Hazel Lancaster and Augustus Waters meet at a cancer support group and instantly make a connection. She has terminal lung cancer and his bone cancer is in remission, though it took one of his legs. The two of them bond over books and witty repartee, but Hazel resists falling in love because she doesn't want to leave him brokenhearted when she passes away.
Green's novel is tremendously funny and sad and will probably leave you in tears. The portrayal of the self aware cancer patients is true-to-life - they are not always heroes and not always fighters - they are at times sad, terrified, and selfish. The depth and complexity of these two and their romance is wonderful. However, the way Hazel and Augustus talk is somewhat pretentious and stilted, and you will find it hard to believe that anyone - including teenagers - would talk the way they do. Unfortunately, there is no happily-ever-after for these star-crossed lovers, but teens and adults will appreciate the beautiful love story and new perspective on life that Hazel and Gus show us.
Shannon Wood, Adult Services Librarian
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