Our Fearlessness Shall Be Our Secret Weapon: December 2024 Book Recommendation

 

I think it's about time that a fiction book should be featured in my monthly recommendation, and I think The Fault In Our Stars by John Green makes a great candidate for this occasion. Despite the fact that this book turns thirteen years-old by next month, I have only just recently discovered this book at a clearence section. I have also never seen the 2014 movie as well, despite it's critical acclaim. Two factors play into my decision to name this as this month's recommendation: It's my first time reading this book, and it's the only book I've read this month (Unless textbooks are now considered contenders)

I’ve only ever known John Green through his work alongside his brother, Hank, in Crash Course. I mean, I knew they both wrote fiction books, but was never really interested in reading them until now. I was also fully aware of its praise and impact on the YA romance genre, but that has never swayed me as well. But, it's December, I had just finished my finals, and I'm here to finish a book. 

I don't feel like summarizing or giving an overview of the plot, so I'd like fo you to believe me that this is a YA romance novel inolving two sick teens, one of them is probably gonna die. Since John Green is a self-proclaimed Speak Now fan, the best song to match this book is "Enchanted", that's the vibe this book gives off. 

The Fault In Our Stars is certainly a product of its time, and will likely continue to remain John Green’s most famous book. It’s an enthralling story that deals with adulthood, mortality, and young romance, but this book is just another teenage love story that involves terminal illness. To criticize The Fault In Our Stars for its lack of originality compared to its genre is the same as criticizing The Lord of Rings to the Fantasy genre, or 1989 to pop music, I consider these works the benchmark of their respective genres, even if they seem generic in comparison. I give this book a 4. 

I look forward to having more fiction books in my reading list next year, after all, it is part of my new year's resolution to equally balance out fiction and nonfiction, and I hope some of them make it to the monthly recomendations next year.