Opinion Post: When I read 'The Fault in Our Stars'

I love to read. I really love to read.

Today, the second of February, was the first day since leaving University that I actually had the spare time, energy and urge to read a book (for pleasure, not lecture notes or course books for studying!).

So, you've all probably heard of The Fault in Our Stars - a film that is due to release in June.

I'm not a huge film buff. I love watching films and going to the cinema, but I don't have a passion for it nor do I ever feel like I am missing out if I haven't seen the latest releases. But, sometimes, there is a trailer that I come across and I just have to see the film... But, if there's a book I want to read that more. More often than not I'll make it my mission to read it before I see the film.

So, one day I decided to download this book onto my Kindle, just so I knew it was there to read at my leisure whenever I wanted or had the time to. I am so glad I sat down today and devoted all my time to this wonderful story.

A little background without giving it all away - this book is about two teenagers, aged 16 and 17, who both suffer/have suffered with cancer and fall in love through meeting at a cancer support group.

I am a HUGE sucker for a love story. They are my favourite things to read, I love getting lost in their story and imagining what they would look like, sound like and act like if it were a real life story. Although, the story is based on a young girl who suffered from the same cancer as the main female character, the story is fictional. 

This story is simply beautiful and will melt even the most stern of hearts. I honestly challenge you to read this book without shedding a tear - I can assure you, you would be entering a losing battle. This story has a slight similarity to 'My Sister's Keeper' as it leaves you teary eyed, heart strings firmly pulled and leaves you with a much more realistic understanding of what it is like to live and suffer from cancer. And if you have read My Sisters Keeper, you'll know there's a huge twist... I'll say no more.

Children with cancer should not exist. It is as simple as that. Children should enter this world with innocence, hope and uncertainty as they unravel their lives at a normal speed - they should have the right to be educated, work hard, fall in love, travel and enjoy their lives the way it should be. Unfortunately, this is not the case as some children are born into this world and diagnosed with a life sentence, before their lives can even begin.

This story provides you with the flip side. Although, this story is sad and tragic. It is a beautiful tragedy and should prove to everyone, that no matter what life you have been given or what life you live, you are entitled to live it how you want. You are allowed to have your own opinions and feelings - even if people do not agree or they are a little cynical. And ultimately, you are entitled, just like the rest of us to fall in love and be loved. 

I feel happy. I feel blessed. I feel joy.

This story is simply wonderful, and is written beautifully by John Green who captures the personalities of every character and makes you fall in love along with Hazel and Gus.
Love is something we cannot control - something Hazel learns - and it is a gift given to share between two people no matter what the circumstances. Love is clearly one of the most powerful emotions we have.

 Love makes us strong. Love makes us weak. Love makes us vulnerable as well as complete.

Whether you're dying from cancer, or a soldier heading off to Afghanistan, or even just an average. everyday person - love becomes us and makes us fight. It makes us fight harder, even if we are in a losing battle. I urge you to read this book to understand these feelings and be taken away in pure delight of such a beautiful story about two beautiful people.

Another aspect I loved about this story was how young they were, but how much they understood of the world and one another. They both have opposing views on death. Gus was looking for ways in which to make a difference or stand out so he would always be remembered, whereas, Hazel was more than happy to go through the rest of her life continuing what she does and what she has always done, and just be her - doesn't matter how many people knew about her because the ones that did where the only ones who mattered.

Gus' view towards death is something I think most people think and agree with. He mentions he fears a total 'oblivion' where everything ceases to exist. Most people are uncomfortable with the words 'death' and 'ending' and feel this is the one chance you have  to make something of yourself, and when your gone for people to recognise the work you did or the person you were - I think people fear being forgotten, rather than death itself.

Hazel's view was one I had never considered before. To just be content with being, and being around the people you want to be surrounded by. This is something I feel humble towards, and couldn't stop smiling whenever this was mentioned or hinted at in the book.  To love someone and be loved is a great existence, and if nothing else is made from your life - that's fine. They mention infinities and how they don't have to be large, they can be small and significant to one person rather than everyone. I believe in an infinity. I believe that is something we can all achieve and feel. I have the word 'infinite' tattooed behind my ear and first heard of this concept when reading 'The Perks of being a Wallflower' and I've been hooked on finding my own infinity ever since. This restores your faith, your hopes and dreams in finding happiness, falling in love and having that love returned. I know that once I find that, whether it be tomorrow or in years to come, I will know I have achieved all I set out to because it is the easiest thing to find, and once you do find it you can never lose it.

Hopeful

xxx