Notes

The chapter opens with Augustus and Hazel in Augustus’ car, revealing his questionable driving skills. Every acceleration and brake is abrupt, almost giving Hazel whiplash in the death / passenger seat. It’s no surprise when Augustus admits he had to take his driving test 3 times before passing. Hazel, however, took it 4 times before her instructor finally relented, saying her driving was unpleasant but technically not unsafe. She attributes this to what she calls “cancer perks”, getting free passes on late homework, unearned driver’s licenses, and even basketballs signed by sports heroes. Although doctors claim that most amputees eventually adjust to driving with their remaining leg, Augustus struggles getting the hang left-footed driving.

Their conversation shifts to school. Augustus is a sophomore at North Central, a year behind due to his illness. Hazel, on the other hand, was pulled out of school three years ago by her parents. Diagnosed at 13 with Stage 4 thyroid cancer (just three months after her first period), she underwent a radical neck dissection, followed by radiation and chemotherapy for her lung tumours. Though the treatment initially shrank the tumours, they eventually grew back. By 14, her lungs filled with fluid, and she landed in the ICU with pneumonia. Everyone thought it was the end for her, until her oncologist, Dr. Maria, managed to drain some of the fluid. The pneumonia antibiotics eventually kicked in, giving Hazel a second chance.

She then enrolled in an experimental drug trial, one of those notorious “Republic of Cancervania” trials that rarely work. The drug, which failed for 70% of patients, miraculously worked for Hazel. For the past 18 months, her tumours have barely grown, though she’s left dependent on oxygen support and daily medication. Despite these challenges, she has continued her education, having already earned her GED and now taking classes at MCC, a local community college.

When they arrive at Augustus’ home, Hazel notices his parents’ love for motivational decor. The house is “festooned” with inspirational quotes, including:

  • “Home is Where the Heart Is”
  • “Good Friends are Hard to Find and Impossible to Forget”
  • “True Love is Born from Hard Times”
  • “Family is Forever”
  • “Without Pain, How Could We Know Joy?”

Augustus’ parents are in the kitchen making enchiladas. They ask Hazel about Isaac’s support group and learn that she is a vegetarian. Hazel stays for dinner, and afterwards, Augustus suggests watching V for Vendetta in his basement. He jokes that Hazel resembles Natalie Portman’s character in the film, calling her, her “doppelgĂ€nger.” However, his dad insists they watch in the living room instead. Before the movie starts, Augustus takes Hazel to his room, where she notices a collection of baseball memorabilia. He explains that he used to play but eventually found the sport to be as arbitrary as hurdle races:

“This would go faster if we just got rid of the hurdles.”

Coincidentally, the last day he played baseball was also one of the last days he had both legs. He had only a weekend between receiving the amputation date and the actual procedure.

As they continue talking, Augustus digs deeper, wanting to know more about Hazel beyond her illness. He learns that she enjoys reading poetry but not writing it. She shares her favourite book, An Imperial Affliction, which deeply resonates with her. Intrigued, Augustus offers a trade: he will read An Imperial Affliction if Hazel reads The Price of Dawn, a novel based on his favourite video game.

They watch the movie while eating enchiladas. Augustus clearly enjoys it, after all, he picked it, but Hazel is less enthused. Still, she pretends to like it, noting how boys always expect girls to enjoy “boy movies,” though girls rarely expect boys to enjoy “girl movies.”

Afterward, Hazel drives Augustus’ car home. They park in front of her house, and for a moment, there’s a charged atmosphere suggesting a kiss might happen. Instead, they part with a promise: Augustus will call her once he finishes reading her favourite book, Hazel’s phone number allegedly left purposefully inside.

Key Takeaways

  • Character Development:

    • Augustus’ struggles to drive with his left foot reflects that despite his “cocky” attitude, he faces his own challenges.
    • Hazel’s backstory reveals her resilience and the reality of living with chronic illness.
    • Augustus’ fascination with Hazel grows beyond her condition.

  • Thematic Elements:

    • The contrast between how illness disrupts adolescence and the characters’ attempts at normalcy.
    • The “cancer perks”, how people treat kids with cancer differently due to their condition.
    • The existential perspective on suffering and joy.

  • Symbolism:

    • Augustus’ realization about sport occuring about alongside his amputation, symbolizing lost potential and adapting to new realities.
    • The book exchange signifies a deepening intellectual connection between Hazel and Augustus.
    • The near-kiss that doesn’t happen, leaving their connection in an unspoken yet promising space.

This chapter solidifies Augustus and Hazel’s bond, setting the stage for their relationship to develop further. Their conversations are rich with wit, philosophy, and an understanding of mortality beyond their years. The mutual book trade suggests an emotional investment that will likely shape their dynamic moving forward.