"Everything Is Tuberculosis" (Review)

I recently finished reading John Green's latest non-fiction work, Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection. I'm familiar with John Green, having reading a few of his young adult novels, such as The Fault in Our Stars and Paper Towns. I'm not a big fan of the young adult genre, but I can confidently say that I'm a fan of John Green's nonfiction work.

Green begins Everything Is Tuberculosis by explaining his fascination with the disease, with his interest seeping through each page. Going into this book, we have our preconceived notions about tuberculosis. For me, I knew that the disease was commonly referred to as consumption, and it's the disease Doc Holliday and Satine from Moulin Rouge succumb to. Yet, Green describes the history of the disease with enough detail that it does not feel overwhelming or dense. One chapter that stood out to me was how tuberculosis was considered "chic." The physical characteristics of tuberculosis, such as the pale complexion and delicate appearance, were considered desirable traits. It's interesting to learn about the romanticization of the disease, considering that not much has changed (we see this now with the romanticization of mental illness). The Industrial Revolution, once again, shifts the public's attitude towards tuberculosis. Large crowds help the rapid spread of the disease and lead to higher mortality rates.

Woven into the history of tuberculosis, Green recounts his meeting with Henry Reider, a young tuberculosis patient whom he met in Sierra Leone. Green describes Henry's treatments to combat the disease. Reading about Henry's experiences reminds Green, as well as the reader, of the privilege we have to good healthcare. It's a great reminder, especially during this present time, because we all deserve universal access to healthcare, regardless of our race, class, and gender.

Everything Is Tuberculosis is quickly becoming one of my favorite books I've read this year. It's a fascinating read, and it's a book that I want to reread and recommend to everyone.