Unexpected but wonderful
355338
I have to admit that I was expecting yet another beginning to end war on Zed books. When I first started reading, I was slightly disappointed. This didn't last long though as I got sucked in to the stories of survivors. Bravo to Mr. Brooks for coming from a new angle and using such unique voices for each interview.
4102802
When I first read the synopsis I thought I was in for a cute, possibly silly read. No doubt Topher is adorable and you never know what he is going to say, but this book is far from cutesy. I loved the book, it wasn't what I expected and I highly recommend.
213730
I never expected to see a sequel to the first book. I took it as one of the lessons in life. Particularly the one where not everything in life will come with resolution. I was happy surprised to discover this book and ordered it fairly quickly. Much like the first book, once I picked it up, it was hard to stop reading. The feel of the book is a little different, something that naturally comes with time difference, even for the character who has had time to reflect.  Wonderful book with a few unexpected surprises. A delightful addition to the first book.
3464946
This book was so not what I expected at all. I'd seen it mentioned a lot this year, but after reading the Goodreads description, I was unimpressed. It just didn't sound appealing to me at all. But then came a lot of End of Year Surveys and Top Ten Books of 2012, and I saw this book all over the place. I figured for it to be getting that much love, it had to be better than it sounded, and I decided to give it a chance.

From the very beginning, the first couple pages, it was clear to me that I really, really liked Hazel. Even though she is terminally ill with cancer, she has a sense of humor that can't be beat. I found myself chuckling a lot at things that came out of her mouth, and I found myself often forgetting that she was, in fact, sick, until the next mention of her cannula came up.

Augustus was easily my favorite character. He was just so swoon-worthy and romantic, but also hilarious and sarcastic. From the start, I really liked his interaction with Hazel. They just had a relationship that was so believable but still really enjoyable to read. I never found myself rolling my eyes or getting aggravated with them. I really loved their chemistry.

There was a twist at the end that while I sort of saw it coming, it wasn't blatantly predictable, and I liked it. It changed the way I expected the story to go, which was nice. I am also glad that a prediction I made for the ending did not come true. I definitely thought it was foreshadowed and would not have been happy with it, so I'm glad that it didn't happen the way I thought it would.

I did find myself with some questions left over at the end of the story, but I think that that was realistic. The whole story was very realistic, and in life, you don't always get the answers you want, and you don't always get a happy ending. I thought that was appropriate here.

Overall, I really, really loved this book. It was so beautifully written, a realistic look at the way cancer affects people's lives. I found my heart going out to the characters for their struggles, but moreso loving how they continued to live their lives and not let their cancer define them. I would definitely recommend that everybody read this book, and I will definitely be reading more John Green. I easily give it 5 stars!
1394670
I just finished reading this beautiful novel. The story provided an awakening for me. I felt as if I were feeling what the main character was feeling, sensing the world around him, I could feel and experience the story in such a surreal way. The story line is very unexpected. There were times when I thought I knew what would happen next only to be delightfully surprised. Reading this story was like reading the song of my heart. I loved it. Wonderful story, well written, excited to see other books from this amazing author!
2300577
I love how unusual this book is. It takes the standard young peasant boy destined for greatness theme, and twists it around with a really intriguing mix of humor and darkness. Seeing the world through Murgatroyd's perspective gave me a curious anxiety - in spite of his incredibly unusual circumstances, I felt like his ignorance was plausible. I don't know how to describe this book, which makes me very happy. It made me feel things, and I had connections to some of the characters, and I want to read the next one. As far as I'm concerned, those three things mean this book is a success.

If you're tired of the same genre tropes, try this book. It was a breath of strange fresh air.
4502649
Absolutely wonderful read - with an unexpected twist, which made it that much more exciting.
183282
I starred without much expectation of it being a good book.  It sure surprised me. It was wonderful and so different from the run of the mill books.
4223879
I stumbled across this one. Not my usual genre. I am still somewhat in awe of how much I liked it.
First, it's not written in first person ( I cannot stand 1st person writing).
It's emotional, both joyous and sad parts, and emotes such deep love. Not romantic love, which is my usual fare, but just as wondrous.
It's a wonderful story, one I would definitely re read.
2483387
I had no particular idea what this book was about other than hoping it wasn't sappy love story.  it turns out to be a wonderful romp through the fairly normal yet remarkable lives of some marvelous characters from Down Under.  Their love & fears & tragedy so unique at yet so common. I recommend it.
2065527
Wonderfully done. And, surprisingly well written.
1285553
I enjoyed this book.  It was unexpected.  I believe I am more acquainted with the characters issues now since the author really is quite good at defining the characters world and how they come together and start anew. The main plot was interesting and drawn from a plausible reality. I was drawn into the authors world and vested in the characters immediately.  This book has some sexual situations but it is presented in a very romantic way and not in graphic detail.
4084648
I did not think I was going to like this book when I first started reading it.  I almost gave up during the first few pages, but I hung in there and it turned out to be surprisingly delightful.  I grew to love the characters and want a happy ending.  It left me hanging until the end.
4305936
wasn't sure what to expect, but was thrilled to be surprised and delighted.  take the time to read this one.
2122839
I loved this book.  It was inspiring and completely unexpected (the author summary gives nothing away).  I appreciated the fantastic plot twist which took it to a place far beyond just a good romance novel. I don't want to give away the story so I'll leave it at that.  Very limited angst, which I like in a novel. Also, it is so well written the author doesn't need steamy scenes to convey love between the main characters.  Worth your time and money, I'll be reading this one again.  ;-)
3945618
If you don't get teary and emotional and caught up in this wonderful novel, I will be surprised.  Wonderful stuff here about grace and humility and letting it be and the coming and going of people in our lives.  It is also about the poor and the poor in spirit.  Ultimately it is about healing, the unconventional surprise way that things work when you wish the good and are not afraid to do or say what the small still spirit within calls forth in you from all your life experiences.
1609332
I'm not sure that I've ever been SO surprised by the ending of a novel, no matter what genre I've been reading. What a delightful turn of events. I loved it!