“Some infinities are bigger than other infinities.” -Hazel Lancaster. This quote represents the realistic fiction novel The Fault in Our Stars by the exceptional author John Green. Throughout the book, the main characters Hazel and Augustus realize that their lives may be shortened due to their illnesses. Hazel tries to illustrate this using math by saying, “There are infinite numbers between 0 and 1… Of course there is a bigger infinite set of numbers between 0 and 2, or between 0 and a million.” Hazel wishes they could have more days, or a larger infinity, but she understands that how fully they live every day gives their lives value. This is a touching novel that shows the difficulties, and struggles of living with a terminal illness intertwined with a true love story. All teens and young adults should read this book.

The Fault in Our Stars is a moving story about love and loss. The author’s purpose is to teach the reader that life is an irreplaceable gift, and to cherish every moment of it, no matter the length. Green temporarily worked at a children’s hospital with children that had life-threatening diseases. Also, he had a friend named Esther, who had passed away from thyroid cancer. Esther inspired him to give the main character Hazel, the same type of cancer. These two factors encouraged him to write a novel about both his and their experiences with cancer. For many years, he was far too angry and upset to turn the events into a fiction novel. Finally, he constructed the story and put his feelings into words. In 2012, it was finally published in New York City by Dutton Books and became #1 on the New York Times bestseller list for Children’s Chapter Books. I strongly recommend this page turner because it incorporates realistic, hopeful, and sincere experiences that will have you crying and laughing at the same time.
The novel is written from the point of view of 17 year old Hazel Lancaster who lives with thyroid cancer that has spread to her lungs. Her disease is fatal and her days are numbered. She was diagnosed three years ago when she was thirteen, so she never attended high school. Hazel got her GED (General Equivalency Diploma) at 16, and is taking courses at the Community College. She is a very thoughtful, and intelligent young lady who loves to read in her free time. The book is set in Indianapolis, Indiana. One day at Support Group, Hazel meets a charming young man named Augustus Waters. He has Osteosarcoma, aggressive bone cancer found in many teens, but has been in remission for a year and a half. Augustus and Hazel quickly fall in love, although it is bittersweet. The lovers critique and suggest books to each other, such as An Imperial Affliction. They are a highly intellectual couple, and decide to contact the author of An Imperial Affliction who sets up a trip for them to come and discuss the book in Amsterdam. They share many beautiful once in a lifetime experiences, and learn many lessons while discovering the true beauty of life. Both Augustus’ and Hazel’s illnesses do not stop them from seeing the world and fully experiencing both positive and negative events.
The Fault in Our Stars contains some of the same themes as the novel Wonder by R.J. Palacio. In both of these pieces the main characters are outsiders. For Hazel, in The Fault in Our Stars, she’s isolated because it is very apparent that she is horribly sick because she carries around an oxygen tank and cart. For August (aka “Auggie”), in Wonder, he has a facial deformity and slightly impaired speech which makes him appear differently. People are shocked and horrified when they see him which serves to isolate him from the rest of his peers. These characters are widely judged by others, but both want to be accepted. These books are different because the main characters are going through different hardships in different situations. While Hazel’s death is closing in on her, Auggie has to live with his deformity. Both of these books deal with the trend of diseases, and the want to fit in.
Dealing with death at a young age is another literary trend that is portrayed in this novel. The two main characters are able to support and inspire each other to keep fighting their illnesses. In addition, they learn to accept death and to live in the moment. Looking for Alaska is another book written by John Green that deals with how to cope with loss and death. The main characters are also adolescents. Similarly to The Fault in Our Stars, the novel is written to show the importance of love and friendship. Green is an award winning author of books for young adults. He tries to teach the readers how to overcome and grow from traumatizing events.
I loved this book and highly recommend it to any mature reader, such as young adults or teens. On a scale of 1-10, one being horrible and ten being outstanding, I would rate this book a 10! While I was reading it, I couldn’t put the book down. The novel is so captivating, I could read it over and over again and enjoy it every single time. This is a story of two young cancer fighters, and their battle to survive and experience as much of life as possible. Although it is bittersweet, the novel realistically illustrates the struggles of a brave and unusual couple. The main theme of the book is to live life to the fullest each and every day. No matter the length, it is still an infinity. The reader can’t help but be inspired by the strength of the characters and completely fall in love with the book.