Reading Rams Summer I, 2014 discussion
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
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I loved every minute of reading this book. The characters were very real to me. I knew the story was not going to end with some miracle but as I was reading I couldn't stop myself from hoping for the best. I read the last few chapters of this book while sitting on an airplane. It was very hard for me to not start bawling on the plane. I don't often cry while watching movies or reading books but something about John Green's writing moved me. I think John Green did an excellent job of portraying life with cancer. He doesn't sugarcoat it. I think the way he writes about Hazel is a true reflection of how cancer patients might think. My uncle died of cancer nearly a year ago. I never talked to him about his cancer or how he felt about it but I while reading this story I could help but think about him and if this was how he felt. I think students would enjoy this story. I think it would open up topics we are usually afraid to talk about. Death is a hard topic to face but I think so many great discussions could from this book. I saw the movie tonight and I suggest you all should go see it. The movie does a great job of telling the story. But while watching the movie I made a connection I didn't make while reading. In the book, Hazel is obsessed with knowing the ending of her favorite book, An Imperial Affliction. Hazel wants to know what happen to the other characters after Anna's death. After watching the movie, I realized that Hazel needs to know the what happens to the characters because she needs to know that life does go on after someone's death. Just like she needed to know her parents would be okay after she died. She needs to know that people go on after their love ones die. Hazel isn't worried about what happens when you die but rather what happens to the ones you leave behind.
I had heard so many wonderful things about The Fault in our Stars that I briefly stopped reading Miss. Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children just so I can read The Fault in our Stars and watch the movie (hopefully). This story started out really interesting. I loved this book. I couldn't put the book down this was definitely a page turner. I was expecting to cry, I didn't cry. I think because everyone said I would I somewhat knew the outcome. (Or at least I thought I did) The book seemed a little predictable. I was sad to find out the fait of Gus. He seemed so perfect for Hazel. I felt bad for Isaac and I wish the book would have went in more detail on what happened with Monica, what was she thinking? and why did she have to be such a mean person? (leaving someone when they needed her most). I am going to set a date to go watch the movie. This was by far my favorite book. I was hoping a better outcome for Van Houton. They both spent their dying wish on a drunk. This made me upset and sad. But hearing more of his story and why he ended up being a drunk is very understandable. Losing a child to cancer .... I couldn't imagine. Cancer is very unfortunate. A few of my close relatives are battling cancer/ or has battled cancer so this book brings a closer look at to what they are experiencing. I saw a lot of Hazel in one of my relatives. She wants to be treated normal and not like some sick person. (Which is understandable) When someone is 'dying' or could be dying it's hard to treat them the same. (In Hazel's case)She didn't want to get close to anyone because she knew in the end she would end up hurting them by dying soon.
The moment when Gus was arguing with his Mom before the Amsterdam trip, I figured I knew what the outcome was and the reason for the argument. This was a very heartbreaking love story that I thoroughly enjoyed!
I am going to close before I write a novel. lol
It's also good to know that Hazel's parents have made a few steps towards "living their life" especially her mom. I wonder if the book Hazel and Augustus kept reading Imperial Affliction, if it actually exists? I mean I would like to read that if it does.
The part where Gus drives to the gas station, that was the saddest part. I thought he wasn't going to make it then. I had tears in my eyes reading that part. The author does an excellent job of tugging at our emotional strings.
Love LOVE LOVE! This book
Cynthia wrote: "The Fault in Our Stars was the first John Green novel I ever read, but it definitely was not the last. John Green has a way of hooking me into the story from the first line. He is utterly brillia..."I agree with everything you said. This story somewhat reminded me of ROMEO and JULIET... I have no idea why...but it does. This story has very powerful lines and it's very well written. I am in love with this Novel! Goodness I didn't cry, I felt super sad though especially after finding out about Gus. He was so perfect.
Rochelle wrote: "I loved every minute of reading this book. The characters were very real to me. I knew the story was not going to end with some miracle but as I was reading I couldn't stop myself from hoping for t..."Rochelle, I agree John Green does an excellent job of portraying the feelings and thoughts of cancer patients. I could almost feel their pain etc.
Sorry to hear about your uncle. I truly know how it is to lose loved ones from cancer. My grandfather died of cancer as well.
This story made me think of a few of my close relatives who are currently battling cancer. I just can see the authenticity of this story.
This will definitely open up heartfelt discussion in the classroom.
Cynthia wrote: "The Fault in Our Stars was the first John Green novel I ever read, but it definitely was not the last. John Green has a way of hooking me into the story from the first line. He is utterly brillia..."You made a great point that the kids are everything teenagers should be. If you take out the element of cancer this is still a story about teenagers who fall in love. I think this is an excellent point to make while reading this book with a class. We all experience the same emotions no matter what is going on in our life.
Shanay wrote: "I had heard so many wonderful things about The Fault in our Stars that I briefly stopped reading Miss. Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children just so I can read The Fault in our Stars and watch the ..."I liked how you mention Monica. I wondered the same thing while reading the book. Why would someone be as mean to not even ask how her ex boyfriend was doing after a life changing surgery. But I think what we need to remember is that Monica is a teenager. This book is about teenagers, their emotions and how they react to those emotions. So when dealing with Monica, we have to remember that she is a teenager who was trying to sort out her feelings when her boyfriend lost his eyesight. Was her reaction appropriate, no, but I think she experienced a lost when her boyfriend lost his eyes. She didn't know the appropriate response so she did what we all do at times, run from our problems. I think if we were to read about Monica a few years after the incident she would hopefully realize how selfish her actions had been.
Rochelle wrote: "She needs to know that people go on after their love ones die. Hazel isn't worried about what happens when you die but rather what happens to the ones you leave behind. "Beautifully written observation. I agree that Hazel is a truly selfless character. She wants to minimize the damage and pain she inflicts upon the people around her. I had not considered that connection either, but I can definitely see how her obsession with discovering what happens to Anna's family and friends in An Imperial Affliction translates to her need to make sure the family and friends she leaves behind will be okay.
Shanay wrote: "The book seemed a little predictable."I was completely floored when Gus got so sick. He seemed so healthy, and Hazel had been so concerned with being the one that would hurt Gus. There are so many deep lessons that came out of this novel for me personally. Like I stated in my post, the message Augustus leaves Hazel about the having the ability to choose who hurts you was so profound. John Green is an exceptional writer and he has so many great little nuggets of wisdom and insight throughout this novel.
The movie is excellent! Can't wait for you to see it. I would like to go see it again, but I'm going to wait until it's on video. No more ugly crying in the movie theater!
This was a great story! I'll have to read more of John Green's books. Sometimes real life is rated R and the characters in this novel, from all the protagonists to Peter Van Houten, show us so many different ways of handling it. Augustus, Hazel, and Isaac are so clever. Augustus and Hazel walk with Isaac through his disappointment and support him. The eulogy before Augustus dies allows Hazel and Isaac a time to use honesty that they won't be able to use at the real funeral so as not to shock the mourners. I am looking forward to seeing the movie.
Rochelle wrote: "I loved every minute of reading this book. The characters were very real to me. I knew the story was not going to end with some miracle but as I was reading I couldn't stop myself from hoping for t..."In regards to An Imperial Affliction and Peter Van Houten . . . I wonder if that is why he couldn't write what happened to the characters after Anna's death. . .There really was no continuation of his own life after the death of his daughter.
It has been a while since I watched the movie P.S. I Love You, but towards the end of the novel, I began thinking about this movie. They both deal with death from cancer and moving on with your life. The person who dies has written something for the love of their life to get after they die. Hazel and Augustus travel to Amsterdam, and I think the wife in P.S. I Love You goes to, Wales, maybe, the place of her husband's youth.
I think I will be crying all day. Oh, my goodness! I'm so slow sometimes. I knew Augustus had osteosarcoma, but I couldn't remember why it seemed so familiar to me. Well, my best friend's granddaughter just completed chemo treatment for osteosarcoma last summer. I remember reading her daily post and remarking how sarcastic her tone was to me. I hear it in Hazel and Isaac's voice.I didn't like the profanity for the record. I hate to think that young adults casually speak this way, but let me come back to the real world. The book read like a movie; it had a really easy flow. I am used to having to reread and wonder what an author meant when he said...... or wonder where is she going with this. I like a more complex and challenging story. John Green does an excellent job of moving us through the novel. The read was too easy and emotional. Loved the poetry inserts and letter writing.
V. wrote: "This was a great story! I'll have to read more of John Green's books. Sometimes real life is rated R and the characters in this novel, from all the protagonists to Peter Van Houten, show us so ma..."I did like the ending and how it brought closure for Hazel. "You don't get to choose if you get hurt in this world, old man, but you do have some say in who hurts you. I like my choices. I hope she likes hers." However, I do wonder how long Hazel will live, the same way she wondered about Anna's mom.
Rochelle wrote: "I loved every minute of reading this book. The characters were very real to me. I knew the story was not going to end with some miracle but as I was reading I couldn't stop myself from hoping for t..."Great Rochelle, I get what you are saying about Hazel needing to know what happens to the people who are left behind. No wonder it meant so much to her that her mother was getting her Master's degree to become a social worker. And at the same time, her mother did want her to feel like she was going on with her life without Hazel. Makes sense.
Rochelle wrote: "I loved every minute of reading this book. The characters were very real to me. I knew the story was not going to end with some miracle but as I was reading I couldn't stop myself from hoping for t..."I agree with you about Hazel. She had to know how the story ended in An Imperial Affliction because she needed to know that her mom would be alright.
This book was hard to read. I don't really have much to share because it really was difficult to read. I thought the characters were true to life. The way Hazel, Issac, and Gus dealt with the eventual outcome of having cancer. It was a sweet story of teenage love. Young adults will like reading this.
Shanay wrote: "I had heard so many wonderful things about The Fault in our Stars that I briefly stopped reading Miss. Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children just so I can read The Fault in our Stars and watch the ..."I agree about Isaac and Monica. How could she leave him just before his surgery?
I actually picked this book up when it first hit the best seller but had to wait until classes were over and I had time to CHOOSE what I read :)Love it. It's my first John Green and I'll be picking up others. It was reflective, raw emotionally, and witty in a smart way. I enjoyed the vocabulary although it reminds me of Dawson's Creek- unrealistic teenage verbiage. I don't know many 16 year olds that dialogue that way let alone 3 of them. The twist in the plot really threw me. I didn't see it coming at all. And I have to add that the "sex scene" for lack of a better term was extremely tastefully done. I appreciated that, especially since I was reading about children.
Shanay, Rochelle-I think Monica is your average teenager who doesn't know how to handle something like a loved one with cancer. And at that age being "in love" in general is so overwhelming on its own that many of us probably handled break-ups, cancerous or not, the wrong way or selfishly. Her actions upset me but if I'm being honest I couldn't fault her for them.
I loved the parallels to An Imperial Affliction in this novel. Part of me hoped it was an actual novel that I could follow up on!
I found this to be an excellent read. I thought Hazel was a very, very strong young lady! Gus and Hazel were very in tune with each other. But I've got to say it was a tear jerker! Man! Tears! John Green is an excellent writer. I would like to read more of his books in the future.
Jenna wrote: "Shanay, Rochelle-I think Monica is your average teenager who doesn't know how to handle something like a loved one with cancer. And at that age being "in love" in general is so overwhelming on its..."
I think Monica was just scared! That was a big reality check for her! I'm sure too much for her to handle. Sad!
This book was really good. I had a few tears but not as many as I thought. I loved all the characters in the story and felt like they made me really feel what it is like to be sick and singled out. I also felt for each individual character and how the cancers had differed between them and their families. The parents were all different and Van H. had a total breakdown in his own life from the cancer his daughter had. My favorite part was in the Anne Frank house and how after the tortured traveling they kissed. It was a great moment. I was glad that Hazel and Gus had their love before it was too late. I might sound awful but I really wish the story would have ended with Hazel dying. I felt like she did with her favorite book when I finished. I was wondering what happened to her and her family and friends. I now have to see the movie.
Shanay wrote: "I had heard so many wonderful things about The Fault in our Stars that I briefly stopped reading Miss. Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children just so I can read The Fault in our Stars and watch the ..."I didn't cry as much as I thought I would either. I found myself laughing through a lot of the book. It was a great read.
Cynthia wrote: "The Fault in Our Stars was the first John Green novel I ever read, but it definitely was not the last. John Green has a way of hooking me into the story from the first line. He is utterly brillia..."I also loved the whole support group setting and Patrick's story. I also liked how they were in the literal heart of Jesus. I thought that was funny.
Basically I loved the first few chapters of this book but I didn't love it altogether. It was a beautiful , unique love story. The only reason I didn't love it is because once I closed the book I felt bad and not good. Simplistic, simple, or selfish - that's how I felt. Another issue I had with it is that the Gus and Hazel were just about too quirky for me to relate to... Even for quirky teenagers!
I loved this book. I will definetly read more of John Green´s work. I loved both Hazel and Augustus´ characters. The ending suprised me. I was expecting Hazel to go and Augustus to live on. This book made me realize the struggles that cancer patients and their families face on a daily basis. I hope that we find cures for many dieases. I finished reading the book on the bus and I was crying. I will definelty watch the movie when I get home. I liked the way John Green ended the book. I do wonder what happened to Hazel. Great book!
Cynthia wrote: "As I was reading the story, I thought, “Well of course Hazel might die. She’s really sick.” However, when it is Augustus, it is so shocking and unexpected." I also thought it would be Hazel. When I realized it would be Augustus I was very sad. I didn´t want anyone to die but since they kept saying Hazel didn´t have much hope I thought it would be her.
Shanay wrote: "It's also good to know that Hazel's parents have made a few steps towards "living their life" especially her mom. I wonder if the book Hazel and Augustus kept reading Imperial Affliction, if it actually exists? I mean I would like to read that if it does."I was glad to find out that Hazel´s mom was taking online classes. I also wondered about the book that Hazel read. If it is real I would like to read it as well.
This story is so poignant for many reasons. The characters of Hazel and Augustus are truly likeable. They are funny, sarcastic, depressed, angry, and everything a teenager should be. I love Hazel’s description of Patrick’s cancer story; how she felt the need to remind us of the fact that he lost his “nuts” with each retelling! Every single time she described his story, I laughed aloud. Hazel was such a great voice for this story. I loved the dichotomy between Hazel and Augustus. Hazel had spent most of her life trying to keep herself isolated. She considered herself to be a grenade and wanted to minimalize the damage she would do to those around her. Augustus was obsessed with leaving his mark on the world. He wanted his life to make a difference. At the end of the book when Augustus realizes that, “the marks humans leave are too often scars.” Wow! I think the most impactful aspect of this story is that Hazel is not the one who dies. As I was reading the story, I thought, “Well of course Hazel might die. She’s really sick.” However, when it is Augustus, it is so shocking and unexpected. He seems so healthy and strong that you would never expect that he would be the one struck down by cancer. There are so many quotes form this book that are exquisitely written, and they jump off the page at you: “I fell in love like you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once”, “I cannot tell you how thankful I am for our little infinity” and “You don’t get to choose if you get hurt in this world, old man, but you do have some say in who hurts you.” So powerful! The most amazing thing about this story is that it is NOT a story about cancer and death, but a story of first love and hope!
Side Note: I went to see the movie yesterday, and if you love the book, you’ll love the movie. Ansel Elgort makes a charming Augustus, and I loved his portrayal. Shailene Woodley is ridiculously good! She is so versatile as an actress. As Hazel, she was so heartbreakingly real. They exceeded my expectations in their telling of this beautifully tragic story!