OVERVIEW
This audiobook is the definitive book for laypeople to understand the scope and devastation of tuberculosis. Over 1.5 million people die each year of this preventable, treatable, and avoidable disease; yes, you read that right!
The impetus for this book started when John Green learned about James Watt seeking a cure for tuberculosis. It was fully cemented when he met a young boy, Henry, at a tuberculosis hospital in Sierra Leone in 2019 with Partners in Health. Due to his research and their friendship, John has advocated for tuberculosis treatment, including drug availability for all, pharmaceutical price reductions, new drugs and treatment, and getting to the root cause of the spread of the disease (poverty, overcrowding, malnutrition, poor healthcare, and pharmaceutical greed).
John weaves the incredible story of Henry with the history of tuberculosis, including some very famous people, such as Arthur Conan Doyle (what a story)!
FULL disclosure: my daughter is a huge John and Hank Green fan. She even met them at Vid-Con several years ago.
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
The writing was fantastic. John is an incredible writer, and I have read all of his novels, which are equally as good!
Narration: 5.0 stars
The narration by John is first-rate. Tuberculosis is a life passion for John, and his concern, care, and drive to eradicate this horrific disease are palpable in his narration.
Character Arc: 5.0 stars
The character arc is told fairly chronologically, with the history and backstory of tuberculosis treatment and non-treatment throughout time. I was shocked by how many famous and infamous historical figures died from this disease, including John's great-uncle, sadly.
John's friendship with Henry is beautifully woven throughout the book. Touching, raw, and beautiful.
Memorable: 5.0 stars
The lack of tuberculosis treatment really makes me angry! It is inexpensive and could save millions of lives, literally. Because it is relatively rare in wealthy countries, there is little research done on tuberculosis. If tuberculosis were like COVID-19 and spread worldwide, there would be increased research immediately. It comes down to the "haves" and the "have-nots". Wrong, wrong, wrong!
Entertaining/Educational: 5.0 stars
This was not an entertaining book per se. It was rather an educational book done in a very subtle way. John shares the brutality and horrific nature of tuberculosis and convinces the reader to be as outraged as he is. It walks the perfect tight-rope! Well done, John!
Book cover: 4.0 stars
Meh.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Perfect!
HIGHLY recommend
STATISTICS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: audiobook
Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green
Penguin Audio
5 hours, 35 minutes
Release date of 3/18/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNINGS
Blood, medical content, terminal illness, poverty, child death, death
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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