Publisher: Dutton Books
Genre: Nonfiction / Essays
Review:
John Green’s The Anthropocene Reviewed is an insightful and deeply personal collection of essays that examines the paradoxes of human existence. By rating mundane and extraordinary aspects of life—from sunsets to plague—on a five-star scale, Green invites readers to find wonder in the everyday.
The essays are infused with Green’s characteristic wit, vulnerability, and a knack for drawing profound connections. His reflections on topics like the pandemic, human frailty, and resilience are both moving and relatable. The audiobook, narrated by Green, adds an intimate dimension to the experience, making it feel like a conversation with a close friend.
Strengths:
- A unique structure that blends humor and poignancy.
- Universal appeal, with essays that resonate across demographics.
- Green’s heartfelt and accessible writing style.
Criticism:
- Some essays may feel overly sentimental for certain readers.
- The episodic nature of the book lacks the cohesion of a single narrative.