Skip to main content

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green


You knew it was coming.  How could I not share?  EVERYONE MUST READ JOHN GREEN’S LATEST WORK OF ART: THE FAULT IN OUR STARS

Throughout my life (well, at least from 4th grade, when I was introduced to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl until now, the 7th month of my 34th year of noticing the universe) the name ‘Augustus’ immediately evoked an image of a chubby, stubborn, chocolate-loving boy, doted upon by his mother, with the last name of Gloop.  The name ‘Augustus’ made me giggle about this character’s gluttonous follies inside the chocolate factory.

Until reading John Green’s beloved new book The Fault in Our Stars.

From now on, the name ‘Augustus’ will forever evoke an entirely different image and an entirely different set of emotions.  A casually hot, lean, limping ‘Augustus Waters’ has forever replaced the ‘Augustus’ of the book I treasured as a child—an unlit cigarette held loosely between his lips.  A longing sigh will escape my lips every time he crosses my mind.

There is little else to say about such an incredible book that hasn’t already been said (by the likes of Judy Blume and Markus Zusak, no less—to name a couple of the humblingly brilliant people who are as in love with John Green’s work as the rest of us). 

This book has left me forever changed.  Augustus and Hazel are now part of my world.  Part of my bookprint.  If you haven’t already invited them into your world, what are you waiting for?

Comments

  1. John Green is on my list of authors to explore more. Thanks for telling about the latest!

    ReplyDelete
  2. LOVED THIS BOOK!!!! It was so beautifully written. I kept track of lines I loved and finally quit writing them down. I just plain loved the whole thing. This was one of those books where I couldn't decide if I wanted to read it fast, all in one sitting because I couldn't wait to find out what Augustus and Hazel were doing or if I should read slow and savor it.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hearing nothing but wonderful things about this one. I think I need to block out an afternoon and just dive in!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I can't wait to read this one. Debating ... the Nerdfighters tour is coming close enough that I possibly could make it. His Fitness for Nerds video might still be my favorite thing he's ever done. He'd probably prefer I choose one of his books, though. ;]

    ReplyDelete
  5. Another one for my ever expanding must-read list.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I just ordered this...thank you for the recommendation! And what a great idea to use a blog to keep recommending books to your former students. I imagine you will make/keep some lifelong friends... a.

    ReplyDelete
  7. This book seems to be everywhere - I am going to have to check it out. Thanks for the great review!

    ReplyDelete
  8. And... TBR pile: GO! Thanks for the lovely post. I look forward to checking it out.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

THE MISFITS by James Howe

copyright date: 2001 primarily marketed for: grades 4-8 In honor of No Name-Calling Week, the idea for which originated with this book, I thought I would post a review of The Misfits by James Howe.    This book has one of my favorite leads: "So here I am, not a half-hour old as a tie salesman and trying to look like I know what I am doing, which have got to be two of the biggest jokes of all time, when who should walk into Awkworth & Ames Department Store but Skeezie Tookis. " I think I like it because it is such an inviting introduction to Bobby and Skeezie, two of the four friends referred to in the book’s title.   Bobby, Skeezie, Addie, and Joe are seventh graders who decide to create their own political party to run in the student council election.   Their goal is simple: to put an end to name-calling.   Who doesn’t think that is a good idea? The wonderful things about this book aren’t limited to the positive messages about acceptance and k...

PLAYGROUND by 50 Cent

I had seen this book all over the place since I attended the NCTE convention in November.  Every time I see it, I am drawn to the cover.  The cover claims that Playground is “The Mostly True Story of a Former Bully.”  However, I was hesitant to buy it because I had little faith that it was quality literature.  Sure, it might be appealing enough for some of you to pick it up and read, but was the story really going to be the kind of message I wanted my students to read?  Was it really based on 50 Cent’s experience?  Would it really send a message about the negative effects of bullying?  Then I came across Crazy Quilt Edi’s book review of the book.  She said after reading she wondered, “Did 50 Cent really write this on his own?”  That was all I needed to know.  Her question told me it must be better than I thought it would be.  And it was. Aside from the gratuitous use of mild swear words and some minor, but noticeable e...