Jun 15, 2014

"The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green

  
Title: The Fault in Our Stars

Author: John Green

 
My rating: 2 of 5

 
(Book read from June 7th to June 8th, 2014.)

 
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.


  
 
My Thoughts on the Book:
 
 
Ok, so, obviously, I'm in the minority when it comes to The Fault in Our Stars. I know that everyone seems to love this book, but because of the few bloggers that didn't like it, I decided not to have any expectations. I mean, I didn't even watch the movie trailer, in case there are spoilers in it. So, is The Fault in Our Stars the best book ever? No, definitely not! I know that enjoying a book is subjective, but seriously? Did we read the same book? I'm just glad that this wasn't my first John Green book, because after this, I probably wouldn't have read any of his other books, which would've been a shame.
 
The Fault in Our Stars wasn't the worst book I've ever read, but it just wasn't good. It was pretentious, and mostly when the characters talked, I felt like I was listening to John Green philosophize about his opinions & thoughts on the theme & life in general. I mean, seriously? I love John Green's videos, even before I started reading his books, but this was just plain unbelievable in general, especially coming from two teenagers.

And the story was predictable, and so, so boring. I just kept reading until I finished it, because I knew if I stop, I will probaby never go back to it.

That being said, it was still a sad story, but I wasn't heartbroken over it. I guessed early on what will happen, and despite the overall unrealistic aspect of it, it wasn't all bad. There were a few good parts, and realistic, too. Like the good day, which I don't think it counts only for people with cancer, but from my experience, it usually happens with sick & dying people, so that was real. Also, in all this philosophical & pretentious babble, there were a few things & quotes that I liked, but nothing life-changing, and mostly, I was shaking my head on all the things said, and at the silliness of it all. 

I'm actually quite sad about writing this bad review, because I loved Looking for Alaska, Will Grayson, Will Grayson, and John Green's story in Let It Snow was my most fav in the book, and I loved his writing style, but this one, thanks, but no thanks!

I didn't quite like the characters. I wanted to like them, but just couldn't. I'd say that Augustus was interesting enough, I liked his optimism & he was funny at times, and sweet. But, Hazel, I have nothing to say about her, good or bad. The only character that I quite liked was Isaac. As for the romance, it wasn't bad, just your ordinary romance, that happened because of that thing - meeting at the right time & place in their lives, so they connected & started to like each other. But, it wasn't memorable or unforgettable, or the best book I've ever read. And I don't even want to comment on Van Houten, because I'll start to rant.

In the end, I can't recommend The Fault in Our Stars. It just wasn't good, and doesn't deserve all the hype. But, even though I didn't like the book, I'm actually looking forward to the movie. After I finished reading the book, I watched the movie trailer, and I think that it will be good, and hopefully most of the pretentious dialogues will be toned down.
 
  
   

Challenges:

 

7 comments:

  1. I finished the last 150 pages during one sitting and thought that the story between Hazel and Augustus was fascinating. Van Houten was very strange, especially when he came to America, but much of this can be explained in its own little way.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, everything was explained, but I just wish it wasn't as predictable, even the Van Houten part was. Not the book for me, I guess...

      Delete
  2. Thank you for writing this review! I haven't read the book myself, but so far I don't think I've seen a single less-than-stellar review and it's refreshing to hear the other side. Frankly, all the hype has completely put me off the book, and I think I'll not bother with it and try one of John Green's other books instead.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There are a few not good reviews on GoodReads, and mostly, they've felt similar. I guess, you will either love the book or won't.

      Well, I recommend his other books. I haven't read Paper Towns yet, but really enjoyed the others.

      As for hyped books, you know how it is, sometimes it's deserved, sometimes it isn't. For me, TFIOS didn't deserve the hype.

      Thanks for stopping by :)

      Delete
  3. Sorry you didn't like this one. I just read it a few weeks a go and really enjoyed it. I didn't fall in love with it though, like most people who read it. But I still really enjoyed it.

    My favorite character was also Isaac, even though I liked Gus and Hazel to. I just loved how he seemed to really handle being blind really well and I also just liked his character overall.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, I'm glad you enjoyed it. It was so weird while I was reading, it was both fun & boring, that's weird, right? And I had so many mixed feelings while reading it, but the not-liking it win in the end.

      And yes, I liked Isaac's character overall, too.

      Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete