This is a book that I would have never picked up had I not already been a longtime fan of John Green's writing. He sets up the book in the introduction perfectly, reminding readers what a gifted writer he is, compelling you to keep turning the pages, even if you're not particularly interested in the topic of the essay you're currently reading. What you soon come to realize, however, is that these essays are not just about the topic listed in the chapter heading. That title is just an entry point for Green's meandering, yet purposeful style of writing. This structure is the most notable and apparent to me in his essay about the famous hotdog stand in Reykjavík, Iceland (full disclosure: I have been to said hotdog stand in Reykjavík, so that's likely why I found that essay so compelling), where he's not actually reviewing a hotdog stand, but a time in his life where he experienced a shared moment of jubilation with not only his travel companions, but an entire country.
Not every essay held my attention, but on the whole this book is a highly satisfying read for fans of John Green and therefore I give The Anthropocene Reviewed four stars.
Published: May 18, 2021
If you buy this book or any book through Amazon, it is my hope that you also regularly patronize independent bookstores, which are important centerpieces of thriving communities. While I am an Amazon Affiliate, that by no means implies that I only buy my books through their website. Please make sure you are still helping small, independent bookstores thrive in your community. To locate an independent bookstore near you, visit IndieBound.
I had to follow your link to the hot-dog stand (and now I want to go to Iceland even more than I already did), and then I followed your link to Vij's, since I live in Vancouver and love Vij's, and that led me to look up the recipe for Coconut Kale, which I am hereby going to try tonight, since it looks amazing (and I have a lot of kale in my garden!). So thank you!
ReplyDelete