‘The Fault in Our Stars’ by John Green 5 Healthy Towns community read book

(Chelsea Update would like to thank Patty Roberts for the information in this story.)

In its third year of reading together, the 5 Healthy Towns of Chelsea, Dexter, Grass Lake, Manchester, and Stockbridge will unite their residents through their 5H Community Read program.

Community Read books are chosen based on the four Chelsea-Area Wellness Foundation’s (CWF) initiatives. The 2012 and 2013 Community Reads explored the first two initiatives, “Eat Better” and “Move More” respectively.

This year’s book, The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, was selected based on the third initiative “Connect with Other in Healthy Ways.” The 2015 Read will explore the last initiative, “Avoid Unhealthy Substances.

The book follows teen Hazel Lancaster, who despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten. Insightful, bold, irreverent, and raw, The Fault in Our Stars is award-winning-author John Green’s most ambitious and heartbreaking work yet, brilliantly exploring the funny, thrilling, and tragic business of being alive and in love.

Over 1,900 copies of The Fault in Our Stars will be distributed throughout the five communities. Books will be placed at doctor’s offices, salons, wellness centers, coffee shops, and churches. After reading the book, participants are encouraged to share it with others.

If you can’t find a copy around town, visit a library in any of the five participating communities to check out a copy.

Free events supporting the CWF’s “Connect with Others” initiative will be offered in all five communities September through November, starting with a kick-off event at the Grass Lake Heritage Day Festival on Saturday, Sept. 6 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Through these events, the 5 Healthy Towns hope to encourage people to communicate and relate to others in healthy ways. Stop by the 5H Community Read table at the festival, pick up a free copy of the book, and sample some delicious healthy food, along with other giveaways.

The 5H Community Read is a district-wide initiative to promote a more active and better-connected community, while encouraging a love of reading. The 5H Community Read engages more than 10,000 people by putting a book in their hands. The goal of the 5H Community Read is to bring all five communities together in dialogue on the topic of wellness, focus on the importance of getting people together, and staying active.

For more information and a listing of events in all five communities, click here.