You guys!!!
This is our first Book Talk Tuesday. Don’t panic—I know we’ve been doing book stuff on Mondays, but we’re changing things. Tuesday is the day for books from here on. Sound good?
Whew! Good. I knew you’d be okay with it. Thanks. 🙂
Occasionally, I like to read a book that represents struggle and pain and humanity in a very real, honest way. Adventures are good—great, even—but sometimes I want to read something that gives me space to really examine characters, to get to know them and become attached to them and their struggles.
A couple weeks back I read The Fault In Our Stars by John Green.
In one day.
In about 5 hours, actually.
I stole hours from other things and flew through this book like it was going to be ripped from my hands.
While Little One napped, I huddled on the couch weeping into the pages of this beautiful book.
I know, it’s not pretty. Sorry.
Why do we read books like this? Why would we subject ourselves to love and loss in the span of a few hundred pages?! WHY!?!
I won’t speak for you, but I read them because they are cathartic. They allow me to feel and empathize and love and come away appreciating what I have and what I’ve had the honor to lose.
The Fault In Our Stars is about a boy and girl. They’re smart and quick-witted and full of life. They also happen to be cancer survivors. Their relationship is beautiful and sweet. Their view on life, unique. Their honesty, captivating. From page three I was completely hooked.
John Green examines so many things in this book, it would be hard to talk about all of them without giving too much away. The dialogue! Oh, the dialogue. Fluid, natural, and somehow completely poetic. This book will be important for generations.
Anyway, you know I just want to get you interested, not give you a critique. 😉
Anyone who has ever loved anyone should read this book.
If you don’t love it….well, I hope you love it.
______________________________________
Have you read this one?
Do you like reading cathartic books?
kaelaprall.com 
It just makes more alliteration sense to do it on Tuesdays.
Right? I couldn’t think of anything clever for Monday. There comes a time when you just have to admit defeat and think of other solutions.
Besides, Tuesdays suck, so reading blogs about books make it just a little better.
Tuesdays do suck. They’re so blah. Hopefully talking about books will give us a little boost to get through this blasted day.
And….we have you to thank for that.
I’ve seen the cover floating around the library and Goodreads. I think I’ll pick it up next time. 🙂 Thanks for the tip!
Glad this was helpful, Karin! Let me know what you think when you’re done. 🙂
I’ve been hearing about this book everywhere, and now I’m more determined to get my hands on a copy. It sounds wonderful. And I’m with you on the catharsis – I read books like “My Name is Memory” and go to shows like “Les Mis” and watch movies like “The Descendants” for that exact reason. I love how you expressed it!
So glad I’m not the only one who subjects myself to such madness! It is beautiful to feel deeply over a book. I think it helps us to be better people in the real world.
Read it! And let me know what you think. I need to look up “My Name is Memory.” “Le Mis” and “The Descendants”—love them!
Thanks, Amb!
xo
is it sad? You’ve written a nice review for sure. But I must avoid at all costs books that make me cry 😉
It is sad—in a beautiful kind of way. 🙂
Reblogged this on The Girl Who Blogs and commented:
In honor of The Fault In Our Stars coming out in theaters today, here’s my post on the book. Needless to say, I’m very excited to see the movie. I’ll be taking an entire box of Kleenex into the theater with me.
Anyone planning on seeing it?
I was just thinking about reading this book because of all the good reviews. You’ve sold me on it and I’m downloading it right now! I love a good book and a good cry!
Awesome!! Let me know what you think of it! 🙂
Kaela You were very judicious in your review. I gave far more away in mine. I’ve already seen the movie at an early screening and you will absolutely need tissues. I , like you, poured through this book in mere hours while recovery after my surgery. And I can’t agree more that this is a story for anyone who has ever loved or lost. Dana
Hey, Dana! So glad you enjoyed this book, too! It was good for my soul. The writing and the story are beautiful.