In brief
John Green, known for his touching narratives, dives into the topic of tuberculosis in his latest book, shedding light on the disease's persistence and social implications after the Trump administration's health cuts.
March 27, 2025In a recent interview with The Times, acclaimed young adult novelist John Green expressed his deep fascination with tuberculosis (TB) through his new nonfiction book, "Everything is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection." Green’s obsession with TB has reached millions of followers on social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube, where he encourages youth activism addressing high drug prices for TB treatments. Despite being a fully treatable disease, TB claimed 1.3 million lives last year alone. Green's book chronicles the historical significance of TB, tracing its influence from romantic poetry to significant events like New Mexico's statehood. The narrative also provides insights into recent setbacks, notably the Trump administration’s decision to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development, which halted vital support for global health programs, complicating progress against TB.In his dialogue with global health reporter Stephanie Nolen, Green's enthusiasm for discussing TB shines through as they explore both the history and the hopeful advancements against the disease. Acknowledging the challenge of engaging others on the subject, he humorously notes how his own children often preempt his TB conversations. Green encourages open dialogue about tuberculosis, advocating for awareness and action, emphasizing that understanding the disease's impact is crucial for collective progress. The full conversation can be listened to on The Times' podcast, where they tackle the complexities surrounding this enduring infectious disease.
