Synopsis

The Anthropocene is the current geologic age, in which humans have profoundly reshaped the planet and its biodiversity. In this remarkable symphony of essays adapted and expanded from his groundbreaking podcast, bestselling author John Green reviews different facets of the human-centered planet on a five-star scale—from the QWERTY keyboard and sunsets to Canada geese and Penguins of Madagascar.

Funny, complex, and rich with detail, the reviews chart the contradictions of contemporary humanity. As a species, we are both far too powerful and not nearly powerful enough, a paradox that came into sharp focus as we faced a global pandemic that both separated us and bound us together.

John Green’s gift for storytelling shines throughout this masterful collection. The Anthropocene Reviewed is a open-hearted exploration of the paths we forge and an unironic celebration of falling in love with the world.

Review

The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such a book to savor.

I listened via audiobook, narrated by the author John Green, always easy to listen to, calm, well-enunciated, lyrical at times. Was also lovely to flip through my hardcover copy.

I’d recommend this one to anyone, would make a great gift, especially graduates, people working on English language acquisition, and anyone looking for a surprise me aspect of learning anything, as well as a book that you want to take your time with over a long period of time. Would also make a great book club pick.

The Story
It’s a compilation of several. Many I was already familiar with from the Anthropocene Reviewed podcast, which felt both special and nostalgic to me even as the very subject matter felt nostalgic to me. Random stories, others deeper subject matter, depicting life circumstances, human nature, and all responses to it. Some fun and intriguing, others perplexing and reflective.

I did notice some were rerecorded which brought additional relevance given the circumstances of this past year. Some with a more personal take or reflection as such which I quite appreciated.

Ranges a variety of personal experiences, pop culture, and random subject matter that would make you a star in pub trivia or general conversation/ice breaker.

The Writing
Well-paced, enjoyed the curation and the order of the stories, heavy topics mixed with more lighthearted ones, some descriptions with words defined as it went along, some with surrounding sentence structure that brought context, others I was eager to look up.

For fellow readers who are wondering, my copy was signed in a lovely shade of green Sharpie.

MY FAVORITE LINES:

“But knowing something abstractly is different than knowing it experientially.”

“How can this be happening? You do so much yoga.”

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