As part of the Summer Lovin’ read-a-thon I decided to finally read The Fault in Our Stars, and today the read-a-thon asks me to share with you a story that’s tugged at my heartstrings – cue TFioS. At the end of the review is my read-a-thon spine poetry challenge attempt :)
…I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once”
Standalone or Series? Standalone
Format: Audiobook
Published: January 10th, 2012
Author’s Site: http://johngreenbooks.com/
Goodreads Blurb: 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.
First Thoughts
I don’t know how many people recommended I read this novel, but there were a lot! When I heard the book features cancer teens I had mixed feelings – on the one hand I thought it a worthy topic, and on the other hand I wasn’t sure I wanted to read a book guaranteed to make me weep :'(
Plot:
Although I’d heard a lot about TFioS, I’m proud of my fellow bloggers for not sharing the intricacies of the plot. I’ll follow suit, as the blurb says the story is about Hazel and is told from her point of view. She has terminal cancer, and expects one day to follow on pretty much like the other, all the same until her death…except she meets Augustus Waters. These two characters have an impact on each other, and this is explored in a thought-provoking, tragic, yet humorous way. A poignant tale indeed.
Pace
I loved the pace of this novel. It’s quite relaxed, but just as in life when you look back you’re amazed just how much ground’s been covered. The scenes are pulled forward by the friendly back and forth between Hazel and Augustus. Mostly they’re like a friendly pair of tennis buddies tapping a ball back and forth for practice, and every now and then they challenge each other and the interactions become more empassioned, with each of them landing an ace now and then (forgive me I’ve been watching Wimbledon!). It’s a page turner thanks to the discoveries Hazel and Augustus make about themselves and others. If there were a verb for epiphany it would be embodied by TFioS.
Characters
I loved the characters! Hazel and Augustus are fantastic, and that’s all I’ll say about them so you can discover them on your own. Hazel’s parents are so easy to like, her mother’s amazingly strong and supportive. I enjoyed reading about these loving parents, and even Augustus has parents that are there for him – their biggest fault is an addiction to inspirational quotes. Endearing is the word that springs to mind, and for most of the people in the support group I’d say they’re well-meaning, but it’s so easy to understand why Hazel and her ‘sigh’ partner Isaac, feel like sighing in group meetings. The characters are wonderfully realistic, from Hazel to the eccentric author she idolises, there are complexities in their personalities which are brought to life with just a few key words and actions.
World Building
The world of TFioS is our world, and more so if in our world we were battling cancer or supporting someone we loved with their battle. Usually reading is a form of escapism, but the degree of realism in TFioS bars it from being escapist…it’s immersive. The reader is immersed in a realistic world, filled with love, despair, hope, disappointment and surprises both wonderful and awful, our senses are called upon to experience what the characters experience.
“That’s the thing about pain,” Augustus said, and then glanced back at me. “It demands to be felt”
Final Thoughts
I’m so glad I got this as an audio book, Kate Rudd’s an excellent narrator and I was able to listen to TFioS on the move, but I far more enjoyed listening to it when seated and giving it all my attention – it’s the sort of book to which you want to give all your attention. It’s a poignant story, populated with realistic characters who evoke emotions with their acute observations and witty dialogue. It reminds us how vulnerable we are, and how strong.
Back to the read-a-thon…
Today’s interactive challenge is called book spine poetry. I don’t have the physical books for the three spines that sprang to mind (Across the Universe —– Glow —- The Fault in Our Stars) So here’s my attempt with what’s on my shelf :)
Mind the Gap Graveminder
Reckless Spirit Walker, In the Shadow of Blackbirds
Destined to Witness The Lovely Bones
