With the first book, Hazel is living with cancer. She states matter of fact ‘my mother thinks I am depressed because I never leave the house, do anything except think about death.’ She meets Augustus at her weekly cancer survivor’s meeting and slowly they begin to share each other’s worlds.

While in the second, Charlie has different issues. The wall flower says, “Dear Friend, I am writing to you because she said you listen.” His letters to an anonymous reader are how he shares his freshman experiences. Depressed from his best friend’s suicide, Charlie navigates the awkward days of high school.

Their narratives are more than just simple ‘Boy meets Girl’ or teen angst scenarios. It would be hard to summarize these books in a few sentences. The stories encompass all teen life. They are about love, family, friendship, 80’s & 90’s music, great reads, hope, sickness, bad and good days, sex, first kisses, home and I could waffle on about every aspect, but you must read them to discover these story elements for yourself.

A great story touches you as all memorable novels should.