The Fault is In Our Stars

Green, John.   The Fault is in Our Stars.  NY: Penguin, 2013.

Hazel Grace meets Augustus at a cancer support group that meets in the center of the basement of the local Episcopalian church -- in the literal heart of Jesus.   So their lives become intertwined because of this insidious disease – Hazel’s cancer began as thyroid cancer and metastasized in her lungs; Augustus’ cancer was a sarcoma in his leg. Yet they are truly brought together by a book --- An Imperial Affliction, written by an expatriated American, residing in the Netherlands.  Because Hazel Grace has burning questions concerning which she considers to be a bibulous ending, Augustus arranges for the two of them to have a meeting with the author. So they make their journey as Hazel is tethered to her oxygen canisters.  The meeting was more than unsatisfactory – not only did Hazel not get her questions answered; her literary idol was dashed to pieces. As they return home, cancer takes over their lives, and someone loses the battle. Once again their paths will cross with the arrogant author who in that interview gave more thought to what happened to the family pet than to the remaining humans.

My reaction to this book is that is truly an example of post-modern teen fiction. There is little hope; there is no locus of authority.  The irony that they meet in “literal heart of Jesus” and walk away cursing lost, and disillusioned.  This seems to be  a microcosm of the world at large. The movie will likely will make it immensely popular; however I am thankful for the PG-13 rating on the movie and would also advise parental guidance on the book for a younger audience.  I do think the book should be a part of the curriculum in YA literature classes, because it gives an inside look  into how death is approached in 21^st century literature.  

The One and Only Ivan

Applegate, Katherine.  The Only and Ivan.   NY:HarperCollins, 2012.   Recommended: Grades: 4-6

I confess I was reluctant to read this book primarily because the protagonist was a silverback gorilla – I have vivid memories of King Kong rushing through various cities of America leaving death and destruction in his wake. However, Ivan is no King Kong … he is imprisoned in an Arcade Mall that barely functions as a circus/zoo. He was once a main attraction when he was young and cute. Now after 27 years, his claim to fame is that he can draw. Although his works are unintelligible – they sell, but it’s not enough.  The bright spot of his days are his conversations with Bob the stray dog, Stella the wise old elephant and Julie the daughter of the maintenance man.  However, Stella is unwell – her feet are infected and Ivan is rightfully worried.  Then one day a baby elephant named Ruby joins the team, but all is not well.  Stella dies, but in her passing she elicits a promise from Ivan that he will rescue Ruby from the life she seems doomed to face. Ivan doggedly pursues his promise, but at what price to himself?

This was actually an enjoyable read.  I was expecting PETA-related propaganda, but really found very little in the story line.  Instead, I discovered a story that bore the truths of friendship and sacrificial love.  Ivan is an enjoyable even likable character.  Stella is a wise old elephant. Ruby is a guileless, but fearful baby looking for someone to believe in.  Julie is a crusader ready to take up the cause.  Bob is the dog who has been beaten up life so much that he is afraid to trust.  All of these characters together give a different take in a different setting on the much loved Charlotte’s Web.