Our Little Infinity

"...it occurred to me that the voracious ambition of humans is never sated by dreams coming true, because there is always the thought that everything might be done better and again." - from The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.


Recommended reading.


I heard about it, and also heard it was sad. I vaguely knew it had a storyline focused on cancer, which also is a topic I struggle reading about. But, the Collector's Edition at Barnes and Noble caught my eye and I surrendered my hesitation. Besides reiterating how dangerous (and expensive) my visits to bookstores can be, it sure enough turned out to be a good buy.
For the better part of the first half of the story, I seriously questioned the popularity of this book. The writing was interesting (mostly), yes, but there was a tinge of superficiality. And then at some point, I think when the story's turning point in the plot really occurred, I was hooked. I wasn't hooked in the "Twilight" form of just wanting to know what happens, but rather in the "wow, this is a really good book, can't-put-it-down" kind of way. 

I knew what was going to happen at the end when I reached the turning point. Normally, this was turn me off of a book. But John Green, I think, did this on purpose, investing me not only in the book's key relationship  by telling me it would be short-lived, and then using every part of the story to reflect on how fleeting, yet meaningful, certain aspects of life can be. Not to mention conjuring up connections to my own personal romances and tragedies. 

What surprised me most is that I actually teared up at the end. Not because what happened in the plot surprised me, but because of the writing - the words caught me by surprise and tears actually crawled down my cheeks.

And it was over, just like that. Despite knowing what would happen, I was surprised it actually ended. So abruptly and beautifully at the same time. And that's when I knew what the buzz was all about - why the bestseller, why the "Collector's Edition" as a marketing ploy, why it was recommended to me by so many different people.

So trust me, it's worth reading. The story reads like a Hollywood movie with more poetry. It's a love story that I can see being as culturally profound as Romeo and Juliet, and Green, although writing for teenagers, doesn't hesitate at all to make references to great works of literature through the ages. The characters are smart and witty while also being wise and dynamic. Philosophically, the book includes themes around life, love, time, and human relationships - nothing novel or new, but uniquely told through the lens of the type of tragedy anyone who has ever heard the word "cancer" can relate to.

Bear with the first half. You'll find that turning point and never look back.

Per Hazel Grace's eloquence, I say this about her story (as told by John Green): "Some infinities are bigger than other infinities...I can't tell you how thankful I am for our little infinity."


~MJ

PS Also really enjoyed The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick. Another must read, explained via another blog. It's funny, poignant and high-quality. The movie is different in many ways, but also good. I recommend both, because very truly, "I believe in happy endings."