The Fault in Our Stars

Azka Ajuwath

📖 My Thoughts on

The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green is one of those books that stays in your mind long after you finish reading. It’s an emotional, beautiful story about two teenagers who meet at a cancer support group and slowly fall in love. But it’s not just about love—it’s also about pain, hope, and learning to live with what we cannot control.

The Story

The story follows Hazel Grace Lancaster, a teenager living with cancer. Her parents encourage her to attend a support group for young people like her. There, she meets Augustus Waters, a boy who had cancer but is now in remission. From the beginning, Augustus is interested in Hazel, even though she tries to keep a distance at first. She doesn’t want to hurt him because she believes she’s a “grenade”—someone who will leave pain behind when she dies.

Despite that, they grow close. They share a love for a book called An Imperial Affliction, which ends in a confusing way. Curious to know more, Hazel and Augustus travel to Amsterdam to meet the author. The trip changes their lives forever, and what happens next is touching and heartbreaking.

Real and Relatable Characters

Hazel is intelligent and thoughtful. She often talks about death and the universe in a deep way, but also with some sarcasm. Augustus is charming, bold, and likes big ideas. He wants his life to mean something and doesn’t want to be forgotten. Together, their personalities create a powerful bond. Isaac, their friend, adds humor and shows another side of dealing with illness.

These characters don’t feel like made-up people. They talk and act like real teenagers. They joke, they cry, and they think deeply. That’s what makes the book so special—it doesn’t try to make everything perfect. It just shows things as they are.

Not Just a Love Story

At first, it seems like this will be a typical teenage love story. But it’s more than that. Hazel and Augustus both know their time is short. They fall in love with the time they have, not the time they want. One of the most powerful lines from the book is:

“You gave me a forever within the numbered days.”

This quote shows how meaningful their love was, even if it didn’t last forever.

Learning to Live with Illness

The book gives a new way of looking at people who are sick. Hazel and Augustus don’t want pity. They want to be understood and treated normally. This story made me think about how we treat others who are going through illness. Sometimes we see only the disease and forget there’s a whole person behind it.

Even though the book is about teenagers with cancer, it never feels too heavy. The writer adds small moments of laughter and hope, which balance the sad parts.

The Trip to Amsterdam

One interesting part of the book is when they travel to Amsterdam. They want to meet the author of An Imperial Affliction, a book that left many questions. But the author disappoints them. He is rude and doesn’t give them the answers they hoped for. Even though that meeting was not what they expected, the trip still becomes a beautiful memory for both of them.

During this trip, Augustus tells Hazel that his cancer has returned. That moment is emotional and painful. The boy who always looked strong is now the one getting weaker. It’s a turning point in the story, and it shows how quickly life can change.

Death, Loss, and Acceptance

When Augustus dies, it’s heartbreaking. Even though I expected it, it still hurt to read. But the book doesn’t end in complete sadness. Hazel finds comfort in the time they spent together and in a letter Augustus wrote for her. The story reminds us that death is a part of life, but love and memories stay with us.

What I Learned

Reading The Fault in Our Stars taught me a lot. It showed me that life is short and uncertain, but still full of moments worth living. It also made me appreciate the people in my life more. Augustus and Hazel didn’t get years together, but the short time they had was filled with meaning.

It also reminded me to see people for who they are—not just what they are going through. Illness doesn’t take away someone’s personality, dreams, or strength.

Final Thoughts

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes emotional and thoughtful stories. It’s not just about sadness—it’s about love, courage, and finding joy in small things. The writing is simple but powerful, and the characters feel real. This book made me smile, cry, and think. It’s one of those books that stays with you, even after you turn the last page.