Student Book Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, as reviewed by Ellie Carson (Year 9)

Every week, Volumes will feature a new review from one of your St Cuthberts classmates. Want to write one of your own? It's easy! Email seniorlibrary@stcuthberts.co.nz with the subject line 'Book review request' to find out more.

This week, Ellie Carson (Year 9) reviews The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.

The Fault in Our Stars is a young adult fiction/romance published 10th January 2012, written by John Green. This book is about a young teenage girl who has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and attends a cancer support group. But then she meets a boy, Augustus, and it changes her world forever…
 
I think this book was definitely written for teenagers, but it is a great romance for anyone who likes that sort of thing. It really raises cancer awareness, as well as being just an all round amazing book that anyone can appreciate. The Fault In Our Stars sort of reminds me of another book, They Both Die At The End. It is another romance about two teenagers who have death looming over them. It is also quite similar to the movie 5 Feet Apart - both of these stories are great, and if you enjoy them then you will definitely enjoy this book! It is set in Indianapolis; the exact year was never mentioned, but based on context clues this story probably takes place between 2008 and 2012.
 
In this book, we meet Hazel. A sharp-witted and extremely conscientious girl, who was diagnosed with a  terminal form of thyroid cancer at 13, which has since spread to her lungs. I would say she is wise beyond her years, and one of her defining characteristics is her wish to tread lightly upon the world. The Fault in our Stars explores the ways in which cancer affects those who are diagnosed, but it also shows the ways in which families and friends react to their diagnosis. I rate it a 5 out of 5 stars, because it stays with you long after you turn the last page.
 
The author wants you to learn from this book to appreciate the small moments in life.

​Star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

Keen to read? You can pick up a copy of The Fault in Our Stars at the Frances Compton Library!