While reading the novel, I had to continuously remind myself that the author is male because John Green writes so accurately in a female tone. Some of Hazel’s words, for example, this line: “(I didn’t tell him that the diagnosis came three months after I got my first period. Like: Congratulations! You’re a woman. Now die.)” (24), really surprised me. Simply the wording of the sentence perfectly displays the sarcasm of teenage girls. The fact that John Green understands girls first periods enough to make a sarcastic reference to it is really amusing. Men aren’t supposed to know, let alone, understand what periods are like; hearing a man even say the word “period” makes me shiver.
In addition, the fact that John Green chose to reference the TV show, Americas Next Top Model, an extremely girly reality show-featuring model, Tyra Banks (see photo below), made me laugh; No girl likes to miss their episode of ANTM just like Hazel. “After negotiating the right to record the 1.5 episodes of ANTM [she’d] be missing,” (7) Hazel agrees to attend the Support Group. This specific show not only illustrates the interests of any teenage girl, but it says more about Hazel. Like the models, Hazel has her own dreams and aspirations to be “on top.” I think John Green used this show purposely to express how every girl wants to be the “next top model,” or the best of the best in their own way.
Although he successfully masks his male identity through Hazel’s voice, you can still hear John Green in the background. After watching the video recording of John Green reading the first chapter aloud, I could finally believe that it was a man behind that mask. I cannot seem to put into words why and how I could hear his voice, but it was there. Without a doubt, however, John Green executes this voice successfully through a female protagonist. He develops a rather unique and compelling character that rings true to his audience and completes the novel’s message of integrity, hardship, and love.