log 2

 

Before sharing my reflection, I would like to talk about what motivates me to choose this book. At first, I actually intend to read a book called The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. Unfortunately, it wasn’t easily accessible unless I could wait patiently for the long overseas transportation. As a result, I picked 13 Reasons Why as my alternatives, which is the commonly recommended novel for teenagers to read. However, I found that it didn’t appeal to me as well as being too popular among our class, so I decided to read another book that does correspond to my interest. Eventually, The Fault in Our Stars arouse my curiosity due to the topic of two teenagers diagnosed with rare cancers. Based on my family stories, I supposed that I could somewhat relate to this book, prompting my final decision.  

 

"Whenever you read a cancer booklet or website or whatever, they always list depression among the side effects of cancer. But, in fact, depression is not a side effect of cancer. Depression is a side effect of dying."

 

Death is the issue that most people would avoid mentioning, let alone discussing. These words from Hazel, who is a 16-year-old girl, are quite worthy of contemplating. Most of the media may indicate that cancer can lead to depression. In some ways, it makes sense because some medications may have the chemical that depressed you. However, cancer may not be the most terrifying thing. Getting closer to death is. Hazel was forced by her mom to attend a weekly Support Group, where gathers lots of cancer patients. In the Support Group, they usually hold a sharing section when patients can share how they battle with diseases and finally defeat them. It is a place conveying positivity and hope, making Hazel felt uncomfortable. To me, I could put myself in Hazel’s shoes and understand how she might feel. There are many cases proving that having cancer is not always connected with death. Sure, many people can still perform like normal people, coexist with their tumours for decades, and even recover. On the other hand, it could be really difficult to convince a girl suffering from rare cancer, notably IV period, of the high probability to be cured. While Hazel’s mom and other patients in the Support Group have good intentions to be of help, the kindness could end up being a burden to her because they cannot feel the weight of death.

 

Next, I would like to continue discussing how the patients may feel from my own perspective. In the Support Group, Hazel met a 17-year-old newcomer, Augustus, who takes her to his home to show her a film. During the dinner, Augustus’ parents talk about anything except for her diagnosis and the tube on her face. She felt weird but wonderful. In most people’s imagination, catching cancer is depressing, discouraging, and pathetic. Out of love and worries, people tend to show their curiosity and sympathy to patients, telling them that I’m so sorry, you’ll be fine, everything will be fine. Nevertheless, is it really what they need? Once, I experienced the grief of losing one of my beloved family. People looked at me like they're watching a tragedy, kept saying how sorry they were, encouraging me to be strong. In some ways, I didn’t think that these words help, they only reminded me how miserable I am instead. Maybe Hazel and my situations were not identical, but we both hurt. All we need is not those inspiring words or sympathy. All we need is simply a companion and a hug.