‘The Anthropocene Reviewed’ is a nonfiction novel published in 2021 by American author and internet personality John Green. Green is most notably known for the 2012 publication of his young adult romance ‘The Fault in Our Stars.’ Green is also known for his two YouTube channels, ‘vlogbrothers’ and ‘CrashCourse,’ which he co–owns with his brother, Hank.
These channels together have accumulated over 20 million subscribers. ‘The Anthropocene Reviewed’ offers an autobiographical retelling of experiences Green had as a child and young adult. He ties these experiences to the anthropocene, which is described to be the impact that humans have on the planet.
What to Know Before Reading
‘The Anthropocene Reviewed’ may not be suitable for younger readers. It contains strong language and passages that readers may find upsetting.
Due to the novel’s format as a collection of essays rather than a traditional novel, reading each essay in sequential order is optional. However, it is still recommended for the full novel effect.
John Green’s Anecdotal Stories
As previously stated, ‘The Anthropocene Reviewed’ retells the experiences John Green had as a child and young adult. He often tells these stories in anecdotal form, tying his experiences to topics and creations relevant to our day to day lives. For example, in one essay of the novel, John Green is able to tie his experience working in a children’s hospital to the everyday practice of googling a stranger online, and the ways in which the act of googling one of the patients he met provided him relief and ultimate comfort.
Relatability, Questioning, and Finding Comfort in Green’s Stories
The novel is effective in making the reader question the effects that manmade design has had on the earth, whether it be negative or positive. At the end of each essay, Green reviews the anthropocene topic or creation with a rating out of five.
When reading ‘The Anthropocene Reviewed,’ there’s no doubt you’ll find at least one essay that will resonate with you. With the vast array of topics discussed and stories told, it’s easy to find experiences that are similar to ones you may have had in your personal life.
