My youngest daughter (Claire) received this book for Christmas from her BFF when they were 15 (2014) and both of my daughters own it. Claire lent to me before leaving for UNH last month and said I should read it. I'm glad I did....although it is young adult fiction, it is excellent!
STORY SUMMARY
Hazel, a 15 year old girl, has cancer. And although she's been on a new tumor-shrinking medicine, it has given her a few extra years but she is still considered terminal.
She no longer attends regular high school but instead earned her GED and is now taking classes at the local community college. Her mom drives her back and forth each day. Hazel has to have oxygen constantly, so the oxygen cart goes where she goes. She also attends a weekly Cancer Kid Support Group where she meets Augustus Waters and his friend Issac. Issac had a form of cancer that affected his eyes and now he is blind. Augustus had a form of cancer, now in remission, but it cost him a leg.
Hazel and Augustus become fast friends.....and then they kiss one magical evening. Life changes...... and in a drastic way.
MY THOUGHTS
I can't write the summary in completion because then it would ruin the plot for you. So I'm keeping it brief.
This book is exquisite, sad, funny, ridiculous, and thought-provoking.
It's also a brilliant way to look at cancer through a teenager's eyes.
The author shows us what true love is. He helps us see the deep humiliation that the two characters (Augustus and Hazel) endure both physically and emotionally.
You will fall in love with these two teens!
The book's main themes are life, death, friendship, compassion, love.
I also like how the author gave us a picture of what the parents' feelings go through during times of a beloved child being so ill and facing death early.
In the back of the book, there is a question and answer section with the author. He explains alot of his writing/the plot, so don't read it first!!
There is a bit of foreshadowing in the section when they are on a plane. Let's see if you can figure it out!!
This story will stick with you long after you have turned the final page.
In my opinion, this book is appropriate for ages 14 and older.
On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest, I rate this a 9.
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