“My thoughts are stars I cannot fathom into constellations.”
Are the characters a little too pretentious and philosophical? Yes.
Was I manipulated to feel sad? Yes.
Is there an epic love story? No.
Did I end up feeling really sad after reading a book about pretentious and philosophical teenagers who have an epic love story? Yes!
When I first read The Fault in Our Stars about 7-8 years ago, I loved it and recommended it to my sister and all my school friends. However, there was something about it that bothered me. As a teenager, I couldn't believe that my fellow fictional teens cared so much about metaphors, symbolism and trying to find a meaning behind everything. I didn't think like the characters nor did I act like them.
In hindsight, I'd rather read about pretentious, philosophical and intelligent teenagers instead of teenage characters who lack common-sense for the sake of the plot. Also, I was a teenager who cared about metaphors, symbolism and rebelling against the system in my own unique way. I didn't go so far as putting unlit cigarettes in my mouth, but looking back, I was a little cringy and unbearable. However, I still believe the teenage characters in The Fault in Our Stars think and act wise beyond their years, but that can be chalked up to their circumstances and experiences.
The Fault in Our Stars is well-written and I like the characters, the friendships, the romance, the quotes, the monologues, the themes and everything in between. One thing that I can't fully believe is the epic love story between Hazel and Augustus. The connection and chemistry between Hazel and Augustus is more platonic and less romantic, but once again, considering their lives and their circumstances, the nature of their relationship makes sense.
The Fault in Our Stars is not just a story about two terminally ill teenagers falling in love, it's also about the questions that we are trying to answer, by living life: Who am I? What is my purpose in life? Will I make an impact? Will I leave a legacy behind? Will I be remembered?
Ultimately, The Fault in Our Stars is about life and loss, love and pain and the memories made and left behind.
“As he read, I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once.”