Imagine meeting a kid with a goofy smile and spindly legs, fighting for his life in a hospital halfway around the world. That's how John Green first encountered Henry Reider at Lakka Government Hospital in Sierra Leone back in 2019. What started as a chance meeting turned into a deep friendship and a driving force behind Green's advocacy for tuberculosis awareness. In Everything Is Tuberculosis (Signed Edition), Green doesn't just recount facts—he brings the story to life with the same wit, intelligence, and heartfelt touch that fans know from his novels.
Tuberculosis isn't some distant threat; it's been walking alongside us for millennia. Once glamorized as the 'romantic' illness of poets and artists, TB today lurks in the shadows of poverty, inequality, and inadequate healthcare systems. Why does a disease that's both preventable and treatable still claim more than a million lives every year? Green digs into this, exploring the social and scientific histories that have allowed TB to persist, from early discoveries to modern challenges in global health equity.
At its core, this book is Henry's story, intertwined with broader narratives of how TB has shaped societies and continues to do so. Green shares the tragedies and small triumphs, like the simple joy of a shared laugh amid hospital routines. You'll learn about the bacteria's sneaky biology, the breakthroughs in treatment, and the barriers—economic, political, and cultural—that keep effective meds out of reach for so many. It's not dry history; it's a narrative that feels urgent and personal, making complex topics accessible and compelling.
The benefits go beyond knowledge. Reading this, you gain a deeper understanding of global interconnectedness—how one person's health crisis in Sierra Leone mirrors systemic issues everywhere. It challenges you to think about your role in pushing for change, whether through support for organizations or simply spreading awareness.
If you're into nonfiction that mixes memoir with education, like Green's own The Fault in Our Stars but turned toward real-world advocacy, this is for you. Picture curling up on a rainy afternoon, turning pages that alternate between heartbreaking moments and inspiring calls to action. It's ideal for book clubs discussing health, history, or social justice, or as a thoughtful gift for someone passionate about making the world fairer. And with the signed edition, it's a collector's piece that supports Green's ongoing work.
In the end, Everything Is Tuberculosis reminds us that stories like Henry's aren't just statistics—they're calls to build a future where no one has to face this alone. Grab your copy and join the conversation.
