Thursday, January 26, 2012

Thoughts on John Green's The Fault In Our Stars


Yesterday, I mentioned that a certain sentence in John Green's The Fault In Our Stars struck me.  Today, I'll say that many things struck me while reading this novel and it doesn't seem fair to have highlighted just one sentence.

But I believe there are all kinds of copyright laws that prohibit me from copying the entire book in this blog post.  So...I won't.

All this, to say: there is far too much to say.  All of it said better by Green himself.

What impresses me, about all of his books, is the way he portrays young people.  They are always wildly intelligent, sharp individuals who seek answers to the big, important questions about the world they live in.    

As a teenager, I always felt, among all the adults I knew, there were two kinds.  Those that were amused by me, as if I was some kind of walking reality show.  And those that genuinely thought I was a real person with interesting thoughts and ideas.  I still feel that way, even though I am technically an adult.  And I believe that Green falls into the latter category.

He respects the characters he creates.  And while they sometimes act with gestures that seem too grande, while they engage in impossibly witty banter and ask huge philosophical questions, I accept and respect them too. 

It's been a long time since I left a book feeling as if my heart is so full it could burst.  This is one of those rare moments.

If you've read it, I'm curious to hear your thoughts.



6 comments:

  1. I haven't read this but the cover intrigues me because it's so different. Now on to read your previous post about this book, as you have me very curious.

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  2. I just emailed you that I'd finished :) Didn't say anything about book really, though, b/c didn't want to spoil in case you weren't done. Completely agree with your thoughts here!

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  3. I've read Paper Towns by Green, but not this one. I really struggle with a lot of swearing. It is just something that pulls me out of the voice and story, so I haven't tried anymore of Green's books. Hmmm...maybe I should.

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  4. My copy should arrive soon - I can't wait to read it! :)
    ~Mandy

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  5. I've had this recommended to me several times now and I really need to pick it up. I'll admit, thought, that I shy away from books that might make me cry--while I like reading books that touch me like that, I'm not a pleasant, sobbing mess :) Glad you liked it!

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  6. I haven't read this book. After your rave review, I'm looking it up. Thanks!

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