Type: Book Review
Title: The Fault in Our Stars
Author: John Green
ISBN: 978-0525478812
Published: 2012
Genre: Romance
Reader's Annotation: "The Fault dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings."
Plot Summary: This book is about two teenage kids, Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters, who meet in Support Group for the different cancer that they each have. They both have feelings for each other and their journey together creates meaning in each others' lives.
Critical Evaluation: A New York Times Best-Selling book, that book is about to be created into a movie. This is a very intelligent book that deals with difficult issues: illness, family, relationships, Teenage love that is very gritty and reality of terminally ill people and specifically cancer.
As a male writer, writing from the point of view from a female character, it definitely keeps my attention. Hazel's character sounds genuine and incredible witty and smart. John Green was able to make Hazel into a character that was wise beyond her years, and very aware of her surroundings. This form of thinking is what we would expect from people who don't have a lot of time on this Earth, and have cancer.
This love tale is very inspiring and sad at the same time. John Green is able to create meaning between the relationship of young love. It's innocent and so pure, and the fact that they both have cancer elevates their experiences together even more. Even the characters of Hazel's parents seem very believable, and as an adult reading this novel, gives me the perspective of what go through with all of their sacrifices and their persistence to stay positive in this difficult situation.
Challenge Issues:
- Cancer issues for teens
- Romantic
- Become familiar with the made-up world and the its' positive contents.
- Refer to the imagery and artwork, which can inspire Young Adults to take up drawing.
- Stay calm and remember to not be personally offended by their comments or concerns.
- Libraries provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
- Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
- LISTEN to what they have to say and reiterate our freedom to read and be without censorship.
- All material for young adults are under the review of the branch manager and even further up, the Library Director and even City Council members.
