Written on 12 April 2014 (Year 11)
Edited on 24 June 2018
I found it helpful (I don't know in what sense) to get a glimpse of the plot from the trailer before reading the book.
Rate: 7/10
I was introduced to this book by the Finebro’s Teens React to "the Fault in our Stars" . Apparently this book is a "thing" and I was way behind. Although I was expecting another cliche, disappointing teen-novel, I borrowed the book nonetheless just to see what all the fuss is about. Actually... it took a while for me to borrow the book as it was extremely popular and the school library had to get more copies.
Fortunately, the book was a huge, pleasant surprise. I have to concede that not all “mainstream things” are terrible. Honestly, this book is one of the most thought-provoking novels I have read in a while (it is a chick-lit but profound). But seriously, "Why is the sky blue?" (Ch 12 p. 178)
Answer: "The gases of the Earth’s atmosphere (mostly nitrogen) absorb almost all colours but blue; the gases reflect blue, then the blue light eventually reaches our eyes, so we see the sky as blue.”
(Source: Wiki)
Plot overview
Hazel, a sixteen-year-old girl who is diagnosed with cancer goes to a community group to make new friends, meets Augustus (Gus) and falls in love. I deeply respect the author for dealing with such a controversial matter (cancer), yet managed to successfully turn it into a delightful story. This also reminds me of when Hazel said "funeral is for the livings". It is truly amazing that Green could discuss death without disheartening the readers but provoking our own thoughts.
I believe Hazel's witty personality played a major part in keeping the book hopeful. I believe this is the first book that I’ve read that entertained me by its wittiness, oh, second, after Shakespeare.
“'Lonely, Vaguely Pedophile Swing Set Seeks the Butts of Children, I said.
"That’s why I like you. Do you realize how rare it is to come across a hot girl who creates an adjective version of the word pedophile?” (Ch 8 p.123)
I agree with Gus on this, who would have thought of describing swing set as a "vaguely pedophile".
But it wasn't only Hazel that played the part.
“Seriously, don’t get me started on my hot bod. You don’t want to see me naked, Dave. Seeing me naked actually took Hazel Grace’s breath away,' he said, nodding toward the oxygen tank." (Ch 19 p.251)
This book, indeed, is gloomy at some stage, but it didn’t make me shed a tear (no book has ever made me cry and I can’t wait to find one!). The characters manifested that in the midst of despair there is always a hope. The book also reinforced that we should feel fortunate for having normal functioning body and to cherish every moment.
“‘That’s the thing about pain,’ Augustus said, and then glanced back at me. ‘It demands to be felt.’” (Ch 4 p. 63)
An Imperial Affliction
The book is incredibly educational as well, it was filled with "metaphorical resonance" and literature techniques. There were countless references to An Imperial Affliction (book) by Peter Van Houten. However, I was actually disappointed to find out that both text and the character were fictional; I wanted to read An Imperial Affliction (which never existed!). Houten makes an appearance several times in the book. His frequent use of intertextuality (coupled with allusion and quotation) made him sound sophisticated and elegant (juxtaposing to his attitude).
"... but it is the nature of stars to cross, and never was Shakespeare more wrong than when he had Cassius note, ‘The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars / But in ourselves.” (Ch 7 p.111)
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
The book also mentions “Maslow’s hierarchy of needs” (p. 212), which I thought was just made up for the book (wrong guess again). A theory that our needs moves up the hierarchy as we are settled in the lower needs.
(Side note: we learn this again in Management Accounting haha -2018)
Relationships
I liked how this book contains all the elements from typical romantic novels, but with different yet more realistic characters. The relationship between Hazel and Gus was the main reason I read the book. I loved how they were always articulating in a sophisticated manner, how cheesy Gus was, how Hazel was constantly saying say Gus is sexy, how saying “Okay” was their thing, how Gus was so caring, how Gus did anything for Hazel to keep her happy, and I can go on more but I think that's enough.
‘Oh, I wouldn't mind, Hazel Grace. It would be a privilege to have my heart broken by you.” (Ch 11 p. 176);
“You gave me a forever within the numbered days, and I’m grateful.” (Hazel, Ch 20 pg. 260)
I admired how the author didn't solely explore the relationship between Hazel ad Gus, but also explored the significance of friendship. This quote really resonated with me.
“When the scientists of the future show up at my house with robot eyes and they tell me to try them on, I will tell the scientists to screw off, because I do not want to see a world without him.” (Ch 20 p. 258)
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