'The Fault In Our Stars' Book Review

Hello again, 

Today I want to review a very amazing book. Unless you've been holed up in your room for the past few months, alongside no phone or internet, you've probably heard about 'The Fault In Our Stars', a book by John Green.

It is after all a multi-million worldwide bestseller and has been turned into an equally successful film. 

So I'm sure most of you reading this have either read the book, watched the film or have done both. And after reading the book myself, I very much want to go see the film. 

Now I know my book review will probably just be a shout out into the void of other reviews for this book (yes, I did just alter that quote to fit) but here we go...

**MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS, CONTINUE ONLY IF YOU WISH**

Wow. That was the first word I said after I'd finished. I was literally speechless. Too my amazement I hadn't cried, despite the many warnings from people who I consulted on the book before reading, confirming I would most definitely burst into tears. I'm not sure if that's because my family and I have been through a situation like it but my overall impression of the book was one of inspiration. 

Yes, the book was heartbreaking but the love story of Hazel and Augustus (also known as Gus) was truly inspiring and quite frankly had me smiling for most of the book. 

Hazel and Gus are teenagers, both suffering with different types of cancer; Hazel's has left her reliant on oxygen tanks and she will never be anything but terminal. Gus' took his leg away, but it appears he is rid of it now.

But despite the terrible circumstances under which they meet, it's a love story that they really needed. I completely understood Hazel's pain at trying to just stay friend's with Gus, when she so clearly likes him too - she fears hurting him because she views herself as a "grenade". And Gus can only be commended for his persistence in telling her he loves her. So when they first kiss I almost cheered and clapped out loud; an echo of the crowd watching them.

Even in the darkest times nearer the end of the story, they connect on such an intellectual, intimate level of understanding that only those two can keep each other smiling and manage to joke and that makes their story all the more heartbreaking but even more perfect.

I couldn't help but fall in love with their relationship and wanted so badly for the ending to be a happier one. But even though it wasn't, it was beautiful. Gus' eulogy for Hazel showed his love for her and maintained his happy, keep-you-smiling character to the very end.

And with the very last words of the book being Hazel's - "I do Augustus. I do." - I felt the determination, love and strength coming from them and although it wasn't the ending I was wishing for, it was the best ending John Green could have given his fantastic 'The Fault In Our Stars'. 

I'm going to end my review here for two reasons:

1. I don't want to spoil too much if any of you haven't got around to reading or seeing this incredible tale yet - you really need too!
2. Although I didn't actually cry while reading, while I wrote this review (and when I did a live review on air at Siren.FM I cried, because I'd had more time to take in the events and the full beauty and heartbreak overwhelmed me so I am unable to continue.

Until the next time,

                                Jess x