John Green
- ipekbunsal
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Re: John Green
― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
- Romulus
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It is one of the saddest and most realistic novel I ever read because I can relate to Hazel's situation although I don't carry a terminal illness to shorten my current life span. In fact I am healthy as a horse who keeps it that way through proper diet and exercise, daily recommendations from the doctor. I am lucky but I often wondered as all of us have done to wonder what it would be like if I was dying.... just fade away from this world as if I never existed.
I met few cancer patients, religious leaders, know couple of people with terminal illness who offered their perspective on this matter; however they told me not to worry about it because I am just 20 years of age and much to live for while they have short time left they will enjoy it to the fullest. Yet such thoughts are difficult to let go in my mind because who knows ? I could die tomorrow due to some unseen circumstances and end up in better place or worse. I am afraid of leaving more than going to another realm of existence. One person who read the book "Fault on our stars" complained to me how negative Hazel was and I don't blame her... at first glance, no one wants to read some girl's depressing perspective about her fading life.
But sympathetic avid readers like us know the reason even without a proper psychological education know why she feels that way. She could be anyone...our sister who is suffering from terminal cancer at some intensive care unit right now, our best friend who simply gave up on life or maybe a stranger our religious leaders call on the congregation to pray for her. On the outside she wants to be alone, she is cynical and sarcastic individual, bookish person but deep down she is just scared, depressed lonely individual who has to leave the world she has known behind. Day by day her life slowly fades away as she struggles to keep whatever time is left she has to spend with her loved ones.
It isn't easy dying knowing that you are leaving everything you loved behind forever, never be able to look back having missed so much in life. We don't like to admit it but that could be us some day or already sick person who sees themselves as Hazel or parallel boy version of her. You don't always have to fight the disease you carry within you. You can simply accept the reality at hand but enjoy even the tiniest fading light of life you have left in your hands. Augustus, Hazel's lover despite the fact that he was dying but chose to go to Netherlands with Hazel to meet their favorite author understanding this concept taught by Hazel through their shared experiences.
I read countless fantasy to science fiction books in my life time believing a hero is someone who is based on his action and thoughts, someone who leaves a mark within the society where he or she lives in. But I never thought that a hero or heroine could be someone who accepts the life that is given and made it meaningful. Augustus and Hazel did not slay a dragon, traveled the universe as a crew on some star ship. But they were united by their common interests, accepted the life they were given and beautifully made an impact on each other's life being heroes to each other. It is true what Christopher Nolan once said through his batman movies: " A hero can be anyone. Even a simple act as putting a coat around the young boy to let them know the world hasn't ended." It is a beautiful story I want to pass it onto the next generation.
-- 10 Aug 2014, 20:49 --
He is a good author who knows how to touch a reader's soul.
- littlebook
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roberts-rl wrote:I have recently read each of the John Green novels besides "An Abundance of Katherines" which I am hoping to purchase soon. I think John Green does a very good job in portraying teenagers and the way they truly think and act. What does everyone else think of this author?
I loved "The Fault in our stars" and I do plan to read "Looking for Alaska" and "Papertowns" soon. I have been getting mixed reviews about "An Abundance of Katherines". Please let me know if it's as good as the others when you read it.
Toni Morrison, The Bluest Eye.
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-Brian Herbert
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I was hoping to find An Imperial Affliction, but google says is a fictional book, just as Peter Van Houten is a fictional character...
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