This compilation of 40 “reviews” draws upon some of Green’s favorites from his podcast The Anthropocene Reviewed. Green, well know for his Young Adult novels such as The Fault in Our Stars and Turtles All the Way Down (reviewed here Turtles All The Way Down, by John Green — Marguerite Reads), chose to spend his pandemic time writing about noteworthy cultural touchstones from the Anthropocene, the current epoch of human domination here on earth. Amused by how everything seems worthy of a review, as evidenced by Google reviews, among other review sources, Green decides to rate each object of review on a five star scale. It is a fun device for discussing shared experience, pop culture moments, and the greater significance of these icons. While his choices often have deep significance for Green, I truly hope they are not the items our culture will be judged by, should they survive a nuclear holocaust.

Some reviews are deeply touching, such as for Auld Lang Syne, which earns five stars, as does the movie with Jimmy Stewart, Harvey. I am pleased to see the Hall of Presidents at Walt Disney World earn a meager two stars (I would give WDW as a whole one star, for the same reason Green gives—too plastic.) I also think he overrates air conditioning with three stars— while it can be life saving for the elderly and the vulnerable, the rest of us should stop contributing to global warming and learn to live in the climate and season we are in. I love that he gives sycamore trees five stars, as all trees deserve. I also agree that the Internet only yields three stars, although I am grateful that the web allows me to share my thoughts in this blog, and Green’s thoughts in his podcast.

What touches me the most about this book is how Green shares his personal life, his struggles with anxiety and depression. I think that will be uplifting for many with similar struggles, to see a successful author share insecurities and vulnerabilities. His moments of tenderness with his children were also moving, such as his review of whispering (four stars? I’d give it five.) This is a clever book, a revealing and personal book, a gift to his fans. Thank you to John Green, for showing us your sensitivities, insecurities, as well as your tender moments. Recommended.