Everything Is Tuberculosis

Bookseller recommendation

“John Green convinced me: everything really IS tuberculosis! This book is an excellent examination of the inequities in global healthcare through the lens of one disease, plus Green intersperses his stories of people throughout, demonstrating the most important thesis in the book: people are more than just disease statistics and the cost of its treatment. It’s extremely readable narrative nonfiction and a great pick for teens and adults who want or need to broaden their perspectives. ”

— Betsy • Booked

Bookseller recommendation

“When I started this book, I had no idea how fascinating and heartbreaking this topic would be. I expected more strange facts - which there were plenty of - but I was not expecting a story of hope to be thread through it. This is my first experience with any of John Green’s work and I’ll definitely be looking into the rest of his projects. ”

— Rachell • The Yakima Book Co & The Traveling Book Bus

Bookseller recommendation

“If you never imagined reading about tuberculosis, here is something to change your mind. Well-crafted and informative, this was truly an eye-opening read. Green expertly blends the history, the facts, the pitfalls, and the future of tuberculosis treatment while his friendship with Henry adds a touchingly personal element. I'll be including this on my best of the year list. ”

— Kristine • Buttonwood Books and Toys

Bookseller recommendation

“This is one of those books that makes you care; both about the people who are characters in the book and also our short-sided view of public health. It gives a history of what life was like when there was no cure for TB, but also leads you to ponder what life will be like if TB evolves faster than our ability to treat it. Although the topic would seem dense, the author does a great job of drawing you into his narrative.”

— Cheryl • Last Chance Bookstore

Bookseller recommendation

“Interesting historical tidbits meet genuinely moving medical narrative in this unexpectedly timely book. John Green believes it’s better to live in a world where people work towards justice together, across cultural/ class/ international lines, rather than in a world where we don’t bother to try to take care of each other. By the end of this book, you’ll feel the same. ”

— Emily • Astoria Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“I have often said “we don’t deserve John Green.” But, in fact, this book—like so many of his others—proves quite the opposite. In addition to being a fascinating and compelling read about one of history’s (and, indeed, the contemporary world’s) deadliest diseases, Everything Is Tuberculosis is one man’s obsessive quest for justice borne from deepest empathy. John Green’s compassion and love for each individual human is a thrill of hope in a world that, so often, overwhelms with despair. We don’t just deserve John Green; we need to follow his example.”

— Leah • Scrawl Books

Bookseller recommendation

“This book will (rightfully) make you CARE about tuberculosis! From literally page 1, I was HOOKED as John Green connected how TB impacts our society today and the injustices that surround TB treatment. John Green, my man, please write a manual about life because I would learn how to do my taxes and be an adult if you told me how. This was a work of art… did I think I was going to cry reading about the TB epidemic?! No… did I?! Ummm… yes… this book is EXCELLENT no notes thank you! ”

— Esha • Bank Square Books

Bookseller recommendation

“A broad exploration of the interconnectedness of everything and a powerful reminder of the humanity of every person, through the lens of one infectious disease. If we were to cure terberculosis, Green argues, the world would be able inifitely better place, since the cure requires a commitment to justice that would have far broader benefits than the eradication of the disease. Inspiring and engaging.”

— Melinda • Harbor Books

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

“John Green beautifully weaves the historical, cultural, and personal impact of Tuberculosis. His narration and prose make you feel like you're sitting in his living room listening to an impassioned friend sharing all they have learned about the world's deadliest infectious disease. A must-read! ”

— Maggie • Nantucket Book Partners

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

“An excellent journey through the history of TB, interwoven with the story of a young man, Henry, whose lived experience adds so much to the overall content of the book. John Green as narrator does an excellent job, and the writing style of the book is easy to follow and well paced. I think this book is easily accessible to all people, whether they are historians or not, and may spark a feeling to take action and dig deeper into the subject once they are finished.”

— Laura VZ • Fable Book Parlour