Released: 21st March 2023 (Paperback)
Genre: Non-Fiction, Society, Historical
Number of Pages: 295
Amid the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, the well known American author and teacher John Green takes the time to reflect on the little things with The Anthropocene Reviewed. This collection of mini essays, based on humanity in the 21st century, is easy to get into and every bit as fascinating as other non-fiction releases.
From sunsets to Super Mario Kart, the notes app to monopoly, Mr Green reviews all of them, interspersing these random objects with his own life and personal experiences. You’d think this would be a fairly basic read, but there’s a lot of depth woven into the pages. The tone is both personal and thought-provoking as John considers his place in the world and encourages us to do the same. Each essay varies in length, but they all use varying techniques to get the observations across. “New Partner” was one of the most relatable entries for me, but other readers are sure to pick others as their favourites.
What makes it all work is the accessible and natural flow of Green’s language; the author talks about everyday objects and old heirlooms with equally engaging thoughts and descriptions. It really conveys his passion for learning and the sharing of knowledge. Add in the pieces of historical background for each item and you’ve got a detailed anthology, one that becomes a greater examination of life, growth and society in the modern age.
Recommended?
YES: If you’ve ever read John’s previous works or watched his rapid fire history lessons on Crash Course, The Anthropocene Reviewed will pull you in straight away. He writes with fascinating detail and clarity, sharing his thoughts in a compelling manner. The same reflective tone is transplanted onto the reader; anyone with a passing interest in the world around them will love this book.
(The Anthropocene Reviewed was originally a collection of audio podcasts written and narrated by John Green between 2018 and 2021)
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