Today's Read Contributor John Green’s highly anticipated second nonfiction book, Everything Is Tuberculosis, released on March 18, 2025, has swiftly climbed to the top of the New York Times bestseller list in the nonfiction category. The book has garnered widespread attention for its thought-provoking exploration of tuberculosis, blending historical insights with a deeply personal account of a young patient named Henry, whom Green met while working in Sierra Leone. This powerful narrative not only educates readers about the global impact of the disease but also tells a moving story about the life of an individual who has been affected by it.
Green’s book masterfully interweaves the scientific history of tuberculosis with the intimate experience of a young boy, Henry, providing a unique perspective that resonates with readers on both an emotional and intellectual level. Through the lens of Henry’s story, Green paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by those living with tuberculosis, particularly in areas where healthcare resources are scarce. The book sheds light on the global health crisis, with a focus on countries like Sierra Leone, where the disease continues to take a devastating toll on communities.
One of the standout features of Everything Is Tuberculosis is Green’s ability to balance educational content with narrative storytelling. The book is not just a factual account of tuberculosis but a deeply personal journey that highlights the human cost of the disease. Green, known for his ability to create compelling, relatable characters in his fiction, brings this same skill to the nonfiction genre. His portrayal of Henry as both a patient and a symbol of the broader global struggle against tuberculosis provides readers with a poignant connection to the subject matter.
In addition to the book’s literary achievements, the audiobook version has been particularly praised for its emotional depth, with Green himself narrating the story. His heartfelt delivery adds another layer of authenticity to the already powerful narrative. Listeners have noted that Green’s personal involvement in the reading of his own work creates a deeper bond with the material, bringing the emotional weight of Henry’s story to the forefront.
Published by Crash Course Books, Everything Is Tuberculosis has quickly become a must-read for those interested in global health, medical history, and personal stories of resilience. Green’s unique ability to bring together fact, narrative, and personal experience has earned him accolades from readers and critics alike, with many hailing the book as a significant contribution to both the nonfiction genre and the ongoing conversation about global health disparities.
As Everything Is Tuberculosis continues to soar on bestseller lists, it’s clear that John Green has once again captured the public’s attention, offering both a deeply human and educational perspective on an often-overlooked global issue.
