Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

 
 
 
Title: The Fault in Our Stars
Author: John Green
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publisher: Penguin
Published: January 3rd 2013
Page Number: 318
Rating: 4/5

Summary:
Despite the tumour-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

 

 

 

 

REVIEW

 

I'm not sure what to really say about The Fault in Our Stars. It's a world-wide phenomenon, everyone has either read the book or at least watched the movie (Not going to talk about that). When I first read the book I absolutely loved it. I didn't know anything about it, I hadn't watched booktube videos where it was talked about on every channel - good and bad - and I certainly hadn't known that it was loved by everyone. I just picked it up because the cover was simple and cute.

 

What John Green manages to do well is create really relatable characters that you fall in love with. Hazel is honest, despite the fact that she has cancer. Augustus is completely full of himself and really witty. He's the type of person who'd do completely embarrassing things just to make the other person smile. And together they make a great team. However, I have my problems.

 

John Green has romanticised a terminal illness and I don't agree with it. Cancer is not something that should be romanticised. At all. It's a serious illness - which was very well researched - that changes lives. It can destroy not just a person, but that persons entire family. That doesn't mean that I think people with terminal illness can't find or fall in love, because they can. It's me saying that I am not a fan of it.

 

But despite all that, I actually did enjoy the book. I've read it twice, (The first time I didn't know about the hype) the second time I did know about it and it affected my views. John Green's writing isn't phenomenal; it's simple and fast-paced but enjoyable. The conclusion of the book was very predictable. It's a story about 2 teenagers with terminal illnesses, what else do you expect to happen?

 

Would I recommend the book? Yes. It's a quick, fun read with a sad ending. But that's it. It's not life changing, nor is it eye-opening. It's just an okay read.

 

 

 

 

Buy the book (Waterstones) | Buy the book (Book Depository)

Gift Ideas: What to buy your friends who love to read

So, the most normal and cliché gift to get your friends who love reading would be a book, but buying a book comes with a lot of stress.

1) What if they already own the book?
2) What if they've already read the book?
3) What if it's not their Genre?
4) What if they dislike the author?

Stress. Stress. Stress. Stress.

S T R E S S !

So here are 5 bookish gifts that your reading friends will love.


1. A Gift card -  It may be small and simple, but at least they get to pick the books they actually want. Plus, who doesn't love a gift card? I would suggest Amazon Gift cards, B&N Gift cards, WHSmith Gift Cards and Waterstones Gift cards.

2. Bookmarks - Another simple gift. All you have to do is choose a design that your friend/family member would like and then wrap them up. Plus, we all know that booknerds love super cute book marks that befriends our pages. I'd recommend you look at the ones designed and made by craftedvan on Etsy.

3. Bookish Art - These are a little more pricey, but they look amazing. What way to show off their love of a book then having their favourite quote hanging beautifully on their wall.

4. A book scented Candle - This is a weird gift, but it's also very thoughtful. Is book sniffers need to satisfy our needs and with this one, all you'd need to do is place it up to your nose and enjoy!

5. DVD's - Uh, DVD's. You sure? Yes, I am one hundred percent sure. 2014 was a great year for Books to movies/TV shows. The Fault in Our Stars came out, so did Divergent. But then there's also If I Stay and The Maze Runner releases this month. Also Amazon has a great deal on where both Hunger Games movies are £10. TV show wise, I'd recommend The 100, which became a huge hit and also Season 1 of Under the Dome (S2 was terrible)

I hope I've somewhat given you a few ideas on what to get and if you've already bought your book loving friends something, maybe this will help for next year.