Posts
Ok, just had to read the beginning part where you gush. I didn't want spoilers, so will be back when I read it!
ReplyDeleteOh! Aw! Wow. You've taken a book I had no interest in and convinced me I should read it. It sounds amazing.
ReplyDeleteI love that first quote.
I must admit though...I'm afraid of crying. Now that I'm a mom, I can't bear hearing, reading, seeing another mother or father lose a child.
ReplyDeleteOh Juju, I feel you. And you know what? You will probably be a mess. But you should read it anyway!!!!! Hazel and Gus's relationships with their parents were one of my favorite aspects of the book.
DeleteI'll get to this eventually but John Green is one of my least favorite YA writers so I'm not in a rush.
ReplyDeleteLol - I used to say that all the time (JGreen = dislike) and always felt a little blasphemous. Seriously disliked Paper Towns and just felt blah about Looking for Alaska. Then I read Will Grayson, Will Grayson and started singing a different tune, but in the back of my mind I thought it was maybe just a fluke since I was so sure I didn't like John Green. And then I read TFiOS and it is PHENOMENAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DeleteThat is my really long-winded way of saying:
I understand.
And I hope you give this book a shot anyway.
Because it is amazing.
:)
Yes, yes, yes, everything yes. And with that, you've made me want to reread The Fault in Our Stars.
ReplyDeleteYay! I know! It's so wonderful!
DeleteLove love love! I agree, this was a hard book to review. I love the quotes you pulled out though--and your comment about Nick.
ReplyDeleteI just totally and completely agree with everything you said. This book is beyond perfect! You picked so many amazing quotes from the book too, not going to lie, they made me tear up, again! :)
ReplyDeleteI've heard a lot of great stuff about this book. I personally don't read books dealing with cancer. (My husband is in remission, and it's still just too fresh for me). But, I'm really pleased that so many people are enjoying it!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I loved this book too. I loved the idea of having hazal meet her favorite author. And going to amersterdam. I wen there once and loved it. For some random reason everytime I think of Gus I relate him to Adrian ivashkov from VA.
ReplyDeleteI loved hearing all the reasons you loved it and the theme you referenced!
OH MY GOODNESS, this book. My eyes are absolute pits. I loved it so so much.
ReplyDeleteHOORAY! I KNOW!!!! So, so, so much.
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