Book of the Month: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green 

Synopsis

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.

Jen’s Review

That about sums things up 😉

Okay, seriously. I’m not normally into stories about cancer and sickness and whatnot. They’re just too sad and depressing. However,  I made an exception for The Fault in Our Stars after hearing so many wonderful things about it. And I’m glad I did! This is a special story everyone needs to read. It has a touching plot, plenty of takeaway messages, and a cast of sincere characters. I especially love Augustus (I think most readers do). Simply put, he’s a good guy. A good, sweet, authentic, lovable guy. In fact, when my sister was trying to think of a name for her next kid, I suggested August…She almost used it, too. Darn!

I won’t lie. This is a heartbreaking story. And you will need tissues. But the pain is worth it, I promise!

Plus, the movie is coming out in a few days, and you know my rule of thumb: read the book before you see the movie. So go read it!

Jen’s Rating 

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The Fault in Our Stars, John Green

The Fault in Our Stars – John Green

Book Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Writing, Awards and a Friday Funny

Congratulations! We made it through the week! This was my first one back to the 9-5 grunge since my two week holiday vacation. As you might suspect, I wasn’t looking forward to it. However, besides my car pooping out on Tuesday, it wasn’t too bad. In a way, it was nice. Most of my vacation was spent in my PJ’s sick and cutoff from the rest of humanity (unless you count the enthralling book characters that kept me company), so it’s been somewhat of a relief to be around my co-workers and friends again.

Even so, I’m happy it’s Friday. I have big writing plans for the weekend. I set some high goals for the year, so I need to hop to it, starting with my Nano project, Fallers. On the fun side of life, I’m having a little get together for the Golden Globes on Sunday. (Yes, I’m a sucker for the big Hollywood awards season). Unfortunately, I’ve been a slacker on seeing the big films nominated this year (the only one I’ve seen is Gravity (BTW, whoa!)). Oh well…What we really need is a big, glitzy broadcasted award show for book lovers. How awesome would that be? Can you imagine Rainbow Rowell or Gayle Forman or John Green walking up on stage to accept their award for “Best Contemporary Young Adult Novel”?…Yeah, someone in NY or LA should get on that–pronto! Authors deserve Red Carpets and flashing cameras and live TV audiences too…Of course, I’m not so sure how many authors would be in to that kind of thing, haha.

Anyways, back to today’s post. It’s Friday, so that means it’s time for a funny! This one’s dedicated to the new Nook I received over Christmas from my family. Now, I’m going to confess: I’ve never been a fan of e-readers. I’ve always been a physical book purist. The smell, the weight, the turning of pages…sigh. However, as times progress and more books are published in e-book format only, I’ve had no other choice but to adapt. And…I must admit…**pursing lips**…I…love it. There! I said it.

But my true love will always be physical books. Sorry Nook.

Hope your week was nice, too! Have any fun plans for the weekend?

Top 10 Books I Read in 2013

Okay, I’m breaking my rule of no blogging until I’m done with my vacation, but I wanted to share with you the top ten books I read in 2013. I was surprised to discover I read over 60 (I assumed it was closer to 40, maybe 50). And I was even more surprised as I scrolled through the titles how many outstanding stories I experienced. It was difficult for me to narrow it down to ten.

But, I did! So here we go…

10. The Selection by Kiera Cass

I had very low expectations for this book, but within the first chapter, my low expectations were shattered. The Selection is light, fanciful and truly entertaining. Give it a try!

Read my full review here.

9. Champion by Marie Lu

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this final book in the Legend series. It was a fitting ending to an outstanding story. I highly, highly recommend it to one and all!

Read my full review here.

8. Just One Day & Just One Year by Gayle Forman

Okay, I’m cheating on this one. But it’s hard to separate these two books because they go hand-in-hand, and they’re equally amazing. They’re moving, eye-opening, and one hundred percent entertaining.

Read my full reviews here and here.

7. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

This was the first book I read in 2013, and it stuck with me throughout the whole year. Now, normally I’m not into stories about cancer and sickness and whatnot. They’re just too sad. But this is a special story everyone should read. Plus, the movie is coming out in 2014, and you know my rule of thumb: read the book before you see the movie. So go read it!

Read more about The Fault in Our Stars here.

6. Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan

Two Boys Kissing is more than a story about two boys kissing. It’s a story about love. And life. And appreciating love and life. It’s a story that has the power to change minds–hearts–lives.

Read my full review here.

5. Fall of Giants by Ken Follett

I’m not a huge fan of historical fiction, but this one was awesome! Fall of Giants kept me hooked from page one all the way to page 960! I’m planning on diving into its sequel, Winter of the World, early in the new year.

Read my full review here.

4. Lunar Chronicles, Cinder and Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

Okay, okay! I’m cheating again. But, you know what? This is my blog and I can do what I want, so there! 😉 I just finished these first two books in the Lunar Chronicles, and I’m in love! In fact, I’ve been dealing with a massive book hangover the past few days because I can’t get over them. So. Good.

I’ll  be doing full reviews for these books soon, so check back later for my complete feedback. Or, better yet, take my word for it, and go read them. You won’t be able to put them down.

3.  Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

There aren’t many books, let alone series, that I want to read more than once. But The Infernal Devices is one of them. This prequel series to Clare’s Mortal Instruments shares the same fun, rip-roaring action and smart humor, but it feels richer and more endearing. And by the last page of its final book, Clockwork Princess, I was crying (and I’m not a crier) and wishing a thousand times it wasn’t over.

Read more about Clockwork Princess here.

2. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Few books have touched my heart–my soul–the way Fangirl did. If you’re looking for a story that’s a perfect combination of funny and serious, and has a dash of fantasy to it, this is it!

Read my full review here.

1. The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but of all the books I read in 2013, this aliens-take-over-the-world tale was my favorite. And, trust me, I’m not a fan of alien stories. But The 5th Wave was crazy good. It was addicting, terrifying and action-packed. And it made me truly believe an alien invasion could actually happen. I’m counting down the days to the release of its sequel, The Infinite Sea, due out in May 2014.

Read my full review here.

Well, that’s it, folks! I’m so excited for 2014 and all the great books I’m sure to read. I already have a nice lineup set to go, starting with Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell.

Happy New Year!

Related articles

• Top Ten Books I Read In 2013 (whatcomesnextreviews.com)
• Most Anticipated Books of 2014 (bookcomet.wordpress.com)
• Top 10 Series Everyone Has Read But Me (And I’d Like to Change That) (jawardwrites.com)

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