The Fault in Our Stars

John Green’s most recent novel, The Fault in Our Stars, follows Hazel Lancaster through a year in her life – a life that’s bound to be too short. Hazel has cancer.

Green uses a fictitious novel (how's that?!) to add a dimension to the story. She and her boyfriend - who is in remission; they met through a support group - ultimately travel to Amsterdam to meet Peter Van Houton, the author of An Imperial Affliction. 

And he's a jerk.

It's just one of many ways Green illustrates the fact that life ain't fair.

When  Hazel and dreamy boyfriend Augustus arrive to meet the over-esteemed Peter Van Houton, the author is not only rude, he threatens to throw them out of his house. 

Hazel and Gus cope almost too well with that, and it's a good thing - because the author's unpleasantness isn't the worst thing that happens on the trip.

Hazel also learns that Augustus has had a relapse.

Interestingly, when she delivers her eulogy for Augustus (whoops - spoiler alert: Gus doesn't make it) Hazel quotes the author who so disappointed her, explaining that she learned from him that “some infinities are bigger than other infinities.”

Fortunately, Green's book is quite a bit bigger than I've probably made it sound; and it's right on target for YA readers - particularly girls.

~Diane Stresing

Doggone

Cynthia Rylant has written a slew of super picture books, plus the early chapter books series featuring Henry & Mudge and Mr. Putter & Tabby.

They're all delightful. Well, almost all. I have to admit I'm not particularly thrilled with The Great Gracie Chase: Stop that Dog! (c) 2001 - although I love the cover!

My son and I picked up two other books by the prolific author, however, that will be difficult to send back to the library. Dog Heaven is a delight - a must read for anyone with a canine companion - and The Old Woman Who Named Things is also precious.

Probably obvious from the titles: both deal (gently) with death. My son has been talking a lot about death lately, and I hope these picture books help him sort things out in his own way. Whether they help or not, they're great books and the illustrations in both are perfect.