The Fault in Our Stars

"Literature is my Utopia. Here I am not disfranchised. No barrier of the senses shuts me out from the sweet, gracious discourse of my book-friends. They talk to me without embarrassment or awkwardness." -Helen Keller. Reading is used for all types of intents and purposes; education, entertainment, symbolism, and profound life lessons. Through literature, I have discovered all of these things. A few of my favorites are Pride & Prejudice, The Mortal Instruments, and The Infernal Devices. The most recent book I have read is named The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. It is about two unconventional teenagers by the names of Hazel Grace & Augustus Waters who have both battled cancer for an exceeding amount of time. The two fall in love, and learn how to support one another through joyful and trying times. Along the way, each of them find out a thing or two about themselves as well. The meaning of life is a consistent question throughout the novel. At the beginning of the book, Augustus is asked what he fears the most. His reply is "oblivion". As his character transitions, Augustus realizes that we find meaning through our relationships with one another. "I  believe humans have souls, and I believe in the conservation of souls. The oblivion fear is something else, fear that I won't be able to give anything in exchange for my life. If you don't live a life of service for the greater good, you've gotta at least die a death in service of the greater good, you know?" Hazel has more of a pessimistic outlook. She trusts in the idea that life has no meaning to it other than enjoying it while you  are here. This changes when her disease grows worse, and she begins to love in a way that she once thought was useless. Both of the characters have an appreciation for life that many take for granted. The thing about books is that they can enter into the mind of a reader and make them think. Make them question life, the meaning of it, the relationships they have with others, how we treat one another, the things we take for granted or should appreciate more, etc. We are able to open our minds and explore ourselves through literature. In this book in particular, I learned to appreciate every moment you are given and to look for the best in each experience. Always treat someone with kindness because you never know what they may be enduring. In this way, life reflects art. We can identify ourselves in a story or in a character, and that is the wonderful thing about reading. Not only is it an escape from reality, but you also learn more about yourself along the way.