Six-ish months ago, I went to a little John Green reading, where I first heard snippets of his yet-unpublished-new-book. Though Green read many clever lines that I loved and noted, I went to great lengths to scribble down this conversation in my notebook:
“Literally?” I asked.
“We are literally in the heart of Jesus,” he said. “I thought we were in a church basement, but we are literally in the heart of Jesus.”
“Someone should tell Jesus,” I said. “I mean, it’s gotta be dangerous, storing children with cancer in your heart.”
“I would tell Him myself, but unfortunately I am literally stuck inside of His heart, so He won’t be able to hear me.”
(Sigh. I knew I would love this book. He had me at the mocking use of “literally.”)
Along with sharing the first chapter of his then-unpublished-and-yet-to-be-named book (my notes referred to it as “the story after Paper Towns“), Green also shared anecdotes that related to both his author-journey-so-far, and what he felt was his responsibility as a writer to produce stories that were both helpful and beautiful.
I didn’t understand all the implications of his talk until I read The Fault In Our Stars, that long ago unnamed book.
Green sought to add a story that was both beautiful and helpful into this world? I’d say he exceeded his expectations. (He certainly exceeded mine!) (Also, much of his author-journey-anecdote became clearer to me after reading this book, a lesson I’m taking to heart for my own journey.)
And, here I am, left in a sort of afterglow.
I always get a quiet hush whenever I read an amazing book. Being a part of a story’s world, being momentarily linked with the author of those words, deserves a sort of reverence. Like, we traveled on a pilgrimage together for a time, and shared a holy act of worship.
Or, maybe I’m just maudlin right now since the characters in The Fault In Our Stars loved and grieved the way I would (and have) loved and grieved, and that poignancy is still with me.
I can go on and on about The Fault In Our Stars, but I don’t want to give the wrong impression of this book with my muddy words. Instead, I’ll give you the opportunity to read this book for yourself, and we can revel in the beauty together. (If we haven’t met yet, “Hi! You totally need to read this book so we can be friends!”)
I will send a copy of The Fault In Our Stars via bn.com to one lovely reader of this blog.
[THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED–Congratulations, Christine Myers! Barnes and Noble is processing your order as I type this!]
This book simply needs to be read, and it would be my privilege to give a copy away. I think of it as adding beauty to someone else’s life.
By the way, if you haven’t read this book yet, I highly recommend reading it in the privacy of your own home. Unless, of course, you’re comfortable bawling your eyes out and wiping snot on your shirt sleeve* in public. Then, by all means, do what you want.
(*I plead the fifth that this was me in any way.)
Liza Kane 
I started to tear up just thinking about that book and how I bawled through the last few chapters…
Thank you all for sharing the book love! And, congratulations Christine Myers! Random.org chose you to win a copy of this book! 😀
I want this book so bad it hurts, lol. Fingers crossed. And thanks for hosting the giveaway!
I’m sure I’ll buy it regardless, but I just want to read it NOW and not later when I have the $ for it 😉
Thanks for the recommendation Liza! I love books! 🙂
You’re very welcome! I hope you get to read this one! 🙂
Must read this one!!!
Yes! Absolutely MUST READ!
I think I mistakenly sent you a message instead of a comment. Please ignore. I literally (literally 🙂 just finished this book about 20 minutes, came on the internet and saw this. I don’t think I could put into words how extraordinary the book is. But, wow. I loved it. I would love to know more of what he said about it at the talk you attended.
Literally! 😀
Thank you for sharing! I wrote an email to my crit partners about my learnings from that reading…I will forward that same email to you! Please disregard my crazy self-reflection!
I was going to post it as a blog long long ago, but didn’t because it meant (and still means) a lot to me, especially since I haven’t finished my draft of WIP2 yet. You’ll understand more, I think, after reading the email (My aha moment at that time gave me permission to let go of my first WIP and let me start writing my WIP2 (the draft of which I’m going to finish in a couple of weeks if it kills me!))
Wow what an amazing review! I will have to grab this one regardless of the giveaway.
Agreed! I’m not exaggerating when I say I actually sobbed while reading it. Not just teared up or cried a little, but full on sobbed. I do hope you get to read it. xoxo
I actually got to read my best friend’s copy of TFIOS. I’m pretty sure my tear stains mark every page in her book. I’d love to talk about it with someone. Anyone! I stopped reading the second day I got it. I had only the last 50 pages left until today. I’m still raw after finishing. John Green has done it again. Gus! And Hazel! And the sweet way he calls her Hazel Grace!
I loved what you thought of the book because I felt the exact same way. I hope you don’t mind if I enter the giveaway. I really want my own copy of the book. And thank you for spreading the love of TFIOS.
Yes, tear stains! I thought there was something wrong with my copy of the book before I realized I was staining it myself! Ha!
And I hear you about the raw…I had to sit quietly for a long time just letting it all soak in. I wanted to share SO MANY quotes! It’s the first book that I dog eared pages while I was actually reading it the first time through (rather than on a re-read).
And, I’m a glutton for punishment: I already began to re-read it and am halfway through again before I had to stop and just skip to the end. Clearly, this book jumped straight to my favorite books of all time list.
(PS, nice to meet you, and of course it’s ok to enter! I trust you’ll share the book with everyone you know, just as your friend shared it with you ^_^)
I loved John Green’s other books, but I have to say this is my favorite. And yes, probably one of my all time favorites too. It pulled my strings because the cancer story is personal. Although I have been lucky, my friends know the workings behind the diagnosis of death.
The world would be an awesome place with a Hazel and a Gus. Yes! The quotes! And when he […]! I couldn’t have been any happier! [insert hysterical crying] And to finally find out what was behind the title. Amazing moment. I laughed so much in this book. Unlike any other. Laughing like a mad woman then sobbing so much I’m trembling. That’s how powerful this book it.
Hah! Good for you! I don’t think I’ll be able to face reading it again just yet. You are one brave woman.
Nice to meet you too! I will definitely be sharing TFIOS. I’m a chronic bookpusher after all. 🙂 Not sure if I entered already because I didn’t get the confirmation that I filled out the form.
Yup! I got your entry, thanks! ^_^
And, I hope you don’t mind, but I redacted the happy reference so there wouldn’t be a spoiler!
Awesome. Thanks again.
Of course I don’t mind. I tried to be as non-spoilery with my fangirling as possible. 😀
Thanks so much for the review and the giveaway! I love books that leave you with an “afterglow” 🙂
Thank you Jess! *still basking* 😀