Audiobook Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Title: The Fault in Our Stars
Author: John Green
Narrator: Kate Rudd
Published: January 10, 2012
Publisher: Brillance Audio
Length: 7 hrs 14 mins
Source: Purchased

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

I can now officially say I know what all the fuss is about.  This book really was THAT GOOD.  When I go into reading a book with such high expectations I fear the worst will occur.  Happily I can say that did not happen with this one at all.  I loved it just as much as I was hoping I would.  No harm done with the excessive rave reviews... they were fully warranted.  :)

Hazel has cancer.  She almost died a couple times, and can't seem to figure out why she's still alive, walking this earth, when the cancer should have taken over by now.  She needs breathing assistance on a regular basis, but the medication she's on seems to be keeping her tumors at bay, giving her more time.  She may be terminal, but she's still alive.

Hazel reluctantly attends her first support group meeting.  There she meets several wonderful and entertaining characters, including Augustus Waters.  He's silly, fun, witty, sensitive, and is also suffering from cancer.  His is in remission, but he knows how she's feeling and seems to be the only one that's able to connect with Hazel and really get through to her.  As a result of this new relationship with Augustus, Hazel begins to "live her life".

Choosing the audio route for a popular book is sometimes not a good thing.  A bad narrator can really ruin even an amazing book.  But I have not a single complaint about Kate Rudd.  She performed this novel beautifully, from the joy and hope Hazel was feeling one minute, to the devastation and hopelessness she was overwhelmed with the next.

Sad?  Yes.  You have to go into this story knowing that it's sad.  If you're looking for a sweet, happy upbeat story, this probably isn't the book you want to read at that moment.  This story involves the wonderful story of romance, love and learning to live life to the fullest.  Yes, all inspirational things, and the story really is that.  But it's centered around teenagers with cancer.  Sad.  This story is so realistic, so harsh and touching, I was completely enthralled right from the beginning.

Seeing as how so many people have already read and gushed about this story excessively, I have a feeling I'm not the sole member of the "I love TFioS" fan club.  This is a powerful story that almost anyone will enjoy.  If you haven't read this book (Are there really people that haven't read this yet?  I thought I was the last one!) I suggest you do.  I challenge you to not be touched and inspired by this beautiful story.

“My thoughts are stars I cannot fathom into constellations.”

“Sometimes, you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book.”

“You don't get to choose if you get hurt in this world...but you do have some say in who hurts you. I like my choices.”