From the summary: Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs… for now. The real life equivalent is the recently discovered cancer cell growth minimising effects of medical marijuana. This is an affordable treatment too, especially if you use these Cannabismo coupon codes, so it’s a promising development. Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault. Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.
*SEMI-SORT-OF-BUT-NOT-REALLY-SPOILER-ALERT* TFiOS was just released last week, and the author himself has asked that readers not spoil the book for those that haven’t read. And of course, we agree. So as usual, we will gush and squeal and have flailypants while giving away as few of the delicious spoilery details as possible. Deal? Deal.
Christina: I had originally planned this as a Swoony Boy Alert, and because Melly had to endure my flaily texts just read, she was all set to contribute. But within just a few pages, I realized that a Swoony Boy Alert simply wouldn’t do. Why? Because it’s one of my favorite books, EVER. Hazel is… and the story is… and the writing is…
Gah, let us start from the beginning.
I’d listened to John Green read the first two chapters on youtube, and I was DYING for more. So when my husband called me at work Friday to tell me my books were there… I got a little excited. My first words were: IS IT THE FAULT IN OUR STARS?? OPEN IT! IS IT SIGNED? PLEASE TELL ME IT’S SIGNED. SEND ME A PICTURE? (John Green signed every first run copy- how awesome is that??) My husband rolled his eyes but did it anyway (as he so often does) and I squealed and watched the clock and *maybe* even moved the time forward so I could get home and see for myself. *Maybe* What? Teenagers like going home early.
Anyway, I had a million things to do that night and KNEW I didn’t have time to read. But you see… willpower has never really been my strong point. Really. So I picked it up and casually started perusing (as one does), and smelling the wonderful new book smell (as you do), and before I knew it I was on page 50… 120… 232…. I think you can see where I’m going with this. When I finally looked up it was 2:30 in the morning and I’m alternately laughing, sighing, and doing the uglycries.
I mean it guys, it’s that good. Five Stars, Favorite Shelf, HOW CAN I CONSIDER EVER WRITING AGAIN AFTER READING SUCH AWESOMENESS, all of it. These were characters I wanted to know, conversations that were so honest and funny and interesting that I never wanted them to end. Hazel is strong and smart and witty. Augustus is charming and funny and so so so sweet. I fell in love right along with them. Gah, I want to tell you all the words!!! [that muffled sound you hear is christina struggling with Lo’s hand over her mouth]
Melly: This is going to be a tough one, folks. Hang in there with me because I’m certain this review will contain the following:
2. Incoherent babbling
3. Arrest-worthy dialogue of a stalking nature toward John Green
4. Threats of bodily harm if any of you don’t read this book. I promise to not reveal any spoilers, not only because I want the readers to savor every moment of this journey, but as Christina said, I know it personally irks John Green. To be completely honest, any summary, any review, I could provide isn’t going to hold a candle to the beauty that this book is. John Green has managed to write one of the most powerful novels of love and life I have ever read. As an aspiring YA author, I’m inspired and indebted to him.
Hazel. Augustus. Sigh.
They meet and find friendship in the most unusual place during even more unusual circumstances. What unfolds is a romantic journey complete with colorful characters and breathtaking dialogue. The Fault in Our Stars asks the question, like so many us will at the end of our life story: How will I be remembered? When Christina asked me to do a Swoony Boy Alert with her, of course, I said, “OHMYGOD!! YESYESYESSSS!!! I LOVED HIM SO MUCH!!!!” Loved that Augustus Waters, I did. Usually this will be the point in a review where I quote all kinds of swoony words to show you just how amazing this boy is, however, in effort to not give away any of the story, I’m resisting. [Lo hasn’t read yet so this makes her very happy.]
However, I think Hazel Grace let us in on a little I can share. (Plus, Christina and I talked and we decided that Hazel was every bit as badass as Augustus was swoony.) [Christina: WORD.]
“Look, let me just say it: He was hot. A nonhot boy stares at you relentlessly and it is, at best, awkward and, at worst, a form of assault. But a hot boy . . . well.”
So, we know he’s hot. Physically. However, it’s his words, his dazzling wit, that will have you swooning. Long after the book is over, they’re left imprinted all over your brain. I found myself rereading passages later on in the day, scouring Tumblr reading reactions, and texting with friends who I knew read just so I could talk about it some more. A day later, and I still can’t shake the feeling this book left me with. SO MANY FEELINGS that I wish I could tell you all about, but can’t. So, once you’re done reading, shoot me a tweet and we can talk all about it over champagne and cheese.
Now go read all the words. Smile all the smiles and cry all the tears. Swoon big time.
Okay?
Okay.
:::bursts into tears over the ‘okays’ and hugs C:::: *you’ll totally get that WHEN YOU READ. Squee*
Christina: See??? This one gets it all:
1. Badass Chick On Board
2. Swoony Boy Alert
3. I Will Reswoon Soon
4. Straight to the Favorites Pile
Huge thanks to Melly for stopping by and flailing with me.
And guess what? WE’RE GIVING AWAY A SIGNED COPY!!! Leave us a comment in the space below and you could be our lucky winner. But you don’t have to wait. Why? Because it’s AVAILABLE NOW. And if you’ve already read, tell me! Did you cry? Did you swoon? Did you want to find John Green and hug the stuffing out of him? Just me?
About the Author: John Green’s first novel, Looking for Alaska, won the 2006 Michael L. Printz Award presented by the American Library Association. The film rights to Looking for Alaska were purchased by Paramount in 2005. His second novel, An Abundance of Katherines, was a 2007 Michael L. Printz Award Honor Book and a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. His next novel, Paper Towns, is a New York Times bestseller. He also coauthored a book with David Levithan called Will Grayson, Will Grayson. Website – Twitter – Goodreads – VlogBrothers – Nerdfighters
Rachel says
These are pretty much my exact feelings about this book. I literally cannot stop thinking about this story. IT IS TAKING OVER MY BRAIN. Not that I'm complaining though. *laughs* *cries* *laughs* *cries* I will never look at the word OKAY without thinking of this book.
I am seriously going to force all my friends and family and neighbors and random people I see on the street to read this. Definitely one of my favorite books ever 🙂
Kelli says
Yes, yes, yes to all of this. So thrilled to have this book exceed the hype – it was just beautiful. I think there were lots of us in the 2 a.m. sobbing category that night – this one just wouldn't be put down! Can't imagine how tough it was to write such a spoiler-free post. Nicely done!
Christina says
Agreed! I finished two days and can't stop thinking about it. Love when a book can do that!
Christina says
Thank you! OMG there were so many things I wanted to mention. Absolutely beautiful, I'm so in love with this book.
JennieE says
What hasn't always worked in John Green's books before (that hyper-awareness of youth) fits perfectly. I was moved by every character in this book. The adults, the teens, the jaded author, etc. There are so many quotable passages, lots of laughter, so many tears, and a fun Hoosier touch for those of us that live in Indianapolis. For me, this is one of those books that, when someone says they don't like it, I will have to get a little bit righteous. I don't do that often because I know how varied tastes are when it comes to literature. Nice write-up!
Toni says
Ok, wow. I finished his book about 8 hours ago and still don't quite have the right words. I agree with Cristina, I can only dream to ever write anything remotely as good as this book. And reading, i now question how any other book will ever manage to compre to this one. I laughed, like hysterically which was ok even though I was at the gym with the kids. I also cried. Lots. Like so much I now have to go buy more tissues and at some point had to resort to toilet paper to blow my nose. *my sleeve may have already been used for the tears*
Oh, Augustus Waters and Hazel Grace, oh how I love thee both. *so much it hurts*
There are so many good quotes and so many great lines… But my face can be found the last two lines on page 178. I won't post it so no spoilers… But Gah!
Toni says
Re-reading it now and I may have to start measuring all time by either before or after TFiOS.
Amber says
I can not wait to get my hands on this book..well, maybe I can, i just don't want to cry. While
shopping at Costco today I picked up 3 other John Green books for $5 each, can't wait to dive in.
I'm just started Hallowed. I'm 75 pages in and I am swooning so hard.
JK17 says
WOW! I'm so eager to read this book! What more better way to start it than reading a SIGNED copy?! Thanks for the chance to win this! I want a book right now to inspire me and enlighten me and bring out the soul in me and I think this is the right one!
Dawn says
I am soooo excited to read this. I have seen tons of great things about this book and can't wait to join in on the flails.
Kristen says
Ok, not sure if I should wait to see if I win or just buy it right now. Decisions…
Christina2227 says
Well, Twitter and Goodreads has been all abuzz about this book, and I'll admit that I was eager to read it myself. After this rec- because I do love me some spazztastic flailypant recs- I'm even more anxious to read it. A signed copy from you guys would be nice, but if I'm not the fortunate winner, this looks like it'll be going in the to-purchase-immediately pile. Thanks as always for bringing me recs of all the great books!
Huggles,
Christina
Kristy says
Thanks for reviewing this book. I'd never heard of it before, but now I really really want to read it. 🙂
Carina Olsen says
I would love to win a signed copy of The Fault in Our Stars 😀 I actually ordered a copy of it last night 🙂 But oh, a signed copy is even better (A) Thank you for the chance. <3 I wasn't sure if this was a book for me at all.. but, it does seem kind of awesome 😀
Love, Carina
Netra21 says
I would absolutely love a signed copy. I have epub version that I tore through in a day and ended up a big ugly crying mess at the end of the day! It is a beautiful story that has not left me alone since I finished it and has made one of my top favorite books!
Krystel says
Lovely review! Makes me want to read the book all the more! I Have heard so much about this book through friends on twitter. Recently put it on my TBR list. This is one book I would definely love to read!
Sara says
If I didn't want to read this before I certainly do now, along with everything else John Green has written. I am especially intrigued by Will Grayson, Will Grayson because I really enjoyed David Levithan's Lover's Dictionary. Cannot wait to read. 🙂
Leigh Smith says
I have heard so many amazing things about this book and I can't wait to read it. Especially now.
lisamichele17 says
I can say I read this book but in truth I absorbed EVERY.SINGLE.WORD in this book. John Green has a way with words. Truly, he does. I fell in love and swoon with Augustus. I giggled and cried at the banter between Hazel and Augustus. This book brought out so many feelings in me. I would love to win a signed copy but if I don't I will be buying the hard copy and put it on my shelf.
Lo says
Okay, so obviously I've read it at this point and yes, it's amazing. One thing I love about this book is how VARIED the reactions have been, but almost unanimously positive. Some people are WRECKED by it, others are more buoyed. Honestly, I think he did an amazing job writing a book that was heavy without being leaden, and there were so many wonderful moments where I was laughing out loud and thinking, "Oh, God, should I be laughing right now?" Great rec, sweets. LOVED THIS ONE!
Stacee says
I was able to get my hands on a signed copy, thanks to Mysterious Galaxy. However, I'm very wary…. I'll get around to it eventually. You guys haven't pointed me in the wrong direction yet. Especially when swoony boys are involved. You introduced me to Étienne, I'll read anything you suggest. 😉
Stacee
@Ivygirl_702
Lo says
KRISTY YOU WON! Email us at christina@swoontini.com to send us your information!
Stacy (Latchkey Wife) says
Guys… I just finished this book the other night and absolutely fell in LOVE with these characters. I don’t remember the last time I was hooked in the first few sentences of a story! What an amazing, smartly written book and I can’t wait to read every single thing that John Green has written… anyone know where he keeps his grocery lists? I bet they’re awesome.
I wanted to be Hazel’s best friend and Augustus made me feel the butterflies.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book so much!