Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection
Who Would Like This Book:
This book is a must-read for anyone curious about medical history, global health, or simply looking for a fresh, humanizing take on disease. John Green's signature wit and empathy make this a compelling journey through TB’s complicated story - expect engaging anecdotes, real people’s stories, and clear explanations of gnarly scientific topics. Teachers, healthcare workers, and fans of narrative nonfiction will especially appreciate how Green balances well-researched facts with personal reflections and storytelling.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Those looking for an academic deep-dive or heavy scientific rigor might find the book lacking in analytical depth. Some readers have found the discussions on social issues like racism or colonialism to be vague or repetitive, occasionally detracting from the book’s core focus. A few also mention that Green’s writing style can veer into the personal or anecdotal a bit much, which might not appeal if you prefer your nonfiction strictly objective.
About:
Everything Is Tuberculosis by John Green explores the history and ongoing impact of tuberculosis (TB) while weaving personal stories to humanize the statistics. The book breaks down complex healthcare topics related to TB in an accessible and engaging way, aiming to raise awareness and compassion regarding this global health crisis. Green’s writing is clear and straightforward, making it easy to follow, yet it sometimes lacks deeper analysis that some readers might seek.
The narrative combines humor and poignant anecdotes, drawing from both historical and contemporary experiences to illustrate the challenges of TB. While it gives a compelling overview of TB's relevance in society, some passages can feel vague, which may frustrate readers looking for thorough insights. Despite its critiques, the book is ultimately a call to action, inviting readers to reflect on their roles in addressing inequities in healthcare, emphasizing the shared humanity in the fight against TB.
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Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
There are medium triggers/content warnings related to discussions of illness, suffering, and health inequities.
From The Publisher:
Instant #1 New York Times bestseller!
#1 Washington Post bestseller!
#1 Indie Bestseller!
USA Today Bestseller!
"The real magic of Green's writing is the deeply considerate, human touch that goes into every word." - The Associated Press
"Told with the intelligence, wit, and tragedy that have become hallmarks of the author's work.... This is the story of us." -Slate
"Earnest and empathetic." -The New York Times
Tuberculosis has been entwined with hu-manity for millennia. Once romanticized as a malady of poets, today tuberculosis is seen as a disease of poverty that walks the trails of injustice and inequity we blazed for it.
In 2019, author John Green met Henry Reider, a young tuberculosis patient at Lakka Government Hospital in Sierra Leone. John be-came fast friends with Henry, a boy with spindly legs and a big, goofy smile. In the years since that first visit to Lakka, Green has become a vocal advocate for increased access to treatment and wider awareness of the healthcare inequi-ties that allow this curable, preventable infec-tious disease to also be the deadliest, killing over a million people every year.
In Everything Is Tuberculosis , John tells Henry's story, woven through with the scientific and social histories of how tuberculosis has shaped our world-and how our choices will shape the future of tuberculosis.
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2 comment(s)
i <3 john green.
And an excellently observed overview of the history, current status, and possible futures of tuberculosis. It provides a well-researched look at the disease while personalizing it by looking at individuals. Read by the author it is a brisk listen and very much worth the time.
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