The Fault in Our Stars: Another Reason Cancer Sucks

I knew going into it that I was going to cry. Its a book about cancer and I am known for crying during books and movies. I cried when Rue died in the Hunger Games (both with book and movie), cried when the dogs died in Where the Red Fern Grows, cried at the end of Marley and Me, cried at the end of the Notebook, and cried when I read Sarah's Key among other times. Surprisingly, unlike many of my friends, I never did cry during the Lion King. /weirdy Anyways, I don't want anyone to be turned away from this amazing book just because its going to be sad. Of course I'm not going to lie to you and tell you its some happy story about how the girl defeats her cancer and goes on to save some endangered animal and live a ridiculously fulfilling life inspiring others.

Cause its not.

But just because a story isn't happy doesn't mean there isn't something you can take away from it. (The Hunger Games has taught me this. Seriously, its DEFINITELY not a happy book and its majorly popular.)

The Fault in Our Stars follows Hazel, a girl with cancer, who meets Augustus at a cancer support group meeting. The two get to know each other and fall in love, along the way Hazel battling with her cancer getting worse and the urge to meet a Dutch author. Along the way they explore oblivion, life, love, and what ultimately matters.

This book, beautifully written by one of my new favorite authors: John Green (Nerdfighter, Video Vlogger, Professional leader of the Swindon Town Swiddlypoopers), had me crying from the middle to the end. But I just couldn't set it down. I had to know how it ended. Reading and watching the characters grow was a huge, moving experience for me. Made me look twice at what I was valuing. Its makes you think about the hard things, and every once in a while, especially with such well developed characters and superb writing, you need to read a book like that.

Cancer Sucks,
Le Owl

Manga: Why to read them?

I'm a fan of good stories, and I'm not afraid to admit that I've gotten into manga. Call me a nerd, but I have read some good manga. Having friends that love to read, I can understand the whole "I like reading, but manga is totally different", but I've found stories that I absolutely LOVE and can't imagine my life without. Is it awkward buying manga from time to time yes, but its worth it. I've read stories with great heroines, great plot twists, and for the artist in me, amazing art.

But if your not an artist you'll enjoy them too. My dear friend loves manga, but she couldn't draw to save her life.

Now, Japan/Korea/China are completely different countries and I can understand why some people would be "that stuff is not for me". I don't suggest starting with manga that take place in some ______ period of Japanese history or a manga that features some ancient japanese belief or tradition. That stuff can be complicated and for a person who had read A TON of manga, I still have to google things.

So if you want to explore the world of manga on a rainy day I would suggest these normal manga to get started. They won't scare you off with weirdness.

1. Ouran High School Host Club (my first manga <3)
2. Fruits Basket (though you'll realize as you read more and more that this is not the best series out there)
3. Skip Beat!

But most of all, just like books there is a wide verity of manga. Don't judge a book by its cover, or in manga by its art. Some of my favorite series art was kinda, unique, but I'm that way too.

Manga Lover,
Otaku Owl