The Fault, Dear Brutus, Is Not In Our Stars

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The Fault In Our Stars Review

By Sithmi


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.

 Once I read this book the second time only did I really understand it. Of course I read it under the recommendation of my friends who loved the books by John Green. I was hooked too. It was romantic and sad. But after a few years and a short reread I realised it was slightly overrated and John Green writes books about really smart people.

 Don’t worry I have nothing against John Green, in fact I really like him. His books, I have come to find are unique in its own way. Hence TFIOS as fans would call it, is special and a start to a new YA romance genre; medical mishaps. (I just coined it now.) It may or may not be true, but I know Green did influence YA authors greatly. And now there are more stories about rare diseases and cancers. Some which are really good.

 Anyway, moving on, Hazel Grace, our 16 year old lung cancer patient meets Augustus Waters, 17 year old metaphorical master with one leg lost to Osteosarcoma, at a support group at the literal heart of Jesus. You must read to find out.

 Slowly their friendship evolves over books and such along side their friend Isaac who becomes blind because of his eye cancer. This friendship becomes a little more when Gus uses his wish to take them both and Hazel's mom to Amsterdam to visit the illusive author Peter Van Houten. A lot happens on this trip. They drink the stars, face the truth of life, giving us readers a real question to think about privilege, and find love and finally deal with reality.

 Amsterdam becomes a place of bittersweet memories once they return home and one of them is once more hospitalised. Yes once more. Through the story, Green shows the struggle of being a patient and recovery and such. His writing makes the characters smart, philosophical, funny and emotional. It's a worthy investment.

 I love and appreciate these types of authors that both tell a story and bring attention to a rare medical problem.

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