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I’m leery of book hype. I’m even more reluctant to jump on the bandwagon when the film version of the already marketed-to-death novel gets as much, if not more attention than the book itself.
Having seen the film version of The Fault in Our Stars (read my review on Channel24), my impression is that it is, for the most part, a pretty good adaptation.
It’s true to the book and boasts actors who were more than adept at displaying the emotional range that is at the centre point of the movie.
For all that though, and as we all know, onscreen versions are rarely if ever, better than their literary counterparts.
And as lovely as I thought The Fault in Our Stars movie was (and is), it’s the actual book that holds the real sway here.
Do yourself a favour, while everyone goes in droves to see this over the opening weekend, take some time out and read the book first; oh and keep a box of tissues at hand – you’ll need it.
In no particular order, here’s our top five list of reasons you need to read this book right now (You can also read our book review of The Fault in our Stars here).
1. It’s not just a book about two teens who have cancer.
Well it is, but it’s more than that. The Fault in Our Stars explores the universal themes of life and death and employs clever use of literary devices and literature references (can you guess which Shakespearean play the book’s title comes from?) that only adds to itsraw essence.
2. The incredibly gorgeous, witty and quirky dialogue.
If there’s one thing that John Green gets right time and time again, it’s the dialogue and interaction between his characters. Hazel and Gus have the kind of rapport that is both intellectual and romantic, punctuated by moments of heart-breaking realism.
In their character voices are far older than their actual age, something which I found translated better in the books than on the screen.
However, I don’t think their older voices detract too much from the novel. After all, Cancer or any other terminal illness has a way of mentally and physically ageing a person, doesn’t it?
3. It’s one of the most quotable books you’ll ever read.
If you’re not keen on reading The Fault in Our Stars for the aforementioned reasons, then I implore you to read it because of the writing. This book is liberally peppered with some of the most beautiful thoughts, words and prose you’ll ever encounter.
I’d waffle on about its exquisite lyricism, but I thought it would be better if I included some of my favourite quotes instead:
“As he read, I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once.” - John Green
“My thoughts are stars I cannot fathom into constellations.” - John Green
“But it is the nature of stars to cross, and never was Shakespeare more wrong than when he has Cassius note, ‘The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars / But in ourselves.” ? John Green
“You are so busy being you that you have no idea how utterly unprecedented you are.” - John Green
“Almost everyone is obsessed with leaving a mark upon the world. Bequeathing a legacy. Outlasting death. We all want to be remembered. I do, too. That’s what bothers me most, is being another unremembered casualty in the ancient and inglorious war against disease.” - John Green
"You don’t get to choose if you get hurt in this world, old man, but you do have some say in who hurts you. I like my choices. I hope she likes hers.” - John Green,
“...there are books...which you can't tell people about, books so special and rare and yours that advertising your affection feels like a betrayal.” - John Green
And the last quote some it up perfectly. But I’m sharing the love anyway.
Frankly, I could quote the entire book, but then what would be left for you to experience?
Go on and give this book a try.
Follow Women24 on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Having seen the film version of The Fault in Our Stars (read my review on Channel24), my impression is that it is, for the most part, a pretty good adaptation.
It’s true to the book and boasts actors who were more than adept at displaying the emotional range that is at the centre point of the movie.
For all that though, and as we all know, onscreen versions are rarely if ever, better than their literary counterparts.
And as lovely as I thought The Fault in Our Stars movie was (and is), it’s the actual book that holds the real sway here.
Do yourself a favour, while everyone goes in droves to see this over the opening weekend, take some time out and read the book first; oh and keep a box of tissues at hand – you’ll need it.
In no particular order, here’s our top five list of reasons you need to read this book right now (You can also read our book review of The Fault in our Stars here).
1. It’s not just a book about two teens who have cancer.
Well it is, but it’s more than that. The Fault in Our Stars explores the universal themes of life and death and employs clever use of literary devices and literature references (can you guess which Shakespearean play the book’s title comes from?) that only adds to itsraw essence.
2. The incredibly gorgeous, witty and quirky dialogue.
If there’s one thing that John Green gets right time and time again, it’s the dialogue and interaction between his characters. Hazel and Gus have the kind of rapport that is both intellectual and romantic, punctuated by moments of heart-breaking realism.
In their character voices are far older than their actual age, something which I found translated better in the books than on the screen.
However, I don’t think their older voices detract too much from the novel. After all, Cancer or any other terminal illness has a way of mentally and physically ageing a person, doesn’t it?
3. It’s one of the most quotable books you’ll ever read.
If you’re not keen on reading The Fault in Our Stars for the aforementioned reasons, then I implore you to read it because of the writing. This book is liberally peppered with some of the most beautiful thoughts, words and prose you’ll ever encounter.
I’d waffle on about its exquisite lyricism, but I thought it would be better if I included some of my favourite quotes instead:
“As he read, I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once.” - John Green
“My thoughts are stars I cannot fathom into constellations.” - John Green
“But it is the nature of stars to cross, and never was Shakespeare more wrong than when he has Cassius note, ‘The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars / But in ourselves.” ? John Green
“You are so busy being you that you have no idea how utterly unprecedented you are.” - John Green
“Almost everyone is obsessed with leaving a mark upon the world. Bequeathing a legacy. Outlasting death. We all want to be remembered. I do, too. That’s what bothers me most, is being another unremembered casualty in the ancient and inglorious war against disease.” - John Green
"You don’t get to choose if you get hurt in this world, old man, but you do have some say in who hurts you. I like my choices. I hope she likes hers.” - John Green,
“...there are books...which you can't tell people about, books so special and rare and yours that advertising your affection feels like a betrayal.” - John Green
And the last quote some it up perfectly. But I’m sharing the love anyway.
Frankly, I could quote the entire book, but then what would be left for you to experience?
Go on and give this book a try.
Follow Women24 on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
