The Fault in Our Stars
John Green
2013
313 pages
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First, let me get Amsterdam out of my system. Granted, I’m not a horny teenager weakened by cancer, but if I had only three days in Amsterdam (and who goes to Europe for three frickin’ days??) I’d have spent more time outside in, you know, Amsterdam.
Moving on.
So. Ummmmmm.
And. Ummmmmmm.
This is a hard book to discuss without giving it all away, which I really don’t want to do, because I’m sure there are lots of people out there who plan on reading this (not that they’re all right here reading this post).
I didn’t really like the second half. But some of that it tied up in personal memories of my dad’s cancer. And granted, my dad wasn’t a teenager, and he had a totally different type of cancer than anyone in the book, but still, he was sick and at home, and well…if you’ve read the book, it just wasn’t like that at all, but it also was in a way that I really didn’t want to revisit.
And the whole cigarette thing bothered me because the damn things DO cause cancer (see dad above) and even if Augustus wasn’t lighting up and inhaling, they were still there for the image and I call bullshit on the irony. Have I ever told you that when my dad was dying and finally lapsed into a coma that his hands still went through the motions of tapping a cigarette out from the pack, lighting it, and then bringing it up to his mouth to smoke? It’s creepy as hell to watch an unconscious person smoke an imaginary cigarette and it’ll impress upon you just how addictive the damn things are. So pretnding to smoke them just isn’t that cool in my world.
Okay, off the cigarette soapbox, which I’m usually better about not hopping on. The book still contains some great insight and writing. Even if, like I told Heather, it’s most definitely a John Green Book (see her post for details on why that is so).
In the end, I liked it. But I’m afraid I’m not going to be joining the Best Book of the Year Bandwagon.
My dad couldn’t give up cigarettes either even though they killed him. And his sister (my aunt) used to walk around with her emphysema machine, smoking. Those cigarettes are evil things! Still, I thought Augustus was doing it to express in a way his desire to *beat* cancer.
I don’t know that I am on the best book of the year bandwagon, but I really liked it (it was my first John Green). And, the students at my school are really enjoying it, even writing it up for our school newspaper
Oh my, that image of your father smoking imaginary cigarettes while he was unconscious is really powerful and frightening. I have gone through my own battle with smoking, and while I am winning, it’s a struggle everyday. I do have this book and want to read it, but I am not rushing to do so. It’s been getting a ton of press, and a lot of it good, but I have also been focusing on some of the other opinions as well. Very impressive and emotionally affecting thoughts today, Jill.
I have only read one of Green’s books, Paper Towns, and while I liked it, I wasn’t blown away by any means. I will probably read this one at some point.
Hmm, I think everyone’s favorite John Green is Looking for Alaska, from what I can tell- or An Abundance of Katherines- so maybe I should read one of those first because I have a feeling if i were in Amsterdam for three days, I would want to be outside, too.
I plan to read this book at some point. Especially with all of your “Ummm’s” I am really looking forward to finding out what they are all about.
I haven’t ever heard of someone unconscious going through the motions of smoking – that must have been so disturbing and upsetting! I worry a lot about my dad’s health because he has smoked so much for so long (forty-five years) and I can see how much it has aged him. I’ve actually been surprised that he hasn’t had more problems sooner.
Yeah, the cigarette part of the book was kinda strange. I have had health problems because of cigarettes and I have never smoked a thing in my life. But at the same time I could understand what the point of it all was. There are a couple things in books that I avoid. Cancer is one of them. I will read about 1 book a year that deals with the subject (last year it was Patrick Ness) and then I avoid everything else. I am not even sure why that is. So, I only read this because it was John Green. I really liked it, but I never thought about some of the things that you and Heather did until after I read Heather’s review. If my mind had gone in that direction I might have had an entirely different response.
I do want to read John Green, but don’t think I’ll be starting here…
I had huge expectations for this book after reading all the raves, so I’m glad to read a different opinion.
This was my first John Green and I liked it, particularly the voices of the characters, although I have heard that they are somewhat similar to some of his other characters.
The smoking thing was very strange really but I was just willing to put it down to….quirkiness I guess.
I did have some issues with it though – the author in particular.
I’m just not sure about this. So many people have loved it … but I didn’t love the previous book of his that I read. And now I see your reaction … though granted you are bringing a lot of personal baggage (and rightfullyl so) to your reading of this book.
Powerful thoughts here Jill. My hubby smokes.
He had quit for 7 years but then said the stress of his jon, and many of out employees smoke, and that brought him back to it. I hate it.
I have this currently checked out from the library on audio.
That’s a terrible thing to see your dad go through that. My dad smoked 2 packs a day from 14-53. Swore he’s never quit. He did after a health scare or two. He’s 65 now and his body bears the brunt of those years. Thanks to his heart attack at 37 I have never touched one of those things. Cigarettes bring out such powerful feelings in people that I can see your reaction to the book. I haven’t read this one but have read so many interesting reviews that I think I will.
In about 20 minutes, after I finish hearing about (and being enraged) about the Pat Tillman story, I will be starting this audio. It is only 5 discs so I should bang it out quickly. In fact, I’m fixing to start a little John Green fest here. But on the topic of cigarettes, because it doesn’t seem like there is an end to the insane and sad stories, my neighbor has to get his food out of a TUBE IN HIS STOMACH because of cigarettes, but HE STILL SMOKES.
I’ve decided that I’m going to read this book next month to avoid anymore spoilers (I didn’t read Heather’s review, or Lisa’s review and only read your review because I could tell it was only about cigarettes). BUT, I am glad to see some mixed reviews of this one. When EVERYONE says it’s the best book of the year in FEBRUARY, it makes me leery.
And I’m sorry about your dad–that’s a tough thing for any child to have to experience. Exactly what I keep trying to tell my little lovey lou (hub).
I haven’t (yet) read John Green, but have plenty to choose from on my kids’ bookshelves. Will start w/KATHERINES or ALASKA!
re: addictive power of cigarettes: that’s an unforgettable story/image! So sorry you and your family went through that with your dad.
First, thanks for this review. I’ve read so many gushy reviews of The Fault in Our Stars that I was starting to think I might have to overcome my “NO CANCER BOOKS” mantra, but no. It sounds annoying and manipulative, but I think the biggest problem I would have would be the fact that I’ve watched someone die of cancer and most fictional cancer deaths are far from honest about the horrors. That’s pretty wild about your dad still lighting imaginary cigarettes while comatose. Your experience certainly brings home the not-coolness of smoking in a big way.
I zipped over to read Heather’s review and I enjoyed it, too. I felt about the same way she feels when I read Paper Towns. I wanted it to be a little different — and I found the female character pointlessly frustrating. The whole “search aided by the pixie” thing is definitely wearing out.
I watched my mom die of lung cancer, so I completely agree that this fact affected my reading of the book too. As you say, it wasn’t at ALL like that. Not that I expect a YA book to accurately depict dying from cancer. It’s just too damn depressing.
So glad I’m not the only one less than impressed with this book. Here’s hoping John Green breaks out of his box next time.
Oop – I think I’m going to have to pass on this one given the cigarette/cancer issue. Having just had to deal with cancer in my family as a result of second hand smoke this past year, I definitely do not want to be reading something that deals with that subject, particularly not in a way that doesn’t ring true.
Because my sister-in-law battled a rare cancer for three a half years and because, like you — but not quite as close — I lived it and know what it’s like to watch someone die, I usually avoid these stories. They never match my reality and I don’t need to be reminded of those years … I would never forget.
Just finished this one and yes, I agree with you on the whole Amsterdam thing. 3 days?????
It was okay but my least favourite of any of John Green’s books. Katherines is still the best, for me. The characters in this one were just too cool, too clever. Overall I did like it, but you are right, hyperbole is rampant around this one.
I’ve loved John Green since reading An Abundance Of Katherines many moons ago, but I can see what you — and Heather — are saying about cigarettes and smoking and cancer. Having just lost a family member to cancer a few months back, I think I’ll have to hold off on this one for a while . . . but I do plan on reading it!