Ever since the arrival of Miss Madison, I have been a freakazoid about stories involving children and anything remotely not happy stars and rainbows. I used to like Law and Order: SVU; now it makes me sick. Dystopian and apocalyptic novels rocked my world, and now, well they still rock my world, but they also give me horrific nightmares involving my way-too-fragile-for-that-world daughter. Seriously people, I am a mess of paranoia in a world where danger lurks everywhere. Okay, so enough about my mental illness and back to the book.
Once I got over it and started reading, I was hooked. As always John Green has impressed me with his ability to write a story filled with unique and believable characters, well crafted language, and deeply felt emotion. While bittersweet - how can it not be when the primary characters are teenagers with cancer? - the story does not drown in tears; as a matter of fact, the characters are very down-to-earth. Hazel, the protagonist, has known her death was fast approaching from the moment she was diagnosed with cancer. A lucky shot with an experimental drug keeps her tumors at bay, but her lungs still aren't pumping properly so she remains hooked to oxygen. Despite all of this (because of this?), she is funny and honest and admirably realistic. Attending Cancer Kid Support Group meetings to appease her mother, Hazel there meets Augustus, and so begins their relationship with each other...and with Peter Van Houten, the reclusive author of Hazel's favorite book.
I highly recommend reading the book to figure out how it all works out and adds up to quite the reading experience.
Yes, I went through that stage. But then I went through another stage...the teenage years when you worry about a whole new set of problems that I just can't read about. I hesitated with this one as well, but it was so worth it. I love the clever, clippy banter of the kids, and the parents were actually pretty cool. I'm so excited about this movie, but I'm-a bringing my tissues.
ReplyDeleteI was that way about reality shows set in hospiitals so I totally get where you are coming from. Now, given that my son is 15, I am in the teenage worries. I can read those, but it does freak me out a little.
ReplyDeleteI adore this book, too - and this author. Wish he wrote faster.
ReplyDeleteI loved this book too. I'm kind of worried about the movie - I sure hope it does the book justice.
ReplyDeleteThis author definitely can write! If you have time, check out his youtube channel with his brother: vlogbrothers. Their videos are pretty funny as well as profound.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite from him is Looking for Alaska. The way he writes is pretty unique.
I admit I read Will Grayson, Will Grayson and enjoyed it but did not LOVE it and so did not feel compelled to seek out more John Green. But people love him SO MUCH. I feel like I must give him another try. So I shall! Thanks for the motivation.
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