John Green Takes Aim at Tuberculosis with New Book

John Green's new book aims to tackle the neglect of tuberculosis in wealthy nations while sharing the story of a young man from Sierra Leone.

John Green, the bestselling author renowned for enchanting tales in young adult literature, is now positioning himself as an advocate in the fight against tuberculosis (TB). With his latest nonfiction book, titled "Everything Is Tuberculosis," Green seeks to bridge an “empathy gap” for a disease that claims 1.6 million lives yearly, predominantly affecting those in sub-Saharan Africa, Eastern Europe, and Asia.

The multi-generational impact of Green is evident as he engages audiences across various platforms. While older millennials familiarized themselves with him through his YouTube channel, younger demographics know him for impactful works like “The Fault in Our Stars” and educational videos from “Crash Course” — a web series he co-hosts. Notably, his interactive TikTok presence draws in the younger Generation Alpha, allowing him to connect with millions.

Despite his availability to fans who treasure inside jokes and unique events such as the traditional “Project for Awesome,” Green's commitment to tuberculosis awareness took many by surprise. TB is often overlooked in affluent countries, where effective testing and treatments are commonplace. Nonetheless, Green's narrative reveals a paradox—how a highly curable disease continues to plague sizable populations due to poverty, inadequate healthcare, and societal neglect.

In an interview, Green elaborated on how "Everything Is Tuberculosis" intricately weaves together the historical context of the disease alongside the poignant story of Henry Reider, a young man grappling with TB in Sierra Leone. The book, slated for release by Penguin Random House in March, aims to provoke thought regarding humanity's responsibilities towards global health.

Green expresses a passionate desire to rectify the staggering indifference surrounding TB and its patients, stating it reflects deep societal issues—issues he believes need urgent collective action. Through his art and advocacy, Green is redefining engagement with global health subjects, encouraging others to join him in tackling enduring global challenges.