“The Fault in Our Stars” is a widely popular young adult novel by John Green about teens finding love in a time of cancer.
“This is truth – sorry!” says Hazel Grace at the outset of the story. Hazel is the 16 year-old central character and her warning sets the stage for the anticipation of heartbreak.
She has managed to hold lung cancer at bay thanks to an experimental drug, but breathing tubes and a portable oxygen tank remind us of cancer’s constant threat.
Hazel’s Hero With Feet Of Clay
Hazel is sent by her anxious and caring parents to a cheesy, church sponsored, cancer support group where she meets the love of her life. (How come church sponsored support groups are usually portrayed by Hollywood as cheesy? Have you lost someone you love? North Pointe offers “Grief Share” – a support group that isn’t cheesy.)
Hazel has a passion for a book, “An Imperial Affliction,” which offers big ideas like, “Some infinities are bigger than other infinities.” Her one wish is to meet the author. When Gus makes her dream come true she faces bitter disappointment in discovering her hero’s feet of clay.
Her passion turns to rage.
Truth About Death
The film affords uncanny moments of clarity which sneak up on you.
Hazel’s love, Gus, offers his dream of making a difference with his life and living on a trajectory that never goes down. His greatest fear – “Oblivion.” Then he is diagnosed with cancer.
A candid discussion ensues about what happens after we die.
The truth can hurt almost as much as the unexpected ending to the film.
The truth, though painful, can also set us free.
11 Realities of Love and Life
1. Cancer patients face a life where their own body has become their enemy.
2. Families and especially parents and spouses of cancer patients feel at a loss. They would do or give anything to ease the pain and suffering of their loved ones, but they can’t.
3. Everybody wants to be noticed and significant to somebody.
4. Everybody wants to be passionately loved.
5. The fear and angst of cancer can drive those you need the most, apart and away.
6. Life after death answers become life and death issues when you have cancer.
7. The stars of our life can let us down through faults of their own.
8. Everybody’s story doesn’t end happily-ever-after.
9. Eternity, not infinity, is our focus. We were made for eternity – “God has set eternity in the hearts of men.” Ecclesiastes 3:11
10. Death is not a period at the end of life’s sentence.
11. There is life after death – Jesus showed the way – “I am the resurrection and the life…the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 11:25; John 6:4)
APPLICATION: Did you see the film or read the novel? What was your favorite part? Please leave a comment below.
Pointes of View exists in order to help people grow their faith in Jesus, build healthy relationships and effectively live out their purpose.
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Thanks for the review! I don’t think I will go see that movie, as I would bawl thru the whole thing (I appreciate the warning). In high school, my two best friends were in love, when cancer struck Amy. We tried to go through it with her, even when she moved to the States (from Central America) to be at a great hospital. It’s hard for teenagers to go through love and cancer and distance….. he and I could only make it so far in her journey….we tried, but it didn’t seem to be enough. Eventually recovery seemed complete, but then cancer came back, and she was gone. A beautiful girl, a beautiful life, a beautiful witness. I must say I hardly made it through the movie “A Walk to Remember” (which is a good movie, just too close to our own story), so I know that this one would be too hard for me to sit through. I have lovely memories of my friend, and I don’t revisit the really hard ones very often. Thank you for the list at the end of your post, that really made me think, especially #1, 5 & 6. Hopefully next time I am faced with an experience like this, I will understand more and have more grace to help someone else….
Thanks Denna for sharing your story about Amy. Friendship is a treasure. A brief friendship is never incomplete, especially one like you had with Amy. I’m glad the comments offered some insight to you. Appreciate the feedback and discovering your blogsite – http://dennasideas.com/about/ God bless.