Everything Is Tuberculosis

Bookseller recommendation

“Probably the most important book you’ll read this year. The propulsive history of how and why we still let people die of a disease we know we how to cure, told in Green’s humane style. I don’t know if everything is TB but the history of TB is everything: science, superstition, racism, class, gender, colonialism, and capitalism. Deeply informative and strangely encouraging — that word will mean more to you when you read this — if you can stick through the tears.”

— Perin • Brain Lair Books

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

“Probably the most important book you’ll read this year. The propulsive history of how and why we still let people die of a disease we know we how to cure, told in Green’s humane style. I don’t know if everything is TB but the history of TB is everything: science, superstition, racism, class, gender, colonialism, and capitalism. Deeply informative and strangely encouraging — that word will mean more to you when you listen — if you can stick through the tears. ”

— Perin • Brain Lair Books

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 book can change the world. Well-written, expertly-read, and extremely accessible this narrative humanizes medical information and the cultural history around TB while calling us to action in a gently logical voice. ”

— Alisa • Napa Bookmine

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

“An utterly fascinating look at TB and its implications throughout history. John Greene writes with such compassion, conviction, and deep respect for anyone marginalized by society. We really should be able to do better as a people. ”

— Debbie • The Well-Read Moose

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

“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

“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

“I’m not even done with this book yet and I am still convinced that every person should read this book. It is a fabulous blend of all types of cause and effect history, while interweaving present day implications and challenges. John Green is a national treasure. ”

— Dani • Next Chapter Bookshop

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