The Anthropocene Reviewed
Also available on: Kindle, Audible
Synopsis
The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green (released in 2021) is a profound and deeply personal collection of essays that marks the author’s first major foray into non-fiction. Adapted from his popular podcast of the same name, the book uses the quirky lens of a five-star rating system to review the human-centered planet.
The Core Concept
The “Anthropocene” refers to our current geological age, where human activity is the dominant influence on the environment and climate. In this “symphony of essays,” Green reviews diverse facets of this world—ranging from the QWERTY keyboard and Diet Dr. Pepper to Canada geese and the Hall of Presidents—rating them on a scale of one to five stars.
While the premise sounds like a comedic take on internet review culture, the essays are actually “memoiristic exercises in empathy.” Green uses these topics as springboards to discuss his own life, his struggles with anxiety and depression, and our collective human experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key Appeal Notes
- Unironic Wonder: In an age of cynicism, Green writes with a refreshing, unironic celebration of the world. He encourages readers to “pay attention to their attention.”
- Humor Meets Heart: The book balances “Yelp-style” levity (like reviewing the Taco Bell Breakfast Menu) with devastatingly beautiful meditations on mortality and connection.
- Memoir Structure: Though it’s an essay collection, it is ordered chronologically through Green’s life, giving it the emotional arc of a memoir.
- The “Nerdfighter” Connection: For long-time fans of his YouTube channel and novels, this book offers the most direct look yet into John Green’s own mind and history.
Popular Editions
If you’re looking to pick up a copy, there are several common formats available:
- The Anthropocene Reviewed (Paperback): The most common edition, released in March 2023, which includes two additional essays not found in the original hardcover.
- The Signed Edition: John Green famously signed every single copy of the first printing of the hardcover—totaling over 250,000 signatures. You can still often find these “signed” versions in used bookstores.
- The Audiobook: Narrated by John Green himself, the audiobook is highly recommended by fans because his personal delivery adds a layer of vulnerability and warmth to the essays.