Book Review: The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
5 of 5 stars

This book deserved all of the acclaim it was given. It is worth the time to read, especially if you like to laugh and cry at the same time. I will admit, I finished the book in a sobbing mess, but that doesn't mean you should fear this book. It engages you with feelings that we should all be more attuned to and speaks many truths about young death and people who are afflicted with cancer. 

 I definitely did not agree with the theology (or lack their of) in this book, but it still has merit as a lovely work of fiction. I think how John Green portrayed Christianity was an overdramatized and overly-petty depiction, however, this book could be used by Christians to learn how some of what we collectively do and say, affects others. Some of the things that he pointed to in the book that came across as annoying from Christians are some things that annoy even me, a Christian. We should use this book as a discovery of how we come across through some of our speech and action.

There isn't much more to say. This book is a great existential novel (even for people who don't agree completely with existentialism). And you should read it. It has young adult characters, but that doesn't make this a young adult novel. This novel transcends time. It's one of my new favorites. It's one of the best works of fiction I have read in a long time; it's possibly one of the best works of fiction written in the past few years. 

Book Review: Killing Jesus

Killing Jesus: A History by Bill O'Reilly
3 of 5 stars

This book gave an interesting history of the political and social issues during the time of Jesus with some fictional elements. It was a bit of a dry read, even for someone who loves history, but you are able to gain insight into how Jesus was received during his time.