The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Summary:
Despite the tumor-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. (from GoodReads)

Review:
I seriously can't believe that I waited this long to read The Fault in Our Stars. I wanted to borrow it from the library but it has been on hold or out since it was released. I eventually saw a copy of the novel on my friend's bookshelf and she reluctantly let me borrow it. This is definitely my favorite John Green book, which is really saying something because he's an awesome author.

The story is destined to be depressing. That's what happens when your main character has terminal cancer. Though it's not terminal in the sense that "oh I have a year to live." It's more of the fact that Hazel knows she will eventually die from cancer, but the doctors aren't really sure when. Now that her disease is slightly stabilized, Hazel is able to go to classes at the community college and attend a cancer support group. Which is where she meets Augustus! He is such an awesome character and definitely one of those John Green signature personalities. The relationship between Hazel and Augustus is so, so sweet, especially since he understands her due to him having cancer at one point too.

There were other interesting and important characters as well. I loved Hazel's parents, who were so supportive and loving. Augustus's friend Isaac was hilarious. The author of their favorite (fake) novel makes an appearance and is a little rough around the edges but ultimately a good guy.

I just want to warn those who haven't read the book (which is probably no one at this point): you will cry. I predicted the ending but it didn't make it any less sad! This is going to be even harder to watch on-screen, when it's made into a movie.

I really enjoyed The Fault in Our Stars now that I've finally read it. I think I devoured it in about a day - I just could not put it down. I would probably consider this my favorite John Green novel and I hope that whatever he writes next can top this novel.

Rating: 10 out of 10.
FTC: borrowed from a friend.

2012/Dutton Books/313 pages.

Paper Towns by John Green

Quentin Jacobsen has been next-door neighbors with the interesting and magnificent Margo Roth Spiegelmen for his whole life. They used to be good friends, but now as high school seniors, their relationship has been reduced to mere acquaintances. But then one night, Margo climbs into his bedroom window, and that all changes. On a harrowing nighttime adventure through Orlando, which include pranks, revenge, and breaking into SeaWorld, Q begins to see Margo as he always pictured her: wild, impulsive, and fun. But his hopes of them becoming real friends are dashed when the next morning Margo has disappeared, something not uncommon for the free-spirited girl. Following clues left by Margo, Q and his friends attempt to find her, leading them on a road trip they'll never forget.

I thought this book was amazing. When looking at John Green's other books, Looking For Alaska is the serious, life-changing book, while An Abundance of Katherines is the fun, humorous book. But Paper Towns is a wonderful mix of both. It was funny, the characters were interesting, it had a good message. There was even a bit of mystery that made you want to keep reading so you could find out what happened. The plot was unique and the writing was flawless. Margo, especially, was an original character, and even though I wish the reader got to learn more about her, the book was perfect the way it was. I could go on and on, but in short, if you're looking for a great book or are already a fan of John Green, Paper Towns is a must read.

9 out of 10.

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

Most guys have a "type." They like girls with blonde hair or who play sports or anything, really. Colin Singleton's type is girls named Katherine. He's even dated nineteen of them. After the last Katherine dumps him--K-19-- he decides to take a road trip with his best friend to perfect his "Theorem of Underlying Katherine Predictability" in which he hopes to predict the outcome of any relationship. Settling in Tennessee for the summer, Colin learns a lot about relationships and the unpredictability of the future.

So this novel has a bit of background to it. A few years ago I was looking through the shelves at my library for a book to read. I came across this one, read the inside flap, and decided not to read it. After I read Looking For Alaska and saw that the same author wrote both of these books, I decided to read An Abundance of Katherines. I have to say, I was a little disappointed. I heard that this book was better than Looking For Alaska, and I would have to disagree completely. Not that this book was bad, it just didn't have that "wow" factor that Alaska did. Almost three-fourths of the way through this book, I started to get bored and I think it's the uncanny similarities between the books: a male protagonist with an unusual hobby (Miles likes famous last words and Colin likes anagramming), a funny best friend, and the untouchable girl. I would recommend reading this book, just be wary, and definitely read Looking For Alaska.

6 out of 10.

*With this review I made my debut over at Genre of the Month. This month's genre is Male Protagonist. Visit http://genreofthemonth.blogspot.com/ to check it out!