Little Fault in This Book
November 3, 2014 37 Comments
When you close a book after reading the final page the characters and their story sort of just… end. But in the really good books these characters become immortal and they take on a life of their own in our imaginations that egg on their continued existence.
In the hot teen book The Fault in Our Stars by John Green the characters do tend to take on a life of their own. And in the end, well, yes they linger. They linger in your mind and in your heart because you feel something strong for them. You feel like you have gotten to know them and become their friend. You feel like you travelled halfway across the world with them and laughed with them and cried with them and even offered your two-cents worth at their pre-funerals.
As an author, I was struck dumb with Green’s lavishly crisp writing and sharp dialogue. He is one of those authors who make other authors like me say, “Crap. This guy just raised the bar even higher.”
Must. Reach. Farther.
And to the stars we must reach in order to achieve perfection in our craft. Or, if we at least want to be as good a writer as this guy.
Don’t think for a minute that you can get away with reading this book in public – if you don’t want to humiliate yourself by all the crying you’re bound to do. It’s a lot harder for a book to make people cry than for a movie. A movie has many mediums vying to tug at the heartstrings at just the right moment, with just the right notes from the orchestra, with just the right look from the actor, or the right word from the screenwriter, or the right scenic view by the cinematographer.
But a book? The author is carrying the load all on his own to evoke such powerful emotions from the reader. His choice words, verbs, adjectives, timing, scenario, etc. And Mr. Green demonstrates not only that it can be done, but it can be done well. (I only hope my upcoming book I Am the Lion (Nov. 11, 2014) can be half as touching as this book.)
I will miss you, Augustus Waters. And Hazel Grace, wherever you are, keep dreaming of that sequel. Okay?
I will be visiting the rest of John Greens books very soon.
About Andrew Toy
I agree with your review of this book. Even though I had read it for around five times already, my tears still stream both because of the ingenuity of humor, and of course, the tragic ending.
To you, I hope I get to read your novel, because I really love reading inspiring ones. 🙂
Thank you! And yes, it’s one I wouldn’t begrudge a revisit to.
Yes, your review has made me want to read the book, as well. I love reading books that stir my emotions.
As this one certainly will!
I loved this book and the movie….<3
Is the movie as good as the book? I’d hate to have it ruined by a mediocre movie…
omg yes, but bring a box of kleenex or two…=)
Might have to check it out, then. I like a good cry-movie!
I love that book. 😊
Yay!
I’ve also felt like I’ve known both of them for years when I was reading it. Really amazing book.
Really is 🙂
I didn’t read the book, but you she’d new light about how I feel when I read! “In good books the characters become immortal”. This post is now immortal to me. Thanks. #wisdom
*shed
Aw, thank you! I love hearing that!
Just watched the movie with my wife. Very good story line.
Yes, it is. Especially for guys like us to enjoy it so much. Not too sappy like most romances.
I read it this summer, and it surprised me with the quality of the writing. One of my favorite lines comes when Hazel Grace describes how she fell in love with Gus, and that’s when it hit me just how talented Green is.
Thanks for the review.
Truly a gifted and extremely talented writer.
I read the book and what really captivated me is the choice of words in the dialogue. I thought that was brilliant!
I thought the same thing 🙂
This post made me feel compelled to go get J Green’s book… isn’t that something 🙂
Enjoy!
I’ll have to check the book out – thanks for the recommendation!
It’s a quick read. I read it during a full weekend.
Ok already….I have not read it. I have thought about it…but based on your post, I guess I will get the Kindle ready!
It’s a quick read. I read it in two days on a busy weekend. It’s worth it, and get the tissues ready.
Paper Towns is one I’d definitely recommend, but all his books are excellent.
I plan on reading all of them. Might save that one for last 🙂
One of the best books I’ve read this year. The movie is good as well. I am a big fan of the young adult genre, and many times find the author’s craft more developed and creative than adult fiction. The Book Thief by Markus Zak is another best of reads this year.
Young adult books are most certainly some of the greatest works of literature out today. A wonderful and surprising genre.
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love this review
🙂
I fully agree with you on those moments that make you say, ‘Crap!’
There were six or seven spots where I just had to put the book down and let how good the writing was sink in. Then I copied those lines down in a notebook to come back to for the days I need inspiration that ‘it can be done.’
That’s brilliant! …Crap! 😉
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