The Fault in Our Stars

“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. And then there are book which you can't tell people about, books so special and rare and yours that advertising your affection feels like a betrayal.” 

This book deals heavily with sickness and mortality. It’s tough, but good. I don't think I will read it more than once. But once was beautiful.

Hazel Grace has lung cancer. It’s been invading her lungs for a very long time. On more than one occasion, she has already come close to death’s door while fighting it.

Her mother suggested she attend a cancer survivor support group, where she met Gus. She meets others, and they became friends. And there are adventures, heartaches, loss, and eggs get thrown at an ex-girlfriends car. 

What I took away from this book is a reminder of a universal truth: we all want to make a difference. We all want to leave a lasting mark on the world.

What John Green addresses is Gus’ greatest fear: oblivion. Gus fears that he won’t be able to do everything he’s wanted to before his death.

No matter where we are in life, young or old, we want to leave a hole. We want a space left where we were standing. We want an emptiness to remain.

It’s easy to start thinking we will never make a difference, or change the world. But I believe that we can, one person at a time, one moment at a time.

We should always be aware and appreciate all our moments, even the small ones.

We don’t’ know how long we will have on this earth, we should make every moment count.

That’s what really matters.

  

We can affect our world – the people around us: our family, our friends, and people we encounter every day.

It doesn't matter whether or not you make a mark on the entire world. What really matters, is the impact you make on YOUR world.

Not all of us can do a BIG thing, or move mountains, or invent inventions. 

Not everyone will know your name, but YOU can still make a difference. 

This post is part of the 31 Days of Bibliophilia series.