BOOK REVIEW

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS

By John Green

The Fault in Our Stars was written in January 2012 by John Green. Since its publication, the
novel has garnered awards from Goodreads Choice Awards Best Young Adult Fiction and from Audie
Awards for teens. Apparently, the book is considered under young adult fiction with romance and
comedy vibes. It was also known that the author’s wrote the novel after his friend passed away from
thyroid cancer. He said in some articles that he wanted to express what he felt after grieving for his
friend.

The book is about a young teenage girl who has been diagnosed with lung cancer and attends a
cancer support group. Hazel is 16 and is reluctant to go to the support group, but she soon realizes that
it was a good idea. Hazel meets a young boy named Augustus Waters. He is charming and witty.
Augustus has had osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, but has recently had the all clear.

Hazel and Augustus embark on a roller coaster ride of emotions, including love, sadness and
romance, while searching for the author of their favourite book. They travel to Amsterdam in search of
Peter Van Houten the author of An Imperial Affliction. While on their trip Augustus breaks some
heartbreaking news to Hazel and both of their worlds fall apart around them.

The main character in the story, Hazel Grace, did developed from being an unmotivated and sad
individual to somebody who has regained her purpose. After what happened to their trip to meet Van
Houten and after Augustus’ demise, her character grew to live her life more fully than before.

Among the many symbolisms found in the book, the most noteworthy for me would probably
Augustus’ unlit cigarettes. The cigarettes Augustus often puts in his mouth but doesn't light represent
his attempt to deal with and ideally control the things he fears. Though Augustus doesn't say so
explicitly, the thing he fears most appears to be cancer. Cigarettes are a well-known carcinogen, and
when Augustus explains the cigarette to Hazel it seems it's cancer specifically he is trying to control.
Over the course of the novel, however, the cigarettes develop a greater meaning than August initially
states. He reaches for them any time he feels insecure, suggesting they act as a symbolic way for him to
control all his fears.

Personally, the book was easy to read and fall in love with. It has many lessons not just on love.
What I learned from this story, then, is that life is meant to be cherished and enjoyed. We may face
difficult challenges from time to time, but a positive mindset and outlook in life will help us pull through.