The Fault In Our Stars - John Green

Once again, I am late to the game for something.  This is the first time I have read a John Green book.  I picked this one so I could read it before the movie, of course.

If you are one of the few people who have not read this book, please allow ample time after you have read the book to have an emotional breakdown.  I finished this book last night but couldn't bring myself to post about it until today.  I seriously ugly cried for about ten minutes when I got to the end.  Then I was angry because I was somehow expected to get up early and go to work this morning after experiencing that emotional trauma last night.  *sigh*  Such is the life of a book addict.

This book is a beautifully written love story of the lives of dying teenagers.  Sounds pretty upbeat, huh?  The characters were so interesting and lovable that I ached because of their suffering.  A spunky girl with terminal thyroid and lung cancer whose life revolves around America's Next Top Model meets her match one day at support group.  The book takes readers on the journey of their relationship and last wish to track down the reclusive author of Hazel's favorite book.

I liked this book because it is realistic.  People get cancer.  Kids get cancer.  They die.  They suffer.  Their families do not know what to do or how to survive.  Famous people aren't always what you picture them to be like.  Alcoholism exists.  People aren't always nice.  Some people are A-holes.  Some people cling to unrealistic hopes, while others make the best of what's around.  All of those things exist in this book.

If I was still a teenager, Augustus would totally be my fictional boyfriend.  Terminal cancer and all.  I loved this book at the same time that I hated it for being so darn sad.  I am definitely looking forward to reading more of Mr. Green's books, but I think I will wait a little while so I can recover from this one.