Title: The Fault in Our Stars
Author: John Green
Summary: Hazel is a miracle. Diagnosed with terminal cancer, she has survived longer than anyone expected. Now at 16, she spends her days watching marathons of bad reality TV, attending classes at the local community college and rereading her favorite book, An Imperial Affliction. When her mom forces her to go to a support group, she meets another young survivor named Augustus Wheeler, who would take her breath away if her damaged lungs could ever take in enough oxygen. It is clear that these two are soul mates. But first love is complicated enough without the big questions that dominate the life of any cancer patient, whether they are still sick or not.
Hazel and Gus are characters you’d want to know in real life. They might remind you of your best friend – or at least the kind of person you’d want to be your best friend or significant other: Funny, honest, warm and brave. As the improbable adventure of their romance grows, deepens and changes, you’ll find yourself considering the same ideas that they do: What gives a life value? How can you get up every day not knowing if it is the last one with the people you love? What happens when you die? This is another un-put-downable story by someone who just may be the best author writing for teens right now.
Who will like this book: Readers looking for a good, non-sappy love story. Yes, it’s a book about being sick, but it is not melodramatic (ahem, Lurlene McDaniel fans). People who like Jodi Picoult stories, but think they could be a little funnier. Deep thinkers. Nerdfighters, naturally.
If you like this, try this: Anything else by John Green. For younger readers, Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie and After Ever After by Jordan Sonnenblick. A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
Recommended by: Nicole, Teen Librarian