The Fault in Our Stars

My (signed, yea!) copy of The Fault in Our Stars by John Green was waiting at my door when I came home the other day.  I made a decision I normally never make--I started it while I was reading another book. I've been reading Stephen King's new book 11/22/63.  I love King's book, but, for me, it's a slow read while I digest what he's writing about.

I thought Green's Young Adult novel would be a fast read and I could get it on my book shelf faster into the hands of kids if I just took a break and read it instead of 11/22/63. And it was, but I may have to read it again.

When I talk with students about books, I always tell them that, for me, if I wonder what the characters are doing without me, that's the sign of a good book.  Not only did I wonder what Augustus and Hazel were doing--I wondered HOW they were doing, especially Hazel.  She has cancer, you see.  Although she's had a "tumor shrinking medical miracle", she's still terminal, and I worried about how she was feeling.

And who wouldn't love Augustus.  The hot boy with one leg, who gave up shared his "Wish" with Hazel and took her to visit the author of a book she has many questions about. Really.  Who wouldn't want him as a boyfriend.

And then there was Isaac.  I loved Isaac too.  I worried about his surgery and how he would cope.  I loved the relationship he and Augustus had. The banter back and forth between them was so true to life.  I hurt for him after his break-up (really--if you worry and think about a secondary character, it's a great book).

Simply, this is a beautifully written book. I started keeping track of the lines I loved, but finally quit writing them down. There were just too many. But I am going to share a couple because they keep resonating in my head (God, I wish I could write like this!)

• "As he read, I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once."
• "But, Gus, my love, I cannot tell you how thankful I am for our little infinity. I wouldn't trade it for the world. You gave me a forever within the numbered days, and I am grateful."

This was one of those books where I couldn't decide if I wanted to read it fast, all in one sitting because I couldn't wait to find out what Hazel and Augustus were doing or if I should read it slow and savor it.

I loved the story.  I loved the characters. I loved the writing. 

I just plain loved this whole book.