I Just Finished Reading.....

The Fault in Our Stars

by John Green

Without Pain, How Could We Know Joy?  “(This is an old argument in the field of Thinking About Suffering, and its stupidity and lack of sophistication could be plumbed for centuries, but suffice it to say that the existence of broccoli does not in any way affect the taste of chocolate.)” – from The Fault in Our Stars

Witty, intelligent, funny, heart-breaking, joyful, and unabashedly real.  If these are qualities that you look for in a novel, I highly recommend The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. 

The Fault in Our Stars is told by Hazel Grace Lancaster.  Hazel is sixteen years old and suffers from a cancer that affects her lungs.  She is terminal and she is very aware of this fact.  I know you are probably beginning to think, “Wow. What a depressing piece of writing this must be.”  I assure you, depression is not one of the emotions I felt as I traveled through this brief part of Hazel’s life with her.  I experienced hope, enlightenment, frustration, and new perspectives on people and situations.  The time we spend with Hazel during this novel is less than a year in her world.  In that brief period, I learned so much!! 

We have the privilege of joining Hazel as she meets a couple of extraordinary people.  These people are not necessarily famous, but just real people with inspiring perspectives on the simplicities of life.  The thing that I enjoyed most about this particular book in John Green’s repertoire, is the intelligent banter and thoughtful views of the characters. 

On John Green

This is the fourth novel I have read by John Green.  He quickly became one of my new favorite authors when I read Looking For Alaska a few years ago.  I also very much enjoyed Paper Towns.  Intelligent, thought-provoking characters are a theme throughout his writing.  I suppose this is the main thing that draws me to his work.  I love to challenge my own ideas and be reflective.  These books do not disappoint in that area.  I encourage you to give John Green a shot.  All three titles mentioned in this post are available at Haltom City Public Library for check out  J

Until Next Time,

Your Library Blog Maven