There are three teenagers, all with different forms of Cancer and all with wonderful families. One of the teens, Issac, has a rare cancer that affects the eyes. Augustus had a cancer that caused him to lose a leg. Hazel's cancer affects her lungs and she has to carry oxygen with her at all times.
Augustus says he is so awesome that he takes Hazel's breath away and that Issac is blinded by his awesomeness. It makes his family uncomfortable but you can certainly see how kids suffering from Cancer would enjoy the banter. The levity makes things bearable for the teens and frankly for myself as the reader. I don't know if real teenagers would be capable of so much great wit but for this story it was wonderful.
There are a lot of interesting things going on in this story but what stands out for me most besides a love story is Hazel's realization that she is much more than just a grenade. You see, she thinks that those who love her will have their life exploded like a grenade when she dies. She feels this a lot about her mom who is always there for her and it's her job to take care of Hazel.
Another thing that I gleaned from reading this story is that Hazel and maybe other Cancer patients are really affected by parents and other family members and friends that feel so much sorrow and sadness when they look at her. Hazel really felt that and it brought her down a great deal and sometimes she just could not take it and didn't want to be with those loved ones. She sought the comfort of her friends who knew about cancer and more importantly didn't look at her with pity.
I found out several years ago that my son had a tumor in his head. It brought my world to a screeching halt and I spent every day for a long time crying every quiet moment I could find. I find that the shower is the best place to have a good cry. The noise covers up sobbing and most of the time we are alone in there and the shower washes off your face and doesn't leave puffy eyes.
As a result of the news of a tumor I never wanted to be away from my son and I am sure I looked at him with much pity and sorrow. How hard it must have been for him to carry that burden. We found out the tumor is benign and after a scary surgery to attempt removal unsuccessfully my son lives with his tumor daily and for now that is all we can do. He is healthy and active and we have so much to be thankful for and our story is not to be compared to the story in John Green's book, but I did know for a time how desperate and powerless a parent can be and to that end I felt a bond with the parents in the book.
John Green's teenagers didn't save the world or create an international cause to fight for. They lived, they loved and they laughed and they mattered.
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