John Green, best-selling author of 'The Fault in Our Stars' and co-creator of Crash Course, dives into impactful societal issues. He discusses his book 'Everything is Tuberculosis,' shedding light on health inequalities and the pressing need for systemic change. The conversation touches on the creativity behind writing, the challenges of book bans, and the intersection of personal experiences with OCD and disease fascination. Green also shares fun anecdotes about innovative inventions, all while promoting empathy and action against injustice.
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Henry's Story Inspires Advocacy
John Green met a young tuberculosis patient named Henry in Sierra Leone who showed him around the hospital.
Henry's story, especially his struggle with drug-resistant TB, inspired John's book and advocacy.
insights INSIGHT
Inequality Undermines Tuberculosis Cure
Tuberculosis is curable but neglected because treatments are costly and prioritize profit over human lives.
Healthcare systems don’t value all human lives equally, leading to preventable deaths from TB.
insights INSIGHT
Crucial Role of Public Investment
Public investment is essential to fighting TB and has historically saved millions of lives.
Interruptions in treatment due to defunding cause deadly drug-resistant TB outbreaks, risking global health setbacks.
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John Green's 'An Abundance of Katherines' follows Colin Singleton, a former child prodigy, as he embarks on a road trip with his best friend Hassan after being dumped by his nineteenth girlfriend, all named Katherine. Colin is determined to create a theorem that will predict the success of any relationship. Throughout their journey, Colin and Hassan encounter new experiences and characters, leading Colin to question his assumptions about love, identity, and the importance of being a genius. The novel explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the quest for meaning in a world that doesn't always make sense. 'An Abundance of Katherines' blends humor and heart in a story about finding one's place in the world.
The Fault in Our Stars
John Green
The novel follows Hazel Grace Lancaster, a 16-year-old girl with thyroid cancer that has spread to her lungs, and Augustus Waters, a 17-year-old boy who lost his leg to osteosarcoma. They meet at a cancer support group and develop a deep bond over their shared experiences and favorite books. The story explores themes of mortality, the meaning of life, and the intensity of their love as they face the harsh realities of their illnesses. The narrative is marked by its direct and introspective tone, as Hazel navigates her feelings and the existential questions that come with facing death.
Looking for Alaska
BookBuddy Staff
The story follows Miles 'Pudge' Halter, a teenager fascinated by famous last words, who leaves his safe life in Florida to attend Culver Creek Preparatory High School in Alabama. There, he befriends Chip 'The Colonel' Martin, Takumi, and the enigmatic Alaska Young. The novel is divided into two parts, 'Before' and 'After,' which explore themes of life, death, and the search for meaning. An unthinkable tragedy changes the lives of the characters, prompting Miles to reflect on the deeper meanings of existence.
You may know John Green as the best-selling author of The Fault In Our Stars or the co-creator of the popular YouTube education channel Crash Course. In this episode, John joins Adam for a live conversation at the Authors@Wharton series to discuss his book Everything is Tuberculosis and his mission to fight diseases of injustice. The two also explore strategies for finding motivation and creativity, address John’s banned books, explain how writing is like playing Marco Polo, and uncover John’s favorite Hank Green invention.