1.25 million people died of tuberculosis in 2023 alone.
How is it that a disease with a treatment that has been curable since the 1950’s still claims so many lives per year? Why is it that despite its long lasting presence in every culture around the world, tuberculosis is still not a widely discussed topic in history or medical settings?
“Everything is Tuberculosis” by John Green explores the complex history, science, and humanity surrounding one of the world’s oldest and deadliest diseases, as well as the story of Henry, a young tuberculosis patient from Sierra Leone. The book examines tuberculosis not just as a medical condition, but as a force that has shaped societies, cultures, and global health systems for centuries. Green investigates how our understanding of tuberculosis has evolved from its mysterious romanticized portrayal in the 19th century to the modern struggle of eradicating it despite the existence of effective treatments.
Through a blend of historical insight, social commentary, and personal narrative, Green exposes the inequities that allow tuberculosis to persist in parts of the world today, highlighting how access to medicine is often determined by economics and politics rather than science.
Author Green is an acclaimed New York Times bestselling author, educator, and content creator known for his thoughtful exploration of humanity, curiosity, and connection. Born in 1977, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Green first gained recognition for novels such as “Looking for Alaska,” “Paper Towns,” and “The Fault in Our Stars.”
Beyond fiction, Green is also an essayist and educator. Through projects like the Vlogbrothers YouTube channel, which he started with his brother Hank Green, and his podcast, The Anthropocene Reviewed, Green provides a whole array of academic subjects to dive into. He has also hosted the educational youtube channel Crash Course since 2012. Through his whole career, Green has brought accessible discussion of history, art, and science to millions of viewers and listeners.
While being a relatively short read, under 200 pages, “Everything is Tuberculosis” manages to feel expansive in scope and meaning. Written in Green’s own personal blend of curiosity, empathy, and clarity, the book makes a complex subject both accessible and deeply human. It’s an easy read in the best way: the language is clear, the pacing engaging, and the ideas approachable for readers of all backgrounds.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its low barrier to entry. You don’t need to come in with the understanding of medicine or history to appreciate what Green is doing here. He carefully introduces each concept, making it possible to learn about tuberculosis and its history without feeling overwhelmed. The result is a work that’s as educational as it is readable.
Additionally, the inclusion of the story of Henry, the young tuberculosis patient Green met in Sierra Leone, grounds the whole text in the realness and reality of what tuberculosis looks like in the present day, and why it is still so much of an issue.
Even if nonfiction isn’t a common read, there’s a lot to take away from this book. It’s a fascinating look into history, science, and the quiet injustices of disease. Compact, compassionate, and thought provoking, “Everything Is Tuberculosis” is a reminder that behind every medical fact lies a story, and behind every story, a shared responsibility.
