Summary
The Fault in Our Stars, published in 2012, is John Green's sixth novel. This young adult bestseller explores themes of love, mortality, and the human experience through the eyes of its teenage protagonists. The book quickly became a cultural phenomenon, topping bestseller lists and garnering widespread critical acclaim.
Green's poignant storytelling and unflinching look at adolescent love and terminal illness resonated deeply with readers of all ages. The novel's success led to a major film adaptation in 2014, directed by Josh Boone and starring Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort. The movie was a commercial and critical success, further cementing the story's place in popular culture.
Plot
Hazel Grace Lancaster, a 16-year-old with terminal thyroid cancer, reluctantly attends a cancer support group at her mother's insistence. There, she meets Augustus Waters, a charming 17-year-old in remission from osteosarcoma. The two quickly form a connection and bond over their favorite books. Hazel introduces Augustus to her favorite novel, An Imperial Affliction, which ends abruptly without resolution.
Intrigued by the novel's ending, Augustus uses his “wish” from a charitable foundation to take Hazel to Amsterdam to meet the reclusive author, Peter Van Houten. However, their meeting with Van Houten proves disastrous when they discover he is a bitter alcoholic who refuses to answer their questions. Disappointed but undeterred, Hazel and Augustus explore Amsterdam together, visiting the Anne Frank House and sharing their first kiss.
Upon returning home, Augustus reveals that his cancer has returned and spread throughout his body. As his condition deteriorates, he arranges a pre-funeral where Hazel and their friend Isaac deliver eulogies. Augustus's health continues to decline rapidly, and he passes away soon after. Hazel is devastated by the loss but finds comfort in the memories they shared.
In the aftermath of Augustus's death, Hazel discovers that he had written an obituary for her before he died. Van Houten attends Augustus's funeral to apologize to Hazel, and she learns that his behavior stemmed from losing his own daughter to cancer. The novel concludes with Hazel reading Augustus's obituary, reflecting on their love and the impact they had on each other's lives.
Themes
Dealing with mortality and terminal illness
The power of love and human connection
Coming of age and loss of innocence
Questioning the meaning of life and legacy
The role of literature and storytelling
Coping with grief and loss
Living fully despite limitations
Setting
The story of The Fault in Our Stars takes place in the early 2010s, reflecting the contemporary era when John Green wrote the novel. The characters use modern technology like email and social media, grounding the narrative in the digital age.
Most of the action occurs in Indianapolis, Indiana, where the main characters Hazel and Augustus live. Key locations include their homes, a local church where the cancer support group meets, and Memorial Hospital where Hazel receives treatment. The suburban Midwestern setting provides a relatable backdrop for the teens' experiences.
A pivotal section of the novel is set in Amsterdam, Netherlands, where Hazel and Augustus travel to meet Hazel's favorite author. This change in scenery allows for romantic moments at iconic sites like the Anne Frank House.
Characters
Hazel Grace Lancaster: The 16-year-old protagonist who has thyroid cancer that has spread to her lungs. Hazel is intelligent, witty, and pragmatic about her terminal diagnosis. She struggles with depression but finds new meaning in her relationship with Augustus. Hazel's favorite book is An Imperial Affliction, which she shares with Augustus.
Augustus “Gus” Waters: The charming and philosophical 17-year-old love interest who is in remission from osteosarcoma. Augustus lost his leg to cancer but maintains an optimistic outlook. He falls deeply in love with Hazel and is determined to help her meet the author of her favorite book. Augustus fears oblivion and wants to leave a meaningful mark on the world.
Isaac: Augustus's best friend who loses his eyes to cancer. Isaac provides comic relief but also represents the harsh realities of living with cancer. He struggles with anger and depression after going blind and losing his girlfriend.
Peter Van Houten: The reclusive, alcoholic author of Hazel's favorite book. Van Houten disappoints Hazel and Augustus with his cruel behavior when they visit him in Amsterdam. He later attempts to make amends at Augustus's funeral.
Mrs. Lancaster: Hazel's loving and supportive mother. She worries constantly about Hazel's health and emotional wellbeing.
Mr. Lancaster: Hazel's father who struggles to hold back tears when discussing Hazel's cancer. He works in finance and tries to stay strong for his family.
Quick facts
The title is inspired by a line from Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar.
John Green wrote the book after working as a student chaplain at a children's hospital.
Green hand-signed all 150,000 copies of the first printing using different colored Sharpies chosen by fans.
The book is dedicated to Esther Earl, a young cancer patient and friend of Green's who passed away.
Green wrote much of the novel while staying as a writer-in-residence in Amsterdam.
It debuted at #1 on The New York Times Best Seller list and stayed there for 7 consecutive weeks.
As of 2017, the book has sold over 23 million copies worldwide.
Green allowed fans to vote on the color of Sharpie he would use to sign the books.
An early printing of a special edition contained a major printing error, mixing up pages from different sections.
The book has been adapted into both an English-language Hollywood film and a Hindi-language Bollywood film.
About the Author
John Green is an award-winning and bestselling American author, best known for his young adult novels including Looking for Alaska, The Fault in Our Stars, and Turtles All the Way Down. Born in 1977, Green studied English and religious studies at Kenyon College before briefly working as a student chaplain and then as a book reviewer. His debut novel Looking for Alaska was published in 2005 and won the Printz Award, launching his career as a YA author.
Beyond his success as a novelist, Green is also well-known for his online video projects with his brother Hank. In 2007, they launched the YouTube channel Vlogbrothers, which spawned an active online community called Nerdfighteria. The brothers went on to create educational series like Crash Course and SciShow, as well as founding VidCon, an annual conference for online video creators. Green's books and online presence have made him an influential figure in both young adult literature and internet culture.
Green's novels have sold over 50 million copies worldwide and several have been adapted for film and television, including the blockbuster adaptation of The Fault in Our Stars in 2014. His writing often deals with themes of love, friendship, and mental health, drawing from his own experiences with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. In recent years, Green has expanded into nonfiction with The Anthropocene Reviewed, which began as a podcast before being adapted into a book of essays.
Outside of his creative work, Green is known for his philanthropy and advocacy efforts. He has been a vocal supporter of efforts to reduce maternal mortality and fight tuberculosis globally, working closely with the nonprofit Partners In Health. Green lives in Indianapolis with his wife Sarah and their two children. He remains active in the Nerdfighteria community and continues to produce online content while working on new writing projects.
