The Fault In Our Stars

This past week in class the reading and activities were dedicated to our reading of the novel The Fault in Our Stars. I absolutely loved this book! I thought it was a beautiful piece of literature that tackled a pretty tough subject very tastefully that even though I’m not a very huge fan of mushy relationship stories.

 I honestly sobbed during this book, especially the ending obviously. My younger brother, who is 15 ½ is named Augustus. Like the book character of the same name he plays sports, football to be exact. Comparing the character to my brother I couldn't imagine having to go through watching my Augustus get sick, and loose his leg because to me he’s like superman. Cancer has been a very prevalent thing on both sides of my family so this book hit home.  I kind of wish that this book had been given to me back in middle school when I lost some pretty big people in my life to cancer, because at that age you don’t realize how permanent death is. Now that I’m older I have so many instances where I wish I could ask my grandma or my uncle something, but I don’t have the chance. One thing I have learned through the years is that nothing stops another day, and this book was a true example of that fact. I would not shy away from teaching this book in my high school classroom. This book depicts real life and how hard it can be. I don’t think that we should shy away from it just because of the minor sexual encounter, especially when it’s not graphic or spelled out for you. It is up to the reader to assume what happened. Besides today high school students watch shows, listen to music, etc that are more suggestive. As teachers we have to stop denying that they are doing it. This book could help a student who could be going through the same situation or one similar and show them how to cope. I don't want my students to be afraid to come and talk to me about if they are going through tough times or a family illness. When I went through this in my family I didn't feel like I had anyone to talk things out with because I felt that I needed to be strong for the people around me like my mum. I mourned privately because I didn't want people to see me crumble. I want to be a confidant to my students so I can better understand them.