I don't mean to sound like a fangirl but The Fault In Our Stars is every bit as amazing as all the screams and cheers would indicate. (My own teengirl and I read it as part of our own ongoing book chat and we both give it an A+.)
It's a beautiful story of love and loss as seen through the hearts of teens whose fate to endure pain far beyond their years is truly breathtaking. So yes, it is sad but it's also sweet and poignant and so honest in its full range of emotions. Or in other words, it's completely human.
An added bonus is author John Green not only eloquently captured the teen voice but he also gave depth to the parents who grapple with holding their own heartbreak together. There are many brilliant lines in the book but it's nice to see Hazel Grace's dad get one of the best ones:
"I believe the universe wants to be noticed. I think the universe is improbably biased toward consciousness, that it rewards intelligence in part because the universe enjoys its elegance being observed."
What's equally totes amaze is that the same John Green who authored those words also doubles as the mastermind behind the hugely popular Vlogbrothers YouTube channel. With the help of his brother, he is rallying Nerdfighters everywhere with the battle cry of "raising nerdy to the power of awesome." That's pretty awesome.
He's part mad scientist who boggles your mind with the amount of useful info he's cranking out and part best substitute teacher ever because regular school is never this much fun. Even if you're kid isn't ready for the book (it is a high school romance and may be a bit smoochy for some... though it is definitely more hanky than panky) they may still enjoy being introduced to John Green's alter ego.
All combined, it makes perfect sense why John Green was recently named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People, summed up best in this lovely introduction by Shailene Woodley, who stars in the film. I couldn't agree more. Anyone with this much heart and mind having such a positive effect on teens actually deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.
P.S. If you're thinking of reading TFIOS, do it before the movie comes out in June. You want to be able to soak it all in before the stars really hit the fan.