Teen Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Review by E.C.

Like always, John Green appeals to the slightly sarcastic teenager, though his books can be — and should be — read by any age. The novel introduces Hazel Grace Lancaster, a sixteen year old girl with stage 4 Thyroid Cancer, going to group therapy meetings in the literal heart of Jesus (or, rather, the basement of a church, and they're right in the middle of the cross). There she meets Augustus Waters, who had been diagnosed with osteosarcoma and, as a result, lost his right leg. But the pair are not to be trifled with: instantly there's a connection, followed by an impromptu trip to Amsterdam so that Hazel can meet Peter Van Houten, the author of her favorite novel, followed by love that bloomed in the attic of Anne Frank's house.

This novel teaches the reader that the sky is not the limit, that even though there may be something wrong, there's no say in how much you can take. It's a powerful book with a relatable voice, reminding everyone who reads it that they can be incredible, too, even in the most minimal of ways; that they matter.

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