I've just finished reading the worldwide bestselling novel the Fault in Our Stars; it's recently been adapted into a film which I'm yet to watch. I have the book blues, something I've previously mentioned having after reading a good book - That sense of sadness you get on completing a book because you can no longer live in its world.
The Fault in our Stars is a story about true love, but not in the cliche or conventional way you'd expect from Disney or the a Notebook (I'm not knocking either). For starters, there's an intelligence and quirkiness to the protagonist, Hazel, and her love interest Augustus. Secondly, Hazel is a victim of an incurable cancer and Augustus is a survivor of the disease having lost a leg to it.
Despite its theme of cancer, the book made me smile and laugh, as well as ball my eyes out (on the tube).
It reminded me slIghtly of David Nichol's novel One Day in its excellent and unromanticised portrayal of true love. Both books are full of ups and downs, but really confirm the power and importance of love. Hey, I'm a hopeless romantic!
What I found interesting about the novel was the Author's Note at the front. The characters and events in the fault in our stars are completely fictional. When friends asked me what it was about and I told them, they'd immediately ask me if it was based on a true story. I normally do the same but why does it matter?
Anyway, this book was well written, and funny and heartbreaking at be same time. I can't recommend it enough - just make sure you aren't on a crowded tube towards the end (or at least have tissues). If you want to buy it you can order it here.
Have any of you guys seen the film? I must see it!
Until next time... X
