The Fault in Our Stars: Book Review

A young adult novel by John Green that displays how the love of two teens cannot outrun the tragedy that cancer brings

Mia Steele, Staff Writer

The young adult novel The Fault in Our Stars, written by John Green, is a novel that defines epic teenage love. Main characters Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters are two love struck teens who believe that their love can overcome anything, even the omnipresent threat of death. However, not even an antidote as strong as love can override a condition as infamous as cancer. The Fault in Our Stars takes place in the 2000s as Hazel and Augustus meet at a youth support group. Hazel is determined not to fall for Augustus because she fears her death and the pain it will cause him. Nonetheless, the two embark on a romantic journey to Amsterdam that will change them forever.

The novel highlights the reality that society faces today as cancer claims the lives of so many. John Green does a wonderful job shedding light on the struggles brought upon families battling cancer. Moreover, the author impacts the reader significantly as he addresses impactful themes such as life and death through the relationship between Augustus and Hazel. The novel can potentially be too graphic for young readers. Nonetheless, The Fault in Our Stars is a great young adult read that tackles themes such as the impacts of cancer without overpowering the romance aspect of the novel. Ultimately, The Fault in Our Stars is worthy of four and a half out of five stars because it is a well-written young adult novel that leaves an impact on the readers. I personally would recommend the Fault in Our Stars to anyone looking for an interesting and quick read.

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS: A heartbreaking story that illustrates what it’s like to be in love with someone who is unable to part with cancer. (Photo by The Fanfare.)