Everything Is Tuberculosis

Bookseller recommendation

“Wow - he's right, everything really IS tuberculosis. This insightful, sometimes funny, often heartbreaking book sheds light on an illness so interwoven in our collective history that we sometimes forget how much it's shaped our modern world. John Green brings a keen and unflinching social awareness to his assessment of tuberculosis and its influence on healthcare, communities, individuals, and culture. A few things that exist, at least in part, because of tuberculosis: Adirondack chairs, cowboy hats, Sherlock Holmes, and Colorado Springs. This book is narrated by the author and is one I'll revisit and recommend endlessly. ”

— Amber • Banned Wagon Books

Bookseller recommendation

“While the title Everything is Tuberculosis at first seems like hyperbole, the more you read John Green’s part personal narrative, part history on the widespread, insidious global footprint of tuberculosis, the more it becomes apparent that everything does come back in some way to tuberculosis. Everything is Tuberculosis is not simply a medical history, but a wide-reaching inquiry into the global, historical, and of course personal impact of the disease. Green’s work will hopefully inspire many future tuberculosis activists as he reminds us all of the value of viewing people not as statistics but rather as people deserving of love, of care, and of a future. ”

— Mikey • Avid Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“Fascinating. And heartbreaking. And infuriating.”

— Kalan • The Book Store

Bookseller recommendation

“This is the biography of a disease, and so much more: the compelling story of a young tuberculosis patient in Sierra Leone, an exploration of how culture and health intersect, a grappling with how colonialism and racism impact health care systems, and a collection of insights into the author’s own relationship to illness. Part biography, part memoir, but most of all a critical history lesson — this is a gorgeous and powerful book that firmly establishes John Green as one of today’s great nonfiction storytellers. Highly recommended even if (or perhaps ESPECIALLY if) you don’t think you care about tuberculosis.”

— Kara • Bonfire Bookstore

Bookseller recommendation

“This book rocked my world with it's contemplations on illness and the disparities experienced across the globe. It turns tuberculosis to it's own character with a story that evolves over time. importantly the book is not a downer the whole time, but has an arc of happiness and hopefulness for the future.”

— Olivia • Golden Bee Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“Only John Green could infuse a book about tuberculosis with poignant observations on human nature and humor, all while humanizing those who suffer from the disease. This is a quick listen, yet you'll walk away with so much context for the ongoing fight against tuberculosis. ”

— Ashley • Niche Books

Bookseller recommendation

“John Green is a wonderful storyteller. I learned so much from this book and urge you to read it too. ”

— Anne • Viewpoint Books

Bookseller recommendation

“An incredibly important story given our political climate. This book highlights the triumph of humanity and the failures of humans.”

— Sarah • Parthenon Books

Bookseller recommendation

“John Green does it again. The prolific storyteller brings his unique writing abilities into the world of non-fiction. Tuberculosis is Green's passion project, and he will quickly make it your passion project as well.”

— Karlie • Novel Bay Booksellers

Bookseller recommendation

“Only John Green can make one interested in reading an entire book about TB. It’s honest, heartbreaking, hopeful, sad, scary and lovely all in one. Thank you John for this book and telling us Henry’s story !”

— Kimberly • Volumes Bookcafe

Bookseller recommendation

“If you read one book this year, it should be this one. A powerful, deeply human story that blends history, science, and advocacy, shedding light on the world’s deadliest disease and the inequalities that sustain it, told through the story of Henry, a young patient in Sierra Leone. ”

— Erica • Author's Note

Bookseller recommendation

“This is John Green doing what he does best-- making big topics accessible and personal. Start listening for the fun facts (What does tuberculosis have to do with the invention of the cowboy hat?) and stay for the moving story of Green's friendship with Henry, a tuberculosis patient in Sierra Leone.”

— Emily • The Homer Bookstore