Realistic Fiction: The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

Green, John. (2012). The Fault In Our Stars. New York, NY: Dutton Books. ISBN 9781101569184

Summary

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green follows the teenage life of Hazel Lancaster, a sixteen year old fighting stage IV thyroid cancer. Hazel meets Augustus Waters, a handsome seventeen year old, at a cancer support group for people ages 12 to 18. Augustus and Hazel experience friendship, heartache, romance, disappointment, survival, and hope in this heart-wrenching, yet, endearing tale of true love and finding oneself.

Analysis

The Fault In Our Stars takes place in Indianapolis, Indiana and mentions real locations throughout the city, making the story more authentic to the reader. Descriptions provided of churches, homes, and hospitals are vivid, giving the reader an opportunity for realistic visualizations. The story takes us on many a roller coaster ride, with emotions teetering between excitement and frustration, tears rolling from sad to happy.  More than one climactic moment occurs, keeping the reader glued with every page turn.  

Hazel, the protagonist, is a bit of a homebody at the beginning of the story. After meeting special friends like Augustus and Isaac in the support group, she evolves into a well-rounded sixteen year old, finally finding herself among her friends and loved ones. Augustus, who becomes Hazel’s boyfriend, brings out the best in many characters. Augustus’ feelings and actions remain stagnant throughout the story, even when his circumstances change. Parents and friends of Hazel and Augustus play important roles in shaping who they are and who they become.

The most effective aspect of this book is the realness provided by the characters through Green’s exquisite writing. Throughout her struggle, Hazel talks of “cancer perks” but also recognizes the effects her illness has on others, whether it’s her parents, friends, or outsiders.  The story covers the actuality of a teenager’s life from home life to friendship to romance, yet it portrays their lives in a different light because of the sicknesses the majority of the characters face. Many times, the characters refer to things as being “side effects” whether it is to cancer, life, or death. They recognize the difficulties they face with their diseases, yet they provide us with realistic accounts of what happens in a teenager’s life, from the dynamics of friendships changing to the heartache that comes along with a break-up. Because of Green’s realistic writing, the reader can’t help but feel for each character and the struggles and triumphs they endure each day.

Dialogue between the characters is natural and mostly believable. There are points where the language used by the characters seems unrealistic, a little too advanced for sixteen and seventeen year olds, but Green’s writing reminds us of how insightful they are. Phrases like “the world is not a wish-granting factory” are repeated throughout the story. This repetitive language emphasizes the longing they have for a “normal” life. Regardless of the both triumphant and sorrowful events,   the story teaches the reader that love can get someone through the toughest of times, that there’s more to someone than just their “cancer story”, and that “grief does not change you, it reveals you.”

Personal Response

I was able to make personal connections with the setting. As previously mentioned, the book takes place in Indianapolis, where much of my family lives. Hazel talks of going to the Castleton Mall, a shopping center where my own sister works, and Broad Ripple, an area of town where a cousin of mine resides. Being able to picture these actual locations made the story all the more real to me.

Immediately after finishing the book, I felt very disheartened. I couldn’t help but feel guilty for my health that I’ve been so lucky to have. Even though these are fictional characters, I felt as if they were my friends experiencing these life changing diseases. After a few days of reflection, I was able to appreciate the literature for its realism and feel less depressed. Regardless of my sad feelings, I would highly recommend this book to others, but I’d advise them to read it with a box of Kleenex!

Reviews and Awards

Booklist starred 01/01/12

Horn Book starred 03/01/12

Kirkus Reviews starred 01/15/12

Library Media Connection starred 08/01/12

“Beautifully conceived and executed, this story artfully examines the largest possible considerations—life, love, and death—with sensitivity, intelligence, honesty, and integrity. In the process, Green shows his readers what it is like to live with cancer, sometimes no more than a breath or a heartbeat away from death. But it is life that Green spiritedly celebrates here, even while acknowledging its pain. In its every aspect, this novel is a triumph.”- Booklist

“Intelligent vocabulary, generous references to literature, and witty cultural commentary make this a delight to read and a refreshing, sophisticated addition to the field of YA literature.”- Library Media Connection

“Green seamlessly bridges the gap between the present and the existential, and readers will need more than one box of tissues to make it through Hazel and Gus' poignant journey.” –Kirkus Reviews

Connections

John Green has written several books for young adult readers. His work lends itself well to an author study.

Looking for Alaska

An Abundance of Katherines

Paper Towns

Will Grayson

There may be students within a school or nearby who are facing the same realities as the characters in the story. Cancer fighters and survivors could be invited to share their experiences with students in the school.