The Bright Minds Book Club discussion

A little late getting the discussion threads open - Sorry!

I really liked this book even though I wasn't sure I would when I started it. I thought it would be a lot more sentimental, clichéd and manipulative than it was. I'm not sure I completely believe the maturity of these two young kids but I'm willing to believe that kids who go through the trauma of having cancer grow up quickly. What I really found surprising was the storyline involving Peter Van Houten. I was pretty surprised at the direction it took once they were in Amsterdam and was surprised (not disappointed) that the author didn't have Hazel and Van Houten bond in the end. Maybe he was making a point about choosing how to manage grief. I actually watched the movie last night and really enjoyed it also - curious if anyone else has seen it?

Mmm. I liked and didn't like the book - I found myself rolling my eyes at a lot - thinking how silly parts were. On the other hand, I found a lot of originality in the writing as well. I did feel that it was (harshly) realistic and I think it definitely succeeded in relating the brutal reality the kids and their parents were facing. I didn't like the romance myself - I just found it unoriginal and (for lack of a better word) cheesy. I think might stop me from watching the movie...