“Falling in love is like falling asleep…slowly then all at once” says Hazel the female protagonist in Green’s novel which is a number one New York times best seller.

The reader is involved from the outset in Hazel’s journey. It is extremely difficult for the reader not to become caught up in Hazel’s psychological, social, intellectual and emotional battles as she suffers from a serious illness. Not only must she deal with hormones and schoolwork she must face challenges on a day to day level.

Hazel’s intense struggles are shared by her love interest, Augustus, who has his own battles to contend with.

Time is a precious commodity and Augustus endears himself to Hazel through his ‘existential curiosity.’ The ‘star crossed lovers’ quest for knowledge provides them with  purpose and brings them even closer as they are constantly reminded of the fragility of life. However, there are glimpses of humour as Hazel muses over eating eggs for breakfast and makes the comment, “How did scrambled eggs get stuck with breakfast exclusivity?”

Green’s book is honest. It is also extremely confronting, thought provoking, exposing raw emotions and vulnerabilities. The book demonstrates what it’s like to love someone unconditionally. The characters acknowledge that ,“the world is not a wish granting factory.”

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS is a quote from Shakespeare out of JULIUS CAESAR and it reminds one of another quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson-Philosopher and poet, “…to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived: that is to have succeeded.”

Other characters include Hazel’s doting parents who are naturally and understandably very over protective, and Isaac who is a close friend of the young couple.

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS is published by Penguin. R.R.P $19.95. A  movie adaptation of the best seller, directed by Josh Boone with a screenplay by Scott Neustadter, and starring Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort, is to be released in America in June and is an Australian release is anticipated later this year.